With consumer e-commerce shipments increasing globally by 33% between 2014 and 2016, this distribution channel is fast developing from a niche to a volume application. This is presenting technical challenges for the packaging industry in terms of functional designs and protection. Simultaneously it is opening up new business opportunities as the e-commerce supply chain for packaging technology differs significantly from that for traditional retail selling. The rapidly evolving nature of e-commerce as a sales and delivery channel is making it one of the most attractive areas of the global packaging industry, with brands, logistics companies, conventional and online retailers, converters and material suppliers all positioning themselves to take advantage of this.

E-Pack will provide brand owners the perfect platform to have an open dialogue with packaging converters and packaging design firms on the challenges of staying competitive in the online retailing space, and how the packaging industry – as a whole – can provide innovative and cost effect solutions to assist brand owners in this transition.