Dow’s 35th Packaging Innovation Awards recently concluded its evaluation of entries, bringing jury representatives together to discuss key trends shaping packaging innovation at a customer and media event in Bangkok. Dow’s Packaging Innovation Awards (PIA) is the packaging industry’s premier accolade for recognizing breakthroughs in technological advancement, sustainability, and enhanced user experience. As one of the industry’s longest-running independently judged awards, the global program – now in its 35th edition – calls on Asia-Pacific this year, as the region plays host for the first time to both the judging event and awards ceremony.
This edition of the PIA saw a record-breaking number of entries, with over 300 submissions received from packaging professionals and companies across the globe, a staggering 74.4% increase from the previous edition. Earlier in June, the jury panel, consisting of 18 global leaders from across the packaging industry, gathered in Bangkok for a rigorous evaluation of the entries. Dow is expected to unveil the line-up of finalists in August 2024, with the eventual winners set to be crowned at Tokyo Pack in October 2024.
As the evaluation concluded, representatives from the jury discussed key trends shaping packaging innovation in a lively panel discussion moderated by David Luttenberger, Global Packaging Director at Mintel and Jury Chairperson for the 35th Packaging Innovation Awards. The panel discussion also featured other judges, including:
- Gautam Bhattacharjee, Senior Director of R&D Packaging, P&G
- Laura Buen Abad, Vice President of Technology and Marketing for the Thermoformed and Flexible Packaging business, Sonoco
- Tim Sykes, Brand Director, Packaging Europe
Daniella Souza Miranda, Global Marketing Director at Dow, delivered a keynote on Asia’s importance as a packaging hub. “It shouldn’t be a surprise to any of us that Asia is now the center of innovation. From a supply perspective, the region currently represents almost half of the world’s production and manufacturing of packaging. It is therefore encouraging to see that around 40% of the submissions this year came right from Asia,” said Daniella.
Daniella also expressed how the growth of middle-class consumers and rapid urbanization in Asia provide tremendous opportunities for innovation in the region, giving rise to some of the most cutting-edge packaging innovations. She shared examples of award-winning packaging from past editions of the PIA that were simple, implementable, and recyclable. These include Australia’s OF Packaging, which created a convention-defying granola pouch that can be recycled through curbside recycling, and Japan’s DNP, which created a PET plastic bottle for liquor products that retains the qualities consumers love about glass bottles while being recyclable, lightweight, and virtually unbreakable.
Daniella also emphasized the importance of harnessing innovation to address the shared responsibility to minimize the world’s impact on the environment while meeting its need for packaging solutions. “When we talk about innovation and the importance of thinking differently to define different products, none of this is possible without a material ecosystem. We can’t avoid our responsibility as members of the packaging value chain in turning the linear economy into a circular economy,” said Daniella.
She noted how Dow is bringing this vision to life by citing Dow’s partnerships with Liby and Mengniu in China, and Lion Corporation in Thailand as examples of how successful partnerships can make a difference in enabling packaging that is traditionally difficult to recycle to be integrated into closed-loop recycling streams. “Innovation and sustainability go hand-in-hand and require collaboration across the value chains, from upstream to downstream and across industry partners, for us to move forward and drive progress. We believe innovation is the way forward, and that this awards program is our contribution to the industry, to improve people’s lives and advance sustainability,” said Daniella.
David Luttenberger, Global Packaging Director at Mintel and Jury Chairperson for the 35th Packaging Innovation Awards, also delivered a keynote where he delved into the award’s mechanisms and what defines good packaging. “Packaging is more than just science and technology. It must work in harmony with the product to meet consumers’ needs, making life easier, faster, more convenient, and safer, while providing value for money,” commented David.
David discussed how packaging today needs to be designed and manufactured in a way that emotionally connects with consumers and influences their purchasing decisions. To achieve this, packaging must be practical, price-rational, physically friendly, connectable, engaging, traceable, and inclusive of economic, social, and environmental factors. He also reiterated the independence of the awards, citing that the judges’ views are independent of their professional capacity. Dow does not have any sway in the jury’s evaluation of winners.
So amazing to see such a huge increase in submissions this year! But I can’t help but wonder, are these innovations truly sustainable or just greenwashing?
Good point, EcoWarrior123. Many companies use sustainability as a marketing buzzword, but it’s hard to tell if they’re really committed to the cause.
Totally agree. It’s time companies backed their claims with real evidence and third-party certifications.
Exactly! Without transparency, these awards don’t mean much. Who’s auditing these so-called ‘sustainable innovations’?
While skepticism is healthy, we shouldn’t overlook genuine advancements. Some submissions have made significant strides in recycling and reducing environmental impact.
Interesting that Asia is now at the center of packaging innovation, but shouldn’t we be worried about the environmental cost of increased production?
Asia’s rapid urbanization and growing middle class offer unique challenges and opportunities for sustainable development.
True, but urbanization also usually leads to more environmental degradation. Balancing growth and sustainability is the real challenge here.
Exactly, Sarah. We have to be vigilant that the push for innovation doesn’t come at an unbearable environmental cost.
The key is developing eco-friendly materials and adopting circular economy principles to mitigate the environmental impact.
I love the focus on making packaging more user-friendly and practical. It’s about time we saw real benefits for consumers!
Yes, usability is crucial, but it’s also essential that these innovations don’t compromise on sustainability. It’s a tightrope walk.
Record-breaking entries are great, but do they really reflect meaningful progress or just more noise in an already cluttered market?
I think it’s a bit of both. Increased submissions indicate interest and engagement, which can lead to real progress eventually.
Right, more ideas can mean more innovation, but we also have to sift through a lot to find the gems.
True, but it feels like we’re celebrating quantity over quality.
Hey John, sometimes quantity leads to quality! The more minds working on a problem, the better the chances we’ll find viable solutions.
Glad to see so many technological advances being recognized, but practical implementation is where the real test lies.
Implementation is definitely key. Too many great ideas get stuck in R&D and never see the light of day.
Exactly, Rachel. The packaging industry needs to focus more on scalable solutions that make it to market.
It’s such a male-dominated panel. Where are the women in leadership roles, especially in an industry that prides itself on innovation?
Totally agree, Naomi. There’s a lot of talk about innovation and inclusivity, but actions often tell a different story.
Representation is definitely important. Companies need to walk the talk when it comes to diversity.
Exactly! Diversity drives innovation and it’s high time the packaging industry caught up.
True, Naomi. It’s essential to have diverse perspectives to drive meaningful change.
I hope these partnerships Dow is boasting about actually lead to tangible results and not just more PR talk.
Me too, Tim. Partnerships should be about real collaboration and measurable impact, not just for show.
Completely agree. Accountability is crucial in these collaborations to ensure they deliver on their promises.
Exactly, Ella. Without accountability, it’s hard to trust these grand initiatives.
Yes, follow-through is key. Promises are easy to make, but difficult to keep.
Why is the jury composed of industry insiders? Doesn’t that compromise their ability to be unbiased?
Industry expertise is vital for judging these awards. They have the technical knowledge to discern real innovation.
Fair point, but it’s also important to have some external voices to ensure a balanced perspective.
David Luttenberger’s comments about packaging emotionally connecting with consumers are spot on. Emotional ties can drive consumer behaviors significantly.
Agree, Vicky. Packaging that feels personal can definitely influence purchasing decisions.
Absolutely, Paul. Companies that get this right can create loyal customers for life.