Packaging Industry Interviews & Expert Perspectives
Explore exclusive interviews, executive insights, leadership perspectives, market trends, innovation strategies, and expert discussions from global packaging & labelling industry leaders.
Highlights
“Ever better packaging isn’t a destination - it’s a journey of thoughtful choices, collaboration, and continuous innovation toward a truly circular future.”
Peter Westveer, Commercial Director at Flestic in Dronten. For over 30 years I’ve been working for the company. Packaging is never boring, especially in plastics. I enjoy working with the customers on making products more sustainable and together with them facing the challenges this involves.
The greatest waste is not the packaging itself, but the food it fails to protect - packaging is not the problem, it is the solution when designed with purpose.”
Nerida Kelton is the Vice President Sustainability & Save Food, for the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) and the Executive Director for the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP). She has worked in the Packaging industry for over 27 years, with 25 years working for the AIP; the peak professional body for packaging training and education in Australasia.
“At BERHALTER, we don’t just cut with precision - we shape the future of intelligent manufacturing“
Dalibor Schuman is Managing Director at BERHALTER Swiss Die-Cutting, where he has led the company’s strategic development and international expansion for more than two decades. With a background in industrial engineering and a passion for smart manufacturing, he champions innovation at the intersection of precision mechanics and digital transformation.
Re-engineering pouch-making for a future where sustainability meets intelligence - bridging recyclable materials, smart automation, and design flexibility to shape the next generation of packaging
Gustavo Guzzi is Sales & Marketing Director at Karlville Swiss Sagl, with over two decades of experience in packaging machinery and sustainable solutions. He has held leadership roles in sales and marketing across Europe and the Americas, driving innovation and customer success in the flexible packaging industry.
"Driving the Future of Packaging: Sustainable Machinery for a Greener Tomorrow."
Andrea Grini graduated in 2023 with an MSc in Marketing and Communication from Urbino University, achieving a 110/110 cum laude. With over two years of experience at Universal Pack, Andrea became Marketing Executive at 24.
"From waste to worth - driving sustainability in the fight against plastic pollution."
Michelle Boon began her career with Mainetti Malaysia in 1997 as part of the logistics team. She later advanced to the role of Commercial Manager, where she led the sales team across Southeast Asia. Following Mainetti Group?s expansion into Vietnam in 2004, Michelle relocated to Ho Chi Minh City and was appointed General Manager for Vietnam in 2008. Her leadership and expertise led to her promotion in 2012 as the Southeast Asia General Manager, overseeing both owned and licensee operations in the region. In 2019, Michelle further expanded her responsibilities by taking on the role of Global General Manager for Flexible Packaging. She holds a degree in Hospitality Management from Stamford College, Malaysia.
"Packaging innovation isn't just about new materials - it's about driving meaningful change through simple actions and behavior shifts."
Jude Allan is Interim Managing Director of OPRL, On Pack Recycling Label, she is materials agnostic believing that we should use the right material, in the right format, at the right time. Jude and the team at OPRL are passionate about clear, communication with the consumer that allows them to confidentially do the right thing when it comes to recycling their packaging. Jude started as a packaging technologist at Mars before taking the experience of life as a client into the world of a packaging design agency. For almost 20 years Jude championed and led the production and creative operations at jonesknowlesrtichie as it grew from a London based packaging design agency to a global design business She has now brought that experience of consumer communication and packaging design to OPRL.
"My advice would be to prioritize adaptability and innovation. Stay informed about evolving EU packaging regulations and anticipate future changes to ensure timely compliance updates."
Lara BOTTA, a Milanese native, currently serves as the Vice President and Chief Innovation Manager at BOTTA EcoPackaging, an esteemed Italian family enterprise specialising in sustainable packaging solutions. Lara's commitment has propelled the company to new heights. Her remarkable expertise has garnered prestigious accolades, including titles such as Sustainability Professor at IULM University, Sustainable Packaging Expert, Financial Times' Top 100 European Digital Champion, Best Female-Led SME, and recipient of the Packaging Excellence Award. Actively involved in national entrepreneurial associations, Lara assumes various roles and champions causes close to her heart, notably with a profound dedication to sustainable innovation and gender advocacy.