Packaging experts to convene in Brussels for 2025 industry conference

BELGIUM – Packaging professionals from across Europe are set to gather in Brussels this spring for Shaping the Future with Packaging 2025, a landmark two-day conference that will spotlight the latest innovations, challenges, and regulatory shifts shaping the packaging industry.

Scheduled from the afternoon of Thursday 10 April to midday Friday 11 April, the event is jointly organized by FTA Europe and Intergraf, in partnership with global market research firm Smithers.

As part of the wider Shaping the Future event series, the 2025 conference builds on a growing legacy of thought leadership across print and packaging.

This year’s edition will focus on the fast-evolving dynamics of the European packaging sector, providing a critical platform for industry leaders, manufacturers, technology providers, brand owners, and policy influencers to connect and collaborate.

The conference will explore a broad spectrum of issues driving change in the sector. Key topics include environmental sustainability and decarbonization efforts, the use and regulation of food contact materials, advances in packaging design, and the strategic response to tightening EU regulations.

Delegates attending Shaping the Future with Packaging 2025 can look forward to a comprehensive program of expert-led presentations and high-level panel discussions featuring some of the most respected voices in the packaging industry.

These sessions are designed to offer practical insights, spark critical dialogue, and provide a roadmap for navigating the sector’s evolving landscape.

One of the key topics on the agenda is the future of sustainable packaging in Europe. With mounting regulatory pressure and growing consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions, experts will discuss how companies can innovate responsibly while aligning with environmental goals.

Another area of focus will be innovations in label printing and digital technologies. As packaging becomes more interactive and personalised, speakers will explore how digital advancements are transforming both the design process and the consumer experience.

The conference will also dive into the implications of new packaging legislation under the EU Green Deal. This session will help stakeholders understand how upcoming regulations will impact materials, production processes, and compliance strategies across the value chain.

Circular economy models and extended producer responsibility (EPR) strategies will be discussed in detail, offering attendees insights into how businesses can adopt more sustainable, closed-loop systems while meeting their obligations under new waste management frameworks.

Finally, the program will examine shifting consumer trends and the increasing demand for packaging customization.

With personalization emerging as a key differentiator, panellists will share strategies for balancing creativity with scalability and sustainability in packaging design.

Facilitating collaboration and strategic networking

In addition to the formal program, the event will foster dialogue and collaboration through a networking dinner on the evening of 10 April.

This social gathering will provide a relaxed setting for industry stakeholders to build new relationships, share experiences, and identify opportunities for future cooperation.

All registered participants will receive an exclusive copy of the European Packaging Market Report developed by Smithers.

This comprehensive report delivers in-depth analysis of the market’s current state and future direction, including key trends in materials, technology adoption, and consumer expectations. It is designed to support strategic planning and innovation within the packaging value chain.

Building on past success

The 2025 edition follows the successful 2023 packaging conference, which drew over 120 participants from nearly 20 countries.

This year’s event aims to expand on that success, attracting a broader range of voices from across Europe’s packaging ecosystem.

With mounting environmental pressures, growing demand for innovation, and a fast-changing regulatory environment, Shaping the Future with Packaging 2025 arrives at a crucial time for the industry.

As stakeholders navigate this complex landscape, the conference offers a timely opportunity to align on best practices, explore new technologies, and co-create solutions that will shape the future of sustainable packaging in Europe.

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