During the London Packaging Week, Lilli Becker spoke with Ray O’Brian of our member company KURZ, about current developments and emerging trends in the packaging and print industry. The overall impression was highly positive: the event delivered a strong mix of quality customer conversations, valuable new contacts, and promising business opportunities.

One of the key takeaways was the evolving expectations of brand owners, agencies, and designers. Today’s market is increasingly looking for innovative print and packaging solutions that combine creative embellishments, outstanding design, and effective product differentiation. Companies are seeking ways to make their products truly unique and stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Sustainability, personalization, and innovation continue to be among the industry’s most important focus areas. These topics are driving product development and investment decisions across the value chain. Artificial intelligence is also attracting significant attention. However, many industry players still see AI as being at an early stage when it comes to practical implementation in everyday print and packaging operations.

Looking ahead, O’Brian remains optimistic about market development and expects continued growth across multiple sectors. This positive outlook reflects the broader sentiment at the London Packaging Week, where innovation, high-quality embellishment, and sustainable packaging solutions were consistently identified as key drivers of future success.