Agenda

Agenda

3:00pm

WORKSHOP

Unlock the Power of Digital Print for Packaging

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
New Developments
•   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
Sean Smyth | Consultant, Smithers

5:00pm

Beyond Printing - Connected Experiences are transforming the print landscape

Stefan will deliver a summary of the latest report and how it's impacting the print industry. He will delve into the opportunities, the need for collaboration to reap the benefits of the combined strength of Digital Print and Connectivity.

QR and NFC have become essential infrastructure — powering compliance, traceability, and consumer trust.
- 92% of brands already use connected packaging; 95% plan to scale up in the next 12 months
- Consumers scan/tap weekly (41%), prefer connected brands (68%), and are willing to pay more (49%)
Connected packaging supports DPP/PPWR compliance and sustainability goals
- 93% of leaders agree
NFC is rising fast
- Enabling premium, tap-to-connect experiences across drinks, beauty, and luxury
Reliability matters!
- 86% of consumers lose trust after hitting a broken link — post-scan experience is critical
Lets Get Phygital - Digital/Hybrid Print & Coding. Is now the time?
- AI and Connected Experiences are driving change. Digital print and coding's unique advantage may unlock the promised dreams from 2012!

Stefan Casey | Head of Ecosystem, Independent Consultant

5:20pm

Welcome networking drinks reception

8:30am

Registration and opening remarks

9:00am

Welcome
Sandra Haines, Senior Conference Producer, Smithers

9:05am

Chairman Opening Remarks

Jan De Roeck | Marketing Director, Industry Relations and Strategy, Esko

9:10am

Opening outlook: Insights & trends in the digital print for packaging market 2035

Updates and Innovations in the Digital Print for Packaging sector
Market data from new Digital Print for Packaging to 2030 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?
Changing business models of label and packaging producers

Sean Smyth | Consultant, Smithers

9:35am

From Brands to Breakthroughs: How Digital Print Delivers Impact & Innovation

Brand keynote: Digital Vs. Analog printing on corrugated. A comparative Case Study

•   New packaging needs for Cervezas Gran Vía for the retail channel
•   Different technologies available to print and convert corrugated packaging
•   Strengths and weaknesses of each technology
•   4 different analysis: process complexity, print quality, fix costs and variable costs
Lorenzo de la Mora, CEO, Cervezas Gran Via & Technology Partner
Javier Quesada | CEO, Kento Digital Printing

10:05am

Color matching digital and conventional print – from trial and error to AI enabled first-time-right. A customer testimonial

How Print Clone speeds up and automates digital color reproduction
How to load and adjust PDF files to match previous prints with minimal manual intervention
The economic and environmental benefits of reduced setup times and waste
How Print Clone ensures consistent, reproducible color for digital printing, regardless of the initial printing process

Jan De Roeck | Marketing Director, Industry Relations and Strategy, Esko

10:35am

Networking coffee break

11:05am

Fireside Chat: Price vs value in digital printing

Exploring why proponents believe digital print’s higher cost delivers unmatched value through speed, customization, and sustainability
Voices questioning if current pricing limits broader adoption and discussing pathways to making digital print more cost-competitive
Real examples of ROI, time to market, and waste reduction versus volume-driven cost constraints
Future outlook: pricing trends, technology advances, and industry collaboration needed to balance value and affordability in digital print

Harry Baker | Sales and Operations, BakPac (part of Baker Labels, UK)

11:30am

Technology Solutions for the Future of Digital Print

Accelerating Your Sustainability Journey with HP: From Compliance to Unlocking Growth with HP’s Sustainability Amplifier

Sustainability is no longer just about meeting regulations — it’s a driver of business growth and customer loyalty. In this session, HP will introduce the Sustainability Amplifier program, a framework that helps print and packaging providers measure their impact, communicate results with brand owners, and turn greener print into a powerful differentiator. Discover how you can move beyond compliance to win new business, strengthen client partnerships, and future-proof your operations in an increasingly sustainability-driven market.

