PLGA conference opens with look at tomorrow's packaging

Mark Spaulding, Editor in Chief -- Converting Magazine, 2/28/2008 1:17:00 PM

Thom Blischok, president of Strategic Consulting Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), addresses the 200 package-printing professionals attending the opening session of the PLGA Global's 11th Operational Conference in Miami on Thursday.

To be successful in today's dynamic market, package printers need to "predict the future by inventing it," says Blischok, in his keynote presentation, "Tomorrow's Package: Are You Ready?" 

He summed up the current situation:

1. Consumers are exploiting the many choices they have in what they buy and where they shop; they are less loyal as shopping options have expanded; and they are hearing about packaging innovations directly from other consumers.

2. Retailers are getting very creative in how they merchandise; store layouts and formats are designed to bond with shoppers; co-branding is becoming prevalent to deliver incremental value; and new effective customer communication is being used.

In response, converters need to "invent the future" by employing:

1. Eco-friendly packaging as powerful drivers of value via cost savings in materials and transportation, reduced resources and less waste going to landfills. Some studies show 29% of consumers looking for eco-friendly packaging.

2. Packaging as a differentiator through eco-innovations; messaging for value and interests vs. traditional positioning; new portion-control sizes and shapes; and brands redesigned to reflect a function rather than a premium.

3. Integrated collaboration where the consumer is at the center of the deal with retailers and CPGs working together on understanding the consumer, identifying relevant consumers and markets, developing relevant assortments of packages, and innovating holistically.