Akanksha Meena the global brands editor at Labels & Labeling, focusing on brand owner insights and design stories across international markets, has covered the event. Initial part of her story is reproduced below. The full story can be accessed at the link provided at the end of the first part of her writeup.
The recent Future of Pack event that took place at Aravali Marriott Resort & Spa in Faridabad, Delhi NCR, on May 8 and 9 was attended by more than 40 brands. The event explored key challenges around sustainability, regulation, packaging and label technology infrastructure, consumer expectations and collaboration across the packaging value chain.
Through discussions and
workshops led by companies including Omet, Avery Dennison, UPM, Holostik, Kurz
and Zircon, attendees explored packaging innovations and emerging technologies
shaping the future of the industry.
Harveer Sahni, chairman, Weldon
Celloplast, commented: ‘Pawan and I wished to create a platform for “Future of
Pack”, which was not a regular stage and audience event, where speeches are
made from a stage, and the questions to the audience are largely met with
silence. I am happy we created this very interactive platform, brainstorming at
the same level in an open-mic format with those geniuses who define the
future of pack and solution providers who deliver capability in innovation,
beautification, security, smart and sustainable packs. This endeavor is now
recognized as the path to future. Pawandeep Sahni has been outstanding in
keeping the packaging fraternity thoroughly engaged and moving within
their midst to create a collaborative session.’
Industry
transformation
The event began with discussion
on industry’s transformation over the last two years. Attendees noted that the
packaging industry has undergone significant changes, evolving from a simple
protective container to an integral part of the consumer experience and brand
engagement journey. Today, packaging acts as a digital touchpoint, enabling
brands to connect directly with consumers through technologies such as QR codes
and NFCs that enhance interaction and storytelling.
Brand owners are increasingly
adopting a consumer-centric approach, focusing not only on aesthetics but also
on functionality, convenience and emotional connection. The speed to market has
also accelerated, driven by new decoration technologies and the growing need
for rapid product launches. At the same time, sustainability has moved to the
forefront, with consumers becoming far more aware of environmental impact and
pushing brands toward minimal, responsible packaging. This shift is
particularly influenced by Gen Z consumers, who value sustainability,
authenticity and minimalist design.
Pawandeep Sahni, managing
director of Omet India
The rise of e-commerce has further reshaped packaging requirements, making logistics efficiency, durability and the unboxing experience more important than ever. Additionally, startups are leveraging premium packaging to differentiate themselves in crowded markets and create stronger brand identities.
The full story is available at https://www.labelsandlabeling.com/features/brand-owners-design/unpacking-future-pack
Feedback and comments of some of the participating Brands besides those mentioned in above article:
This event stood out for me not because something extraordinary was discussed but basic & most common questions that we address/ are looking for solutions in our everyday and for the future unlike just the same set of QnA in conferences these days! “The power of collaboration and combined efforts can truly build value even across industry and eventually bring collective impact!”
๐น Sustainable – reducing impact while enhancing value
๐น Smart – intelligent and connected through technology
๐น Beautiful– elevating aesthetics and consumer delight
๐น Secure – protecting brands and ensuring authenticity
What stood out for me was the depth of collaboration— brands, converters, and solution partners discussing real challenges and co-creating pathways for a better, more responsible packaging future.
A few takeaways:
✅ Innovation thrives in open conversations.
✅ The future of packaging is not built in silos — it’s built in synergy.
✅ Sustainability, technology and design must move together, not in isolation.
Grateful to Harveer Sahni for creating such a powerful platform for dialogue and to Pawandeep Sahni for his outstanding vision and moderation that kept the energy high and ideas flowing.
Events like this reaffirm that our industry’s progress will come not from competition, but from Collaboration— where passion meets purpose.
- You don’t just get discussions.
- You get a glimpse into the real Future of Packaging.
“Future of Pack - Brainstorming Retreat” was one of the most
intellectually enriching packaging forums I have attended in recent times.
What made this experience special was the quality of conversations happening
inside the room?
✨ No passive
audience
✨ No conventional
presentations
✨ Just open
brainstorming among packaging leaders, innovators, converters, and technology
experts
The discussions covered critical themes shaping our industry:
๐น
Sustainable Packaging
๐น Smart
& Connected Packaging
๐น Consumer
Experience & Premiumization
๐น
Packaging Security
๐น Print
& Technology Innovation
๐น Supply
Chain Challenges
๐น Future
role of packaging in business strategy
What personally stayed with me was the depth and honesty of the discussions.
When experienced professionals openly discuss real challenges, failures,
innovation bottlenecks, and future opportunities, it becomes a masterclass
beyond any presentation deck.
๐ A
special thanks to Harveer
Sahni for creating such a meaningful platform and bringing together the
right minds under one roof.
๐
Congratulations also to Pawandeep
Sahni for conceptualizing and moderating the retreat with tremendous energy
and clarity.
You don’t just exchange ideas — you create direction for the industry; It was a privilege to participate in the Future of Pack – Brainstorming Retreat, an exceptional gathering of some of the most forward-thinking minds across the packaging ecosystem. What stood out was not only the depth of discussion, but the quality of perspectives being shared across sustainability, smart packaging, consumer experience, supply chain resilience, technology integration, and the evolving strategic role of packaging in business growth. The conversations reflected a clear reality — the future of packaging will be driven by collaboration, innovation, agility, and collective intelligence.
My sincere gratitude to Harveer Sahni for envisioning and building such a high-impact platform that encourages meaningful industry dialogue beyond conventional conferences. Special appreciation Pawan Sahni for curating and moderating the retreat with remarkable clarity, energy, and purpose. Forums like these are critical for accelerating transformation across the packaging industry and inspiring the next wave of innovation-led growth. Proud to be part of an ecosystem that continues to challenge convention and collectively shape the future of packaging.
Compiled and put together from individual messages received and Linkedin posts, by Harveer Sahni, Chairman Weldon Celloplast Ltd. New Delhi with support from Labels and Labeling UK. May 2026
No comments:
Post a Comment