March 3rd 2011:
Neil Farmer  was a Keynote Speaker at Easyfairs International Brand Summit, Packaging Innovations 2011, NEC, Birmingham, February 16th. Extending The Shelf Life: Innovation Is The Future for Packaging Producers and Brand Owners.

Summary of talk: Innovations in Packaging for Extended Shelf Life will be a key driver over the next 5-10 years. The speed of  implementation will depend on the  pace of the economic recovery.

 

 The areas in Active and Intelligent Packaging where innovative developments will be occurring include: Time Temperature Indicators(TTI`s),Barrier Films, Coatings and Additives, Thermochromic Inks, Biodegradable and Compostable Materials.

 

The demand for recycled PET will continue to increase. Capacity is coming on-stream to process and recycle PET bottles but there is a shortage of raw material coming onto the market.There is a move in some food and drink markets from glass to lighterweight plastics alternatives.

 

The demand for Pouch packs will continue to rise, benefiting from the trend towards eat-on- the-go- foods and convenience.

 

Major consumer goods manufacturers are setting far -reaching sustainability goals and objectives. Material reductions and a Total Sustainability Vision will be an essential part of the future.

 

Implementation of nanotechnologiies in consumer goods  markets could grow globally. UK applications over the next 5 years will be dependent on Regulatory issues, Safety issues and the "cost versus innovation equation".

 

To obtain more information on any of the subjects covered in Neil`s presentation , please use the Contact Us page.

February 25th 2010:
Neil Farmer presents at Easyfairs Brand Summit, Packaging Innovations 2010, NEC, Birmingham.

Summary of talks:

  • The Plastics Packaging Presentation evaluated the current position regarding innovations and new technological developments and their impact on future materials usage.
  • Neil highlighted the fragile recovery in the European Flexible Packaging Market and the consequences this would have on the take-up of new ideas and developments.
  • He spoke about the continuing growth of Standing Pouches and the phenomenal success they have achieved in Europe and globally.
  • Innovative flexible packaging developments were assessed including Innovia Films Nature Flex NK material and other biopolymer films.
  • Neil evaluated the whole market for Intelligent and Smart Packaging and concluded by assessing the future of Nanotechnology.

The Paper and Paperboard Presentation dealt when the following important issues:

  • Material reduction and the likely impact in the paperboard sector.
  • Sustainability and the enviromental benefits of cartons and cartonboard, when compared to plastics.
  • The use of Intelligent packaging, including Irreversible Thermochromic Technology and Time-Temperature Indicators
  • The projected growth of Smart and Active Packaging and its likely impact in the global packaging market

To obtain more information on any of the subjects covered in Neil`s authoritative and comprehensive presentations , please use the Contact Us page.

December 2009:
Neil Farmer was a leading speaker at 2 international conferences organized by Pira international.


The events were held at Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ireland.

Neil gave presentations on "Plastic Packaging Trends and Impact on Materials Usage" and "Paper Packaging Trends and Impact on Materials Usage."

  • The Plastics market presentation highlighted key factors in the Food Contact sector, including the continuous growth of Smart Packaging and the benefits of Intelligent Packaging such as Time Temperature Indicators.
  • Neil evaluated active packaging systems such as Product Freshness Indicators.
  • He reviewed trends in the Pouch Pack market and considered exciting developments in bioplastics and biopolymer films.
  • He also evaluated the benefits of Nanotechnology in the food contact field and developments in the PET market, particularly barrier technologies.

The Paper and Paperboard presentation considered the benefits of paperboard as an environmentally proven material.

Cartonboard and paper are the most highly recycled products in Europe. Recycling rates for paper products outstrip those for plastics.

  • The presentation also looked at material reductions by many leading consumer goods companies and the added value benefits of cartonboard and cartons.
  • Neil then considered developments in Smart and Intelligent Packaging, including Irreversible Thermochromics.
  • Neil evaluated examples of high performance base papers for barrier coating, lamination and metallization by converters.

For further information on Neil`s 2 presentations, please go to the Contact Us page of the web-site and enter your details.