Shaping the Future with Packaging 2025



 

    www.intergraf.eu | www.fta-europe.eu/

With

Shaping the Future with Packaging conference, 10-11 April 2025

Intergraf and FTA Europe, in partnership with Smithers, announced a new edition of the Shaping the Future series: Shaping the Future with Packaging. This exclusive event, which took place in Brussels on Thursday 10 April (afternoon) and Friday 11 April (morning), 2025, was a must-attend for professionals involved in the European packaging sector.

The European packaging market was thriving with innovation and creativity, and this event brought together key industry experts to discuss pivotal topics, such as:

  • Sustainability in packaging
  • Food contact materials
  • Product design innovations
  • EU policies impacting the sector
  • Label printing

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The event included insightful presentations and discussions, along with a networking dinner on the evening of Thursday, 10 April. The final conference sessions concluded Friday lunchtime, 11 April.

EXCLUSIVE MARKET REPORT

Shaping the Future with Packaging attendees will also receive the European Packaging Market Report, prepared by Smithers. This exclusive report will present a comprehensive market analysis, including the latest trends and data impacting the packaging industry. It is included in the conference package and will serve as a valuable resource for professionals across the sector.

ABOUT THE EVENT SERIES

The Shaping the Future series, organized by Intergraf in collaboration with Smithers, highlights key sub-sectors of the European print industry. Previous conferences have focused on topics like books, commercial print, magazines, and direct mail. Next year's event, co-organized by Intergraf and FTA Europe, will spotlight the growing significance of packaging. Building on the success of the Shaping the Future with Packaging event in 2023, which brought together 120 participants from nearly 20 countries, this edition continued to advance industry knowledge and collaboration.


See sponsorships opportunities here.

Key details:

  • Date: Friday, June 14th
  • Location: Grand Hotel Bucharest, Bulevardul Nicolae Bălcescu 4, București 010051, Romania

Fees:

  • Printing company belonging to Intergraf member association - 190 EUR + VAT (944 LEU)
  • Non-member printing company - 395 EUR + VAT (1964 LEU)
  • Non-member supplier company - 495 EUR + VAT (2461 LEU)
  • Intergraf Member Association Director/Board Member/employee - 0 EUR for up to 2 delegates
  • Printing company belonging to Intergraf member association - 190 EUR + VAT (944 LEU)
  • Intergraf Associate Members - 0 EUR for up to 2 delegates
  • NOPA members - 0 EUR
  • Journalist - 0 EUR

Speakers:

  • Developments in different print market segments. Sean Smyth, Print & Packaging Consultant, Smithers, UK.
  • Case Study: Studiosus: Premium communication for a premium brand with premium customers. Challenges and opportunities of print and communication (from a customer’s point of view). Boris Kochan, KOCHAN & PARTNER GmbH & Deutscher Designtag, DE.
  • Packaging & Packaging Waste and national initiatives regarding mineral oil. Christof Walter, Food Contact Manager, EuPIA, DE.
  • Case Study: The Bertelsmann approach to the carbon footprint. Mark Fabisch, Senior Director Environment, Bertelsmann, DE.
  • What is print’s place in a digital world? Manon Lassaigne, winner of the 2023 Intergraf Young Talent Award, FR.
  • Web printing in challenging times. Johannes Helmberger, Managing Director, Niedermayr, DE.
  • The transformation from a family business to part of the most important printing group in Norway, Morten Gunnarshaug, CPO, Aksell AS, NO.
  • AI and how it can affect the graphic industry. Ivs Zenne, Docent, Art Academy of Latvia, LV.
  • An overview of current and prospective conditions in the U.S. print market, Ford Bowers, CEO. PRINTING United Alliance, USA.
  • What if innovation isn't part of tomorrow? Morten Reitoft, Editor, INKISH, DK.

