Smurfit Kappa recently welcomed more than 180 of its Pan-European and American customers to its Innovation Event. Under the theme of "The Future Unpacked," visitors were treated to the latest insights and developments along with expected future trends in the paper-based packaging industry.

Exhibiting its innovations in design and sustainability, Smurfit Kappa also revealed new technologies such as online printing, augmented reality and e-commerce and how they expect these will impact the packaging industry in the future.

A highlight of this year’s event was the 3D Store Visualiser, a technological advancement that allows customers to analyze and optimize packaging performance virtually, enhancing the shopper experience. The Store Visualiser gives access to thousands of interchangeable optimization scenarios, pictures, movies and live demos of segment brands and customer-specific packaging options to face on-shelf challenges. All of these options are projected on a 4.5 by 2.5 meter-high screen.

Three international speakers shared their vision on trends in the social environment, sustainability and printing, helping to enhance the understanding of Smurfit Kappa’s customers on the future of packaging so that they can reap the benefits in their individual markets.

The Innovation Event, held on a regular basis, is organized by Smurfit Kappa to honor excellence in packaging design and sustainability. The company’s customers form two juries which judge entries from designers and sustainability teams, with the event culminating in a final dinner and awards ceremony.

Many of those present at this year’s event remarked that they found it both inspirational and useful. “Getting a glimpse in to so many insights in the packaging industry was definitely worthwhile, and I will be taking this knowledge back to my market,” says one. “I was very impressed with the displays of Smurfit Kappa’s new developments and am looking forward to seeing more in the future,” comments another.

Tony Smurfit, COO of Smurfit Kappa says: “These Innovation Events are all about our customers and their market. We strive to present them with future developments and show how we can help them face challenges. Our passion drives our promise: supporting customers to be winners in the marketplace, now and in the future.”