Carlos Lahoz | Industrial Print Sustainability Strategy, HP

11:55am

High-speed single-pass inkjet for corrugated efficiency

Inline high-speed single-pass inkjet at the corrugator: Prints directly on the paper at up to 400 m/min—ideal for branding, unique barcodes, and unique QR codes in corrugated production
Shift one-color jobs from converting to the corrugator: Free up converting capacity by moving high-volume monochrome printing inline, reducing bottlenecks, and streamlining production
Flexo replacement for high-volume converting: Eliminates plates and changeovers, enabling shorter runs, less paper waste, and full corrugator efficiency
Automated variable data workflows: Integrated software manages job scheduling, inline control systems, and real-time printing of serialized codes and QR data

Nils Gottfried | Senior Sales Manager, BHS Corrugated Maschinen und Anlagenbau GmbH

12:20pm

What’s next for the Packsize EFI X5 Nozomi — Reshaping corrugated packaging

How right-sized, digitally printed corrugated packaging continues to drive cost savings, improved consumer engagement, and environmental responsibility
Cross-sector use cases: from DTC retailers to FMCG repackaging to 3PL ecommerce fulfilment
A sneak peek of the next evolution of the X5 Nozomi platform and transformational business opportunities for corrugators and converters

Michael Coltharp, Solutions Program Manager, Packsize International
Kerry Sanders | VP Market Development, EFI

12:45pm

Networking lunch

1:50pm

Bridging Digital Agility and Flexo Scale: Transforming Packaging with Sealed Air 5540

Commercial Availability: Now launched across multiple regions, including Europe.
Versatile Applications: Designed for flexible packaging and labeling solutions.
Agility: Combines the agility of digital with the scale of flexo, bridging the gap between short-run and industrial-scale printed packaging.
Supply Chain Efficiency: Delivers superior print contrast and resolution, plus in-line effects such as spot colors, varnish, and metallic ink- enabling brands to achieve efficiency at scale.

2:15pm

High build varnish embellishment and enabling variable data printing for the blind

How Xaar’s high viscosity technology enables embellishment
Making variable data accessible to the blind
Creative Label finishing

Neil Cook | Business Development Manager, Ink , XAAR

2:40pm

Panel Discussion: Advancing Digital Print Technology: Innovation, Sustainability, and Industry Collaboration

What are the key technological advancements in inks, presses, and workflow enabling scalable digital print packaging?
How do sustainability goals shape innovation in digital print materials and processes?
What operational challenges and opportunities do converters and suppliers face in adopting inline digital print solutions?
How can suppliers, converters, and brands collaborate effectively to accelerate digital print’s impact on packaging efficiency and sustainability

Moderator: Jon Harper Smith, Consultant, Smithers
Panellists:
Franko Vrhovac, Investment Manager - Materials & Packaging, Emerald
Allan Bendall, Project and Account Manager - Digital, Sun Chemicals
Samantha Murphy, Marketing Manager, Sealed Air Corporation
Robert Lugg, Strategic Business Development Manager – Industrial Inkjet, Ricoh Printing Solutions
Europe Ltd

2:45pm

Chairman’s Remarks

Sean Smyth | Consultant, Smithers

3:25pm

Networking break

3:55pm

Exclusive Keynote: A Blend of Artistry. Redefining pack personalisation.

Paul Horton | Principal, Packaging & Graphics, Innovation R&D, Diageo

4:25pm

Industry Initiatives and Regulations for greener Packaging

PPWR compliance is more than just a material check – how to manage all requirements in time

Identifying PPWR requirements within minutes for your packaging with our web tool PPWR Check
Managing your certificates and compliance
Generate your semi-automated conformity report with your PPWR Checks and certificates
Requirement to respect by August and September 2026
Current hurdles to achieve compliance

Peter Désilets | Managing Director, pacoon Sustainability Concepts GmbH

4:50pm

Regulation, reformulation and the future of UV: What the industry needs to know

The regulatory landscape is becoming increasingly complex, impacting ink formulators, end users,
and brand owners.Combined with the current economic climate, this complexity is creating
significant uncertainty across the industry.

UV formulations and the forthcoming German Ink Ordinance
Reformulation challenges for chemical developers resulting from new classifications and restrictions.
Brand-driven material removal, with companies acting ahead of formal regulatory changes.
Mercury regulations on the equipment side

Holly Steedman | Business and Technology Development Director, IST INTECH

5:15pm

Open Panel Discussion: What does 'Good' look like? Driving change: Practical approaches for greener print and decoration in packaging that still creates impact!

The closing panel explores the themes from the day and how we all need to collaborate to make
sustainability standard practice. Let's dispel the myths, challenge brands and retailers that 'greener'
doesn't mean boring.
From regulation to real-world impact. An end-to-end ecosystem.
Digital, Hybrid and coding as a catalyst for circularity
Sustainability accelerators through Saas, connected and AI technologies
Beyond competition: building a shared sustainability framework - a call to pledge

Panellists:
Sean Smyth, Consultant, Smithers
Carlos Lahoz, Industrial Print Sustainability Strategy, HP
Stefan Casey, Head of Ecosystem, io.tt
Uwe Melichar, Vice - President, European Brand & Packaging Design Association (tbc)
Jan de Roeck, Marketing Director, Industry Relations and Strategy, ESKO

5:45pm

End of day one

6:45pm

Networking Dinner

Sphere Tim Rau Restaurant at the Berlin TV Tower

Sponsored by io.tt, this dinner will allow delegates to live the ultimate Berlin experience and discover authentic local cuisine crafted by Berlin native and expert chef Tim Raue, all whilst connecting with other key industry stakeholders and players.

