Packaging in Focus: Sustainability, Innovation and New Regulations

Packaging is essential in preserving product quality, as well as conveying information and communicating the brand story. The EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), expected in 2025, aims to reduce packaging waste and enforce sustainability through reusable or recyclable packaging and deposit return systems. Judith Kolenburg discusses packaging trends, including highlights from PLMA’s U.S. Private Label Trade Show with the help of PLMA Live! Reporter Carol Angrisani. Meanwhile, Pascal Kuipers covers the PPWR’s impact on the retail industry. Click here to download video.

PLMA’s Private Label Packaging Conference • 30 January • The Hague

Join us at PLMA’s Private Label Packaging Conference for insightful presentations, engaging panel discussions and networking opportunities regarding the latest trends, challenges, EU regulations and opportunities in packaging. The winners of PLMA’s 2025 Salute to Excellence Packaging Awards will be unveiled during the conference as well. For more information, click here or contact us at conferences@plma.nl.

Driving Innovation: How AI is Shaping the Future of Consumer Goods

Innovation in consumer goods is increasingly driven by private label brands, which have the advantage of controlling the entire value chain, allowing them to quickly respond to consumer feedback. Daniel Quinn, Head of Innovation at The Forge, highlights how this flexibility enables private labels to outpace traditional brands. Quinn highlights the role of generative AI in product development, stressing the need for human judgment to select the best ideas. He also calls for stronger partnerships and transparency between retailers and manufacturers. CLICK HERE FOR FULL INTERVIEW. Click here to download video.

Positive Growth Outlook for Private Label

A new PLMA study reveals that European retailers and manufacturers are optimistic about private label growth over the next five years, though challenges remain. The survey included over 1,000 executives from 865 companies across 37 countries, highlighting increased collaboration to boost profitability. Judith Kolenburg reports. Meanwhile, protein products have shifted from niche items for athletes to everyday staples in supermarkets. Hans Kraak explains how the trend reflects evolving consumer attitudes towards health and nutrition, leading to more protein innovations and a broader range of private label offerings. Click here to download video.