Agenda

8:00am

The Changing Landscape for Digital Printing in Labels Packaging

Registration Open

9:00am

Workshop Begins

Introduction – Packaging and Labels
•   Where digital fits into the packaging world
•   Choices for printing labels, cartons, corrugate, flexibles, rigid plastics, glass, and metal
•   Litho, flexo, gravure, relief, and special decorating methods

Changing Functions of Packaging and Markets
•   The changing role of packaging, new functions enabled by digital print

Digital Print Technologies Used in Packaging and Labels
Developments from drupa 2024
•   Electrophotography SWOT
•   Inkjet SWOT
•   Developments from drupa – integrated manufacturing
•   The importance of workflow and digital finishing
•   Emerging routes to market
•   Comparing analogue and digital printing

Drivers
•   Sustainability
•   Changing retail landscape
•   The opportunities in e-commerce packaging
•   Changing customer requirements, how big brands are being disrupted by smaller brands
•   Changing supply chains enabled by digital print – the democratization of label and packaging production
Run Length Developments

Economics of Digital Print Mainstream Production
•   Capacity of equipment, time to market – complementary or competitive to analogue print
Technologies and Developments

Digital Labels and Packaging Round Up
•   Digital printing technology map, and digital finishing
•   Workflow
•   Materials
•   Finishing
Beyond Printing

Digital Finishing
•   Integrated Label and Packaging Manufacture

11:00am

Workshop Concludes

8:00am

Registration Open

8:55am

Opening Remarks

Carmen Berry, Conference Producer, Smithers

9:00am

Session I: Updates and Innovations in the Digital Industry

State of the Industry

Updates and Innovations in the Digital Print for Packaging sector
Market data from new Digital Print for Packaging Report
Then longer term (10 years digital print forecast)
Why progress is slow – actions to accelerate adoption to benefit supply chains
AI in digital packaging – what are the benefits to brands, converters and suppliers?

Sean Smyth | Consultant, Smithers

9:30am

Shaping the Future of the Packaging World: The Power of Intelligent, Connected Devices

The future of packaging lies in the intelligent, connected ecosystem that enables real-time data exchange, analytics-driven insights, and enhanced operational efficiencies. As packaging production evolves, the industry must shift from isolated product-focused solutions to a broader strategic approach, leveraging IoT-enabled devices that facilitate bi-directional information sharing. Ken Brown will explore how intelligent automation and connectivity can drive data-driven decision-making, reduce waste, and improve overall equipment efficiency (OEE). He will discuss the role of IoT in predictive maintenance, performance monitoring, and real-time process optimization, shaping a smarter, more sustainable packaging future. Attendees will gain insights into how digital printing technologies, combined with BOBST’s vision for smart packaging workflows, are enabling manufacturers to maximize productivity and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market
Ken Brown | Product & Business Development Manager, North America NMW, Bobst

10:00am

Panel: Q&A with DPP Advisory Board

Panelists include:

Liz Logue, VP of Corporate Business Development/IJ Strategy, EFI
Sean Smyth, Consultant, Smithers
Dani Tulchinski, Global Strategic Marketing Digital Printing, Sealed Air
Windell McGill, Product Launch Manager – ION Digital Press, Paper Converting Machine Company
TJ Seiwert, Sr. Manager of Design Operations, WK Kellogg Co.

10:30am

Networking Break

11:00am

Session II: Trends on Consumer Behavior

Retail Reconceived: Revisiting Fundamentals

At the decade’s midpoint, investments in sustainability, supply chain productivity, and alternative revenue streams like media are bearing fruit. At the same time, the industry is revisiting its fundamentals through a shopper lens, reconceiving value, convenience, and experience to align with an empowered shopper. This presentation will explore how the shopper is redefining shopping itself, upending commercial models, product innovation, and in-store engagement to suit emerging demands, while creating new mandates for both manufacturers and retailers to keep pace with the shopper.

Leon Nicholas | Vice President, Retail Insights & Solutions, Smurfit Westrock

11:30am

GEN Z PACKAGING DESIGN PLAYLIST

Welcome to a captivating exploration of the profound connection between packaging design and emotions. Join us on a journey where packaging design becomes a vessel for authentic connection with today's most influential consumer generation.
In this keynote, we present the revolutionary “Gen Z Packaging Design Playlist" – from dopaminergic explosions of color to bold minimalism, neo-vintage nostalgia to surrealist distortion - each revealing how postpandemic anxiety has shaped Gen Z's visual preferences.

