At the Forum in Düsseldorf on 24 and 25 April, some 90 experts from the packaging industry discussed current topics and let themselves be inspired by keynote presentations. The focus was mainly on the subjects of finishing, brand protection, packaging management and digital printing for the packaging industry.

"For me, as a packaging designer, the event was so interesting because it gave me exhaustive information in a short time on technical innovations in printing processes and special finishing techniques," sums up Kirsten Herb-Gorissen from the Gorissen design agency. "There was a great variety of speakers, and the open-minded exchange between the experts gave me a good overview of the opportunities and difficulties of individual process phases. I particularly liked the presentation by Ms. von Buch, because it made it clear to me that producers, traders and we, as designers, have a responsibility towards the consumer – and that we have to do justice to this responsibility. That should be reflected in our work."

Speakers from the industry described the economic benefits of finishing and gave insights into the decision-making processes regarding investments in finishings and materials. The technical possibilities and their implementation were then presented and discussed in greater depth in subject-specific break-out sessions that offered the visitors a choice of 6 different topics.

Personal networks: the key to success

A joint evening meal and the organisational framework offered excellent opportunities for bilateral exchanges and the expansion of personal networks: "What happens between the presentations is always particularly important. The overall concept optimally supported this exchange," remarked Jürgen Kleinhans from Bacardi Deutschland, "I'm looking forward to the next event."

"We're delighted with the extremely positive response," sums up Rainer Kuhn, Managing Director of the Alliance. "The feedback from the creative workers and the brand owners, in particular, confirms the need to continue this series of events."

The next Packaging Inspiration Forum will be held in the second half of February 2014.

The Forum was hosted not only by the PrintCity members Eltosch, Leonhard Kurz, Merck, MetsäBoard, Océ, Sappi Fine Paper Europe and Weilburger Graphics, but also by the partners AR Carton, Efi, Esko, Gietz, Zeller+Gmelin, ProCarton, f:mp and Creativ Verpacken.