In addition to delicious food, drinks and lively conversation – delegates will also see digitally printed products in action, with some surprise giveaways in store.

The dinner is free to attend for all event attendees.

8:30am

Registration and morning refreshments

9:00am

Chair's opening remarks
Sean Smyth, Consultant, Smithers

9:05am

Connected Packaging Powered by Digital Print: Unlocking Engagement, Trust, and Traceability

Different approaches to delivering variable QR Codes for GS1 sunrise, smart packaging, and digital product passports

Why are 2d codes becoming important
The various business and legislative drivers explained and unpacked
Likely priority industries that need to implement first.
The different drivers and the impact they have on approaches taken
Why putting these codes on packaging presents unique difficulties
What is simple and what still needs to be achieved

Lee Metters | Group Business Development Director, Domino Printing Sciences

9:30am

One Code for everything

How the GS1 Digital Link will boost the DPP to an individualized customer experience

DPP: the regulation @ a glance
GS1 Digital Link: the answer with more magic options
Call2Action: Don’t wait for regulation, start now with much more possibilities, DPP is just one

Thomas Fell, Lead GS1, GS1 Germany

9:50am

Unlocking brand potential: How QR codes revolutionise packaging for brand owners

•   QR codes as a powerful, cost-effective and versatile solution for actual Brand Owner's challenges
•   Combat counterfeiting, providing robust authentication mechanisms
•   Increase Brand engagement with innovative applications of QR codes
•   Integrate QR codes throughout the entire supply chain

Pedro Jiménez | Digital Technical Sales Director, Comexi

9:55am

Keynote: Brand protection & digital printing in e-commerce (tbc)

Lior Krasnovsky | Tech Business Developer, Amazon

10:20am

Networking coffee break

11:15am

How to empower your logistic automation with a customer centric effect

Armin Spitzbarth | Sales Director e-Commerce, THIMM

11:40am

Beyond the physical: How tech platforms power data driven holistic packaging

End-to-End Data Ecosystem: A holistic solution that tracks data from the printing unit all the way to the end consumer
Bridging the Gap: Moving beyond physical printing limitations, Koenig & Bauer offers a full-tech approach to master data management for regulatory compliance
MyKyana – The AI Manufacturer: A "24/7 digital employee" that uses AI to optimize processes across any machinery, tracking vital data on substrates, colors, and energy
AURAVEO – The Brand Experience: An award-winning, self-service platform that transforms physical products into digital consumer experiences in minutes, capturing valuable behavioral data.
Powered by Top-Tier Tech: Built on a secure, cutting-edge infrastructure through strategic partnerships with Google Cloud and Deloitte Digital

Thomas Vollmuth | Head of Brand Owner Management, Koenig & Bauer AG

12:05pm

Opening conversation to the panel: The essence of freedom: From scent to scale

A conversation between Stefan & Daniel leading into the panel on connected packaging and digital print.

Childhood Scents, Lifelong Imagination - How fragrance shaped Daniel’s senses and taught him that creativity begins with perception
Rebellion Against the Ordinary - ART BRÜT as a manifesto: fragrance as reflection, not separation — a call to break conventions
From Sensory Freedom to Industry Transformation - Linking the art of perfume to connected packaging: both demand courage to move beyond buzz into measurable, shared value

Daniel Matousek, Director Creation and Development, Managing Director, ART BRÜT
Stefan Casey, Head of Ecosystem, io.tt
Daniel Matousek | Director Creation and Development, Managing Director,, ART BRÜT

12:20pm

Panel Discussion: Connected packaging & digital print: From pilots to scale

Driving Adoption: What convinced early brand adopters—and what’s needed to motivate broader industry uptake
Collaboration Across the Value Chain: How brands, converters, and technology providers must align to unlock potential
From Buzz to Business Value: Turning connected packaging and digital printing into measurable ROI and industry-wide change

Moderator:
Stefan Casey, Head of Ecosystem, io.tt
Panellists:
Paul Horton, Principal. Packaging & Graphics, Diageo
Lior Krasnovsky, Senior Tech Business Development Manager, Amazon
Uwe Melichar, Vice - President, European Brand & Packaging Design Association
Armin Spitzbarth, Sales Director E-Commerce, THIMM
Tim Gelzleichter, Head of Digital, WIN CI GmbH

1:05pm