Hernán Braberman | Creative Director, Tridimage

12:00pm

Session III: Sustainability- Focusing on the Ways Digital Packaging can be More Sustainable

The Road to Zero Waste: Emerging Trends & What You Need to Know

As global momentum toward sustainability accelerates, businesses and customers alike are reimagining waste management through the lens of zero waste. This presentation explores the intersection of customer sentiment, corporate case studies, infrastructure readiness, and emerging policy frameworks to chart a viable path toward a zero-waste future. Key insights include findings from Scrapp's 2024 Road to Zero Waste Report, highlighting the evolving perceptions of recycling, zero waste, and sustainable packaging materials. Case studies from high-end beauty brands to small e-commerce businesses demonstrate innovative approaches to balancing sustainability with brand identity and customer expectations.
Mikey Pasciuto | Chief Sustainability Officer, Scrapp

12:30pm

Networking Lunch

1:30pm

Design for Recylability

To successfully design for recycling, one must first understand the lifecycle of packaging materials. The journey begins with resource extraction, progresses through manufacturing, distribution, usage, and ultimately ends with disposal. Each stage presents opportunities for improvement and innovation. The aim is to create packaging that minimizes environmental impact throughout its entire lifecycle. This holistic approach necessitates the consideration of material selection, production methods, and the end-of-life options available for consumers.

Tim Bohlke | Director of Sustainability, Resource Label Group

2:00pm

Session IV: Personalized Packaging (The Creative Aspect)

Panel: The Creative Experience and Design Behind the Packaging

Panelists Include:

Mike Rottenborn, CEO, Hybrid Software Group
Leigha Rolin, Packaging Designer, ATLEX Packaging

3:00pm

Session V: Improving Inclusive Design for Packaging and Products

The Impact of Implementing Ease of Use Design

The Foundation collaborates with companies from design phase to launch and/or final products to bring more certified products to market for this large community. My presentation focuses on the importance of bring accessible design into products and packages today and how dollars are being left on the table by not including ease of use design.
Deb Gokie | VP Consumer Health and Ease of Use, Arthritis Foundation

3:30pm

Session VI: Trends and Innovation in Digital Print for Packaging- Focusing on Technology

A History-Based Outlook on the Future of Digital Printing in Packaging

Sustainability in packaging isn’t going away—it’s evolving, becoming more specific, measurable, and essential. To see where we’re headed, we need to understand how we got here.
This presentation traces the journey of packaging, printing, and sustainability—connecting historical context with forward-thinking projections. Kelly Williams will explore how the convergence of sustainability and digital printing is enabling more agile, distributed packaging ecosystems and reshaping the future of branded packaging.

Kelly Williams | Co-Founder, Greenkey

4:00pm

Networking Break

4:30pm

Transforming Packaging Operations with the X5 Nozomi

This session will present a fully automated system producing up to 600 digitally printed, right-sized boxes per hour. Designed for retailers, brands, and 3PLs, th3s system integrates seamlessly into fulfillment workflows for unprecedented efficiency and sustainability.
Kerry Sanders | VP Market Development, EFI

5:00pm

Session VII: E-Commerce Trends and Insights

Presentation Details to Come

5:30pm

Networking Reception

8:00am

Registration Opens

8:55am

Opening Remarks`

9:00am

Session VIII: Coatings, Materials, Technology, and Inks

Presentation Details to Come

9:30am

Transitioning Digital Ink Technology to Packaging Applications

It is very exciting times in the packaging market! The interest in implementing digital printing into the various packaging applications is at an all-time high. Driven by both an understanding of the benefits of digital print from a Brand perspective and the need to effectively address the reduction in average job lengths across the industry,
The development of digital printing systems to address these markets, especially in single pass applications, has led to much higher speeds with good reliability and uptime. But what about the Ink? This presentation will highlight the importance of ink in the progress of the analog to digital transition in packaging, discussing current challenges and trends in the various application segments including corrugated, metal decoration, flexible packaging, labels etc.

Paul Edwards | Vice President Digital Division, Inx International

10:00am

Session IX: Partnerships within Digital Print for Packaging

Digital Print at Scale- The Paradox

Co-presentation by HP Industrial Print (Amir Raziel) and Esko (Jan De Roeck) Digital print has long promised transformation and strong adoption but has yet to fully deliver on its potential. Achieving success at scale requires a strategic approach, starting with a focus on supply chain optimization and tangible, achievable benefits rather than looking at the print shop floor in isolation. Engaging key stakeholders within brand and converter organizations—those who directly benefit from digitally printed packaging—is essential to driving adoption. The ultimate goal is customization at scale, unlocking new opportunities for brands to connect and engage with their consumers. This session is a co-presentation whereby HP Industrial Print (Amir Raziel) and Esko (Jan De Roeck) explore collaboration and platform integration to provide an innovative solution that enables businesses to leverage digital print technology effectively and realize its full potential.

Amir Raziel, Strategy Directo, HP Industrial
Jan De Roeck | Marketing Director, Industry Relations and Strategy, Esko

10:30am

Session X: Label Printing and Innovation

Networking Break

11:00am

Digital Printing Technologies and Labels Substrates

Digital printing continues to disrupt the packaging industry, and it is bringing new opportunities for customers. Kirit will elaborate Digital printing technologies-electrophotography-dry toner and liquid toner; ink jet-UV ink jet, water-based ink jet-dye and pigmented technology, latest trends in each technology, Digital printing capabilities and limitation for the label’s substrates for compact desktop Digital label printers to large production-class digital presses. How Digital printing and sustainability align each other? Why brand love Digital printing?

Kirit Naik | Global Senior Manager New Materials and Technology, UPM

11:30am