Folding carton industry to discuss Big Data at ECMA Annual Congress

Under the headline ‘Big Data – The New Folding Carton Industry’, the program will look at how Big Data could become one of the most important drivers of change in the folding carton industry, with the potential to fundamentally change the way businesses compete and operate, and provide a competitive edge to those companies that invest and successfully derive value from their data.

The working program at this year’s event features expert speakers from inside and outside of the industry. On the first day, Phil Gwoke will speak about the intergenerational conflict, and how to transform generational diversity from an obstacle into an opportunity. He will be followed by Matthijs van Leeuwen who will explain Big Data, and the potential implication data could have for companies.

Steven van Belleghem will then show how to integrate the online and offline world, and what it takes to implement a digital relationship with customers. Day one is closed with the presentation of the Pro Carton Sustainability Study on the importance of sustainability in packaging by Dominic Cakebread, and a keynote presentation by John Thackara on why sustainability is disruptive.

On day two, Stefan Kero will explain why a different mindset is required for the ‘Folding Carton Industry 4.0’ to become truly digital.

ECMA will then, for the first time, present a 360-degree industry update, showing what has happened since its previous congress in 2015

Further presentations on day two will see Peter Fisk demonstrate how Big Data, when coupled with big ideas, can have a big impact. The ECMA Annual Congress 2016 will be closed by Nick Fry, former CEO and co-owner of the F1 Mercedes Petronas team. During his speech on ‘How Mercedes Wins’ he will present Mercedes’ road to success, and how the team is operated, including the use of data, the need for continuous innovation and the importance to celebrate success.’

The ECMA Annual Congress 2016 will coincide with the presentation of the latest Pro Carton ECMA Carton Award winners, with the prizes to be presented at a gala dinner on September 15 at Villa Le Palm Beach in Cannes.

The ECMA Annual Congress is supported and attended by members from across the folding carton supply chain, from printers and converters, brand owners, to materials manufacturers and digital printing/finishing equipment suppliers.

Download the ECMA Annual Congress 2016 program below