1. Can you provide a brief overview of your role at OPRL and The IOM3 Packaging Group and how these roles intersect with the themes of London Packaging Week?

The core aim of both OPRL and the IOM3 Packaging Group is to support a transition to more sustainable packaging. Our stakeholders, advisors and beneficiaries are spread throughout the value chain. Similarly, London Packaging Week brings together all of the sectors in packaging.

The arrival of reforms such as Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) represent a monumental shift for the industry, not just in the UK, but on a global scale. I think each of our organizations occupies a unique position in bringing accurate, useful information and advice to the market, and we are all at the centre of driving innovation in packaging design.

2. How do you perceive the current trends in packaging, particularly in the luxury, beauty, drinks, and FMCG sectors? What are the most pressing challenges faced by packaging professionals in these areas?

A recent OPRL poll showed that key sustainability goals tie in with the aims of the UK packaging reforms. Over half of those polled named plastic reduction as a key sustainability goal. Increasing recycled content came a close second.

This feedback shows that reforms such as the Plastic Packaging Tax and pEPR are already having a direct impact on design. Plastic reduction, for example, will help businesses to reduce costs under both pieces of legislation.

OPRL’s experience also shows businesses grappling with the requirements of the legislation. With the introduction of mandatory labelling for recycling, for example, brands face a mammoth task and preparation time is now running short. OPRL is receiving a marked increase in queries relating to pEPR labelling – everything from, ‘What is the largest face on a sphere?’, to ‘What are the cost implications of recyclability assessments?’.

3. With the focus on sustainability at London Packaging Week, what advancements do you see in sustainable packaging solutions, and how is the industry addressing the need for eco-friendly materials?

There is so much going on in the industry at the moment that it’s difficult to pinpoint individual advances. However, we are seeing a clear shift towards recyclability. The key tenet of legislative changes such as pEPR and the Plastic Packaging Tax is to increase recyclability, in order to preserve valuable resources and reduce carbon, and it’s important to remember that once eco-modulation comes in, non-recyclable packaging products will be targeted at a higher compliance rate.

In practice, we are seeing a focus on switching away from multi-material products, greater awareness around the recyclability of different polymers, and interest in innovative new packaging products. A general reduction in volume – whatever the material – through lightweighting or eliminating unnecessary packaging is also being explored as a quick way to reduce rising compliance costs.

4. What are some of the most innovative packaging solutions or technologies that you have encountered recently? How do these innovations impact consumer experience and brand differentiation?

Some of the big questions are around how we can use technology to our advantage? Or what will help to improve communication with consumers in the future? We want a simple message so people know exactly what to do with stuff, but some consumers are already more interested in more details. How do we do that? There's dynamic labelling and QR codes, even the barcode, which has been around for so long, will change. It's quite an interesting change in how we interact with our shopping and learn more about the products we buy.

5. How do you envision the future of packaging evolving over the next five years? Are there any emerging technologies or trends that you believe will significantly reshape the industry?

In addition to the trends mentioned above, we should make sure we don’t overlook strategies that push packaging waste further up the waste hierarchy. We are seeing reductions in material, which is great, but there is still more work to be done around refill.

Labels should really help consumers to make the right decisions around recycling, so OPRL has included calls to action such as ‘empty’ – for products like plant pots, this can make all the difference. We’ve also offered a refill label for some time and we see this as a real opportunity for meaningful change.

When it comes to evolution, it’s easy to focus on scientific innovations like new materials or AI-powered sorting equipment. These will play a part, but it’s also important not to forget the impact of simple changes and behaviour change.

6. How are recent regulatory changes affecting the packaging industry? Can you discuss any specific regulations that have had a notable impact on packaging design or materials?

I think it’s impossible to underestimate the impact of the current UK packaging reforms. And when you take into account that similar legislation for packaging is coming in around the globe, there is no room left for complacency.

The Plastic Packaging Tax has been in place since 2022. It taxes any products that don’t include a minimum of 30 per cent recycled content, and is already playing a significant role in markets for recycled plastics.

The first phase of Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) came into effect last year. Businesses should already be reporting data under pEPR and the first fees will be charged from October 2025. As well as introducing higher fees and a greater demand for data, pEPR is also responsible for the launch of mandatory labelling for recycling, using the label elements that OPRL has worked hard to drive as the industry standard and which consumers recognise and have confidence in.