 

 

Photo gallery

Programme
 

Thursday, 10 April

12:30 - 14:00 - Networking lunch

14:00 - 14:05 - Conference Opening

Moderator: Joanna Stephenson, Think B2B Marketing, UK

14:05 - 14:15 - Welcome

Speakers: Intergraf & FTA Europe

14:15 - 15:00 - Market Insights: European Packaging Sector

Speaker: Jon Harper Smith, Smithers

15:00 - 15:30 - Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

Speaker: Ioannis Antonopoulos, European Commission

15:30 - 16:15 - Networking coffee break

16:00 - 16:45 - Artificial Intelligence in Packaging

Speaker: Pieter De Buysser, NXTGN, Belgium

16:45 - 17:15 - The future of packaging & the position of brands

Speaker: Peter Stael, Across-consult, Switzerland

18:30 - 21:00 - Welcome drink and dinner

Dress code: smart casual

Friday, 11 April

09:00 - 09:30 - Case study packaging printers

Speakers: Osvaldo Bosetti, Goglio, Italy & Anna Vezzali, Ghelfi, Italy

09:30 - 10:00 - Flexo market in Asia and Middle East

Speaker: Suhas Kulkarni, SOMA ENTERPRISE LTD, India

10:00 - 10:45 - Networking coffee break

10:45 - 11:15 - The label market

Speaker: Jules Lejeune, FINAT, The Netherlands

11:15 - 11:45 - Value creation for our customers

Speaker: Nicolaas Verhelst, VPK, Belgium

11:45 - 12:15 - Case Study: Diageo

Speaker: Paul Horton, Diageo, UK

 

