EasyFairs brings packaging events back to London

Branded and inspirational packaging event Packaging Innovations London 2014 is returning to the capital alongside Luxury Packaging 2014 in September.

The events, which are hosted by tradeshow organiser EasyFairs, will take place at London's Business Design Centre on 30 September and 1 October.

"The 2014 shows are definitely set to be the biggest and most successful shows to date," said EasyFairs UK & Global marketing project manager Shona Thomson.

"Luxury Packaging has more than doubled in size and there are more product launches and innovations on offer than ever before at Packaging Innovations."

Over 160 companies have already signed up to exhibit at Packaging Innovations London 2014. Packaging Innovations London has been running since 2010 and Luxury Packaging was introduced as a co-located event in 2013.

"Luxury Packaging was always a key part of Packaging Innovations since the beginning, and with the high demand from visitors to the event to see even more, we introduced it as a separate show rather than a featured area," said Thomson.

Exhibitors showing new products include Innovia Films, which will be exhibiting its new compostable NatureFlex 55 HK1, a hermetically sealing film that provides a barrier against mineral oil residues; and Airpack Systems, which will show its new 100%-recyclable inflatable packaging for the beer and wine industry.

Food and beverage packaging firms confirmed to exhibit include The Sherwood Press Group, Aegg and Royston Labels. Richmond Containers, Charpak, Benson Group, Clarke Rubicon and Continental Bottle Company are among those representing the beauty packaging sector.

Other features at the show will include learnShops seminars, The Beauty Symposium, Lions’ Lair and The Big Packaging Debate.

Luxury Packaging 2014 will host the first Luxury Packaging Conference, which will give luxury and premium brands the opportunity to learn, discuss and debate the questions and concerns that the industry faces.

It will feature talks from senior representatives of companies including Karl Lagerfeld, Bergmann Creative, Godiva Chocolatier, Harrods, Procter & Gamble and Hotel Chocolat who will discuss the role that packaging has to play in positioning and promoting luxury and prestige brands.

"We speak to our visitors on a day-to-day basis to find out what problems they face in the industry and this is how we discovered there was a need for the Luxury Packaging Conference," said Thomson.

"The programme has been compiled in consultation with the industry and from extensive research with the market to find out the key topics of interest."

Seminars will focus on how to create cost-effective luxury packaging and how to take a brand from premium to luxury and will consider digital print’s role in luxury packaging.

"Packaging's role in consumer engagement, delight, and interaction is one that cannot be overlooked, but in the luxury sector it has a higher accountability because there is anticipation from consumers that the pack will look and feel exceptionally extravagant," said Thomson.

EasyFairs unveiled a simplified show portfolio rebrand in February. Its events now fall into three core brands: Packaging Innovations, Empack and Label&Print.

"The UK market knows Packaging Innovations well as the leading packaging event for primary and secondary packaging. We wanted to bring our successful show concepts together to strengthen the portfolio and create brand recognition across Europe," said Thomson.