Assuming that the legislation goes through, then mandatory labelling is coming our way very quickly. The deadline for everything is only two-and-a-half years away because it is April 2027, and there's a lot to be done to get to that point. We need to think about what our packaging is – is it recyclable? And how do we go about changing artworks to include the mandatory recycling label?

7. What role does OPRL play in influencing or adapting to these regulations, and how does it support its members in navigating regulatory challenges?

As a member-led organisation that was set up by members of the retail sector to help them to communicate sustainability messages with the public, OPRL has always played a unique role in the drive to more environmentally friendly packaging. Today, this is more evident than ever.

The regulations will affect a range of stakeholders, from packaging designers and suppliers, through manufacture and retail, to local authorities who collect waste from households and waste management firms that sort and process waste. OPRL is perhaps the only organisation in the field that has relied on sound information from each sector. We need robust advice on genuine recyclability to set parameters for our label; at the same time, our links with brands and retailers ensure that we are collaborative and help our members to make the right choices. And we must not forget the core aim of our labels – to educate and inform householders to help them make the right choices.

Throughout the lead-up to implementation of pEPR, OPRL has liaised with stakeholders across the value chain, providing advice to individual members while raising awareness more widely. As well as using our own channels, we regularly speak at industry events and reach out to members and other businesses through the press. We have built strong connections, both with Defra and with industry bodies from all sides, this is reflected in the diversity of our Board and the Technical Advisory Committee who review the evidence base for our decisions around recyclability.

OPRL is receiving more queries around labelling than ever before, and we continue to be a collaborative voice helping to find a route that will best meet the needs of all.

8. How do changes in consumer behavior influence packaging design and innovation? Can you provide examples of how packaging has been used effectively to respond to shifting consumer preferences?

Changing consumer values in thinking about the products that they buy, the packaging they come in and the impact on the environment we live in is an essential part of the influence on packaging design and innovation. Efficient and effective recycling of packaging is a gateway to getting consumers and citizens to see the value in materials and resources. If we can drive change through packaging, we can then build on that change in other areas, such as products.

9. What strategies can brands employ to ensure their packaging meets evolving consumer expectations while maintaining functionality and compliance?

Thinking about packaging in the round, designing for recycling and collaborating with the wider industry and sector so that the packaging design works well for everyone from functionality through to compliance for recycling.

10. What do you hope attendees will take away from your session at London Packaging Week? How do you plan to address key industry challenges or showcase cutting-edge solutions during your talk?

My presentation has two halves – the mandatory actions we need to take and the exciting possibilities for the future.

The first thing I would like people to take away is that mandatory labelling is just around the corner. It’s time to get ready.

The second thing is that we've all been aware of the legislation coming and extended producer responsibility happening. People have been engaged with it, depending on what's been going on in their agenda and how it affects their business, but that's not the only thing happening. So I also want to discuss and ensure that people appreciate that there are many interesting challenges around the future of labelling itself from a technological perspective.

For example, how can we use technology to our advantage? What will help to improve communication with consumers in the future? We want a simple message so people know exactly what to do, but some consumers are already more interested in more detail. How do we do that?

11. How do events like London Packaging Week contribute to advancing the packaging industry, and what are your expectations for the 2024 edition in terms of impact and engagement?

They bring people together and creates a conversation around packaging which is really important.

12. How does The IOM3 Packaging Group facilitate networking and knowledge-sharing among its members, and what benefits does this bring to the broader packaging community?

The IOM3 Packaging Group is a professional body for the people working within the industry, we are a technical community within IOM3 so our reach across the whole material sector is really broad and provides great opportunities to learn and develop. The IOM3 Training Academy facilitates both the Certificate and Diploma in Packaging which provide a great understanding of the fundamentals of packaging. We are also a sponsor of the Future Trailblazers Awards which is part of the Packaging Innovation event in February where we are looking to champion the brilliant people within the industry who are already starting to blaze a trail. This gives us the opportunity to recognize and champion talent and to share their stories in a way that enables us to hopefully attract new talent into the sector.

13. What advice would you give to professionals and companies looking to stay ahead in the packaging industry? Are there any particular resources or practices you would recommend?

Engage with the networks that are out there, find the ones that work for you.

14. Is there anything specific you would like to highlight about London Packaging Week that you think will be of particular interest to the attendees?

The networking opportunities. Listen to the talks, ask questions, chat to people, and make new connections.