Close×

Big international brands are signing up to speak and participate in the upcoming Active & Intelligent Packaging Industry Association (AIPIA) World Congress, being held in association with AWA Associates at the Novotel RAI, Amsterdam on 18-19 November 2024.

Unilever, Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, MSD Merck, AB InBev, Vion Food Group, Tetra Pak as well as retail group Auchan and online retail giant Amazon have already signed on for the event.

This year has seen a surge in interest for intelligent connected packaging and technologies to reduce food waste, improve supply chain efficiency and traceability, and tap into better consumer engagement possibilities.

Key themes will be smart sustainability and the collection and use of data – vital to helping brands connect with and understand consumer needs.

AIPIA World Congress is the established meeting place for the seekers and providers of smart packaging technologies. It holds a unique position as the only event where the complete ‘world’ of smart packaging technologies are represented – active and intelligent – and provides unrivalled networking and ‘hands-on’ demonstrations.

The Congress also offers technology providers the chance to collaborate and cooperate to bring complete end-to-end solutions to the market faster.

As well as keynotes from brand owners on ‘hot’ topics, including AI, a number of panels featuring a cross section of brands and technology providers will explore themes, such as the future trajectory of smart packaging innovation and the role of new technologies in preventing food waste.

Four themes will add focus to the expert presentation agenda: Smart Packaging for Sustainability; Driving Innovation in Connected Packaging; Powering Supply Chains & Data Management; and Food Safety and Security.

Already an impressive list of speakers is taking shape, and more details will emerge as these are confirmed.

To end the Congress on a high note the famous Brand Owner Challenge will round out the agenda on day two, where 12 smart technology providers will pitch ideas to a brand owner who is looking for a particular solution – it can be marketing, brand protection, supply chain optimisation or data collection – using smart packaging.

Companies have just three minutes to pitch their ideas and convince the brand to explore it further.

Another feature of this year’s Congress will be the first plenary meeting of the Smart Food Chain (SFC) project – an EU-funded program initiated by AIPIA, technology scouts Packz, consultants Berenschot, and coordinators T-Systems.

The full consortium, comprising more than 40 companies – several of them major brand owners – will hold a plenary session, as well as taking an active part in the full Congress.

“There is a real buzz about the build-up to this year’s Congress and so many brands have already told us they want to be there,” said Eef de Ferrante, MD of AIPIA.

“The format is ideal to create the kind of organised chaos which is a hallmark of the AIPIA event and brings it energy, innovation and stimulates collaboration. We look forward to welcoming old friends and new.”

To learn more or register to attend click here.

Food & Drink Business

The Senate Economics Committee has rejected the Food Donations Bill that proposed a tax offset for companies donating excess food to food relief agencies rather than dumping it. While the bill had the potential to deliver the equivalent of 100 million meals to food relief organisations, the committee said it had “serious concerns” including the bill’s “generous” tax concessions. Food relief agencies and social welfare organisations have questioned the committee’s decision to reject the bill outright rather than make recommendations for amendments.  

The winners of the 62nd annual Australian Export Awards were announced in Canberra yesterday, featuring three winners from the food sector – including dessert manufacturer Frosty Boy Global, in the Agribusiness, Food and Beverages category.

Mondelēz International has appointed Toby Smith as President Japan, Australia and New Zealand, with the incumbent, Darren O’Brien, appointed Global Chief Corporate and Government Affairs officer.