Top global brands support conference program at Packaging Summit Europe

Packaging Summit Europe 2006, the first forum for brand owners looking to source suppliers of packaging solutions, including services and materials, taking place on 4-5 July in Amsterdam, is pleased to announce conference speakers representing some of the world’s biggest brands.

High-profile experts from Unilever, Nestle, Beiersdorf, Tetra Pak, Henkel, Reckitt Benckiser, Cardinal Health and Tesco will be taking the stage and sharing their insights and sector expertise with the international delegates. The former head of packaging at Boots Healthcare International will chair the conference on the first day and will also be speaking to delegates on day two.

The packed program will offer delegates the chance to hear case studies and expert opinions on future trends in packaging solutions affecting a variety of industry sectors from food and drink to pharmaceutical and cosmetics to name a few. Unilever’s global packaging manager, Richard Inns will focus on the trends in the European packaging industry and will talk about the latest innovations and next generation products being developed to satisfy consumer needs.

Arno Melchior, global packaging director at Reckitt Benckiser, will deliver a presentation on the ‘Globalization of Packaging’ identifying opportunities, threats and barriers to launching products on a worldwide scale. He will also cover compliance issues and look at ways to tailor solutions for local customs and tastes. Beiersdorf’s director of corporate packaging management will take delegates through the various stages involved in launching an innovative product from the concept phase to marketing and promotion.

The business development director for Tetra Pak Netherlands will deliver a presentation on packaging innovation and will highlight a number of case studies. Tesco’s head of retail ready packaging and merchandising, Liz Hulbert, will present the retailer’s perspective and requirements for Shelf Ready Packaging (SRP).

The environmental impact of packaging will also be on the conference program, with Sunder Rajan, director for new business development at Avery Dennison, speaking to delegates about the latest innovations in environmentally friendly film materials.

Exhibitors highlighting their latest packaging solutions include Tetra Pak, Esko, PDD, SCA Packaging, Avery Dennison Engineered Films, HP Speciality Printing Division, and Milliken Chemicals. The event is supported by NVC (the Netherlands Packaging Association); the International Safe Transit Association; SYBA (the Czech Packaging Association); Packaging and Industrial Films Association (PIFA); the Pan European Design Association; and the UK Warehousing Association.

Packaging Summit Europe will combine a two-day conference and exhibition focusing on the critical packaging issues facing today's brand owners and the solutions needed that will ensure the efficiency and profitability needed to succeed in this market place.  The event will bring together contract packers, packaging designers, logistics, materials suppliers, warehouse and distribution services and specialized packaging and printing suppliers who can meet the outsourcing requirements of today’s brand owners.

Roger Pellow, Packaging Summit Europe managing director, said: ‘We’re delighted to have our prestigious conference speakers on board. The event is set to be highly educational with examples of best practice brought to life through the words of senior packaging experts from some of the world’s biggest and most influential consumer brands.’