In 2010 Smithers Pira launched it's flagship Packaging conference - the Pira Packaging Summit. The unique format of the Summit was designed for senior decision-makers and strategists and provided an excellent platform for assessing current drivers and future scenarios. For 2011 the Pira Packaging Summit once again brought together the global packaging industry's senior leadership and an"excellent mix of packaging industry professionals" (Robert Herridge, Packology) to discuss all of the issues that are set to shape the future of the packaging sector.

Delegates at the Pira Packaging Summit enjoyed high quality presentations from a range of packaging experts across the value chain of "very good and inspiring content" (Jori Ringman-Beck, CEPI). Highlights of the conference included an opening presentation from Teodor Todorov of Morgan Stanley setting the macro-economic scene and Timothy Burns (Cranial Capital) putting packaging into perspective and detailing what was needed to give the packaging industry a "makeover". Another highlight of this morning session included an interactive panel discussion, which gave delegates a chance to debate future challenges and the outlook for the industry.

Parallel tracks focusing individually on the plastics and paperboard material markets, featured a comprehensive view of the megatrends affecting the global plastics packaging industry from Dow and an interesting insight into Nestle's perspective on the impact of sustainability, followed by more opportunities for debate. Whilst day two included a thought provoking presentation from Dorothy MacKenzie at Dragon Rouge in the food and drink end use track and an in-depth case study from Procter and Gamble in the parallel consumer products track.

In the final plenary session of the conference, delegates were informed of the bigger picture and developments in BRIC markets, showcasing two companies from this region Ankit Packaging and Thong Guan. Finally Smithers Pira awarded their Thought Leadership Award to Paulo Correia, R&D Director of Logoplaste and Paulo delivered an insightful presentation to round off proceedings.

With high quality presentations from the leading brand owners, packaging converters, analysts and Smithers Pira's expert consultants, Pira's Packaging Summit 2011 was a must attend event for Smithers Pira members and the packaging community alike.