12:15 - 12:30 - Conference Closing

12:30 - 14:00 - Networking lunch

 
Speakers
 
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Osvaldo Bosetti
Industrial Director Europe
Goglio S.p.A. Italy
Pieter De Buysser
Founder
NXTGN Belgium
Jon Harper Smith
Print consultant
Smithers United Kingdom
Paul Horton
Principal. Packaging & Graphics. Innovation R&D.
Diageo United Kingdom
Jules Lejeune
Managing Director
FINAT The Netherlands
Peter Stael
Owner and Partner
Across-consult Switzerland
Joanna Stephenson
Managing Director
Think B2B Marketing United Kingdom
Nikolaas Verhelst
Product Innovation Partner
VPK Group Belgium
Anna Vezzali
Product and Strategic Designer
Ghelfi Ondulati S.p.A. Italy
LinkedIn
Osvaldo Bosetti
Industrial Director Europe
Goglio S.p.A. Italy
Osvaldo Bosetti graduated in chemistry and began his career in Goglio in the R&D laboratories dealing with the issues of inks, adhesives, coatings in the flexible packaging sector. He has gained international experience in the Goglio group with 34 years of service. He currently holds the position of industrial director for packaging Europe and vice president of the Italian packaging institute. His knowledge background, combined with a deep understanding of production dynamics, allows him to implement efficient and sustainable processes. Bosetti is known for his results-oriented approach and his ability to lead multidisciplinary teams towards the achievement of ambitious goals. Under his direction, Goglio S.p.A. has consolidated its position in the global market, focusing on cutting-edge technologies and customized solutions for customers. In addition to his technical expertise, Bosetti is a charismatic leader, capable of inspiring and motivating his collaborators. His strategic vision and passion for the packaging industry have made Goglio S.p.A. a point of reference in the sector, contributing to the continuous evolution of the business.
Pieter De Buysser
Founder
NXTGN Belgium
Pieter De Buysser is the founder of NXTGN, a consulting company supporting organizations in the adoption of AI. With a background in computer engineering, he has extensive experience as an AI strategist and advisor. Before founding NXTGN, Pieter worked at Deloitte as a senior data and AI strategy consultant, and he also held roles in innovation strategy for various businesses. At NXTGN, Pieter supports companies across industries in navigating the complexities of AI transformation, enabling them to incorporate AI into their strategies to gain a competitive advantage. In this capacity, he advises various companies in the printing industry on AI strategy. His approach emphasizes creating business value over merely improving productivity and tackling challenges in change, governance and talent in AI transformation. In addition to his advisory work, he provides AI strategy training at institutions like Ghent University, KU Leuven Continue and others, focusing on making AI accessible to business leaders.
Jon Harper Smith
Print consultant
Smithers United Kingdom
Jon Harper Smith has over 40 years’ experience in the printing industry through his time working with Fujifilm; and extensive knowledge of industrial and package printing businesses with particular focus on industrial inkjet and flexo processes. He has a proven ability to develop complex cross border businesses involving the provision of highly technical products that meet strict end user specifications. As a print consultant for Smithers, he has worked on a number of consultancy projects, written more than 15 printing market reports and is an experienced speaker at industry conferences.
Paul Horton
Principal. Packaging & Graphics. Innovation R&D.
Diageo United Kingdom
With over 20 years of experience in senior packaging roles across the UK, Europe, and APAC, Paul has expertly bridged the gap between brand owners, agencies, and printers. Having worked with leading flexpack companies including Parkside and Coveris, he led initiatives across a broad range of sectors inc. retail, FMCG, tobacco, and pharmaceuticals, all focused on optimising product shelf appeal and delivering industry-leading print quality. Now at Diageo, Paul continues to shape the future of packaging, driving innovation in print and packaging, with a strong focus on pack personalisation and sustainability from grain to glass.
Jules Lejeune
Managing Director
FINAT The Netherlands
Studied International Economics at the Erasmus University of Rotterdam. After his graduation in 1987, Jules started as economic analyst at a bank in Amsterdam before joining Lejeune Association Management in 1990. In 2002, he took over the company from his father. Among the company’s 25 client associations, Jules has held responsibility for several international associations within the labelling and packaging industry, including, since 1998, FINAT, the European association for the label industry with over 600 members in 50 countries.
Peter Stael
Owner and Partner
Across-consult Switzerland
Peter Stael is the owner and partner of Across-consult, a company he co-founded in 2008 in Monteggio, Switzerland. With over 26 years of experience in the packaging industry, Peter comes from a family deeply rooted in this field. His expertise spans food, packaging, and retail, with a strong focus on communication, problem-solving, and sustainability. His background includes working with young adults and professionals in challenging environments, fostering collaboration and innovation. At Across-consult, he helps businesses improve communication, develop sustainable packaging solutions, and enhance market positioning. He is also a founding member of We Create Change®, an international group offering expertise in graphic design, production technology, food science, and business support. Under his leadership, Across-consult has developed sustainable solutions for international brands, including recyclable packaging and food safety innovations. Peter's work emphasizes the evolving role of packaging in consumer responsibility, supply chain transparency, and environmental impact. His company continues to push the boundaries of packaging technology, creating interactive and high-performance solutions to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry.
Joanna Stephenson
Managing Director
Think B2B Marketing United Kingdom
Joanna Stephenson is Managing Director of Think B2B Marketing, a leading international marketing and communications agency specialising in the print and packaging sectors. With over 30 years of commercial, R&D and marketing experience in the industry, she works with 35+ print and packaging OEMs, suppliers, and converters around the world in a strategic advisory role. She is also a former Director of FIAUK, a non-executive director, and a co-founder of Young People In Print, an initiative to change perceptions of the sector in order to attract and retain young talent.
Nikolaas Verhelst
Product Innovation Partner
VPK Group Belgium
Anna Vezzali
Product and Strategic Designer
Ghelfi Ondulati S.p.A. Italy
Anna Vezzali holds a Master's Degree in Integrated Product Design from Politecnico di Milano, where she completed studies focused on innovation methodologies and sustainable product development. Her academic background combines design thinking with strategic business approaches. At Ghelfi Ondulati S.p.A., a leader in Italy in corrugated packaging, Anna Vezzali has been Product and Strategic Designer since June 2023. The company's history of innovation spans from perfecting flexographic printing to pioneering the first adoption of digital printing on corrugated in Europe. Seven years ago, Ghelfi initiated a groundbreaking hybridization project, which led to the creation of a hybrid printing press that expanded capabilities in both the corrugated market and the paper flexible packaging sector, where Ghelfi has recently entered. Anna excels at bridging research and strategic marketing, leveraging her analytical skills to identify emerging market opportunities. Her collaborative approach facilitates productive partnerships between technical departments and market-facing teams. Working within Ghelfi's innovation team, she regularly engages with academic institutions and attends external events to translate insights into long-term projects and products that effectively respond to market needs within the product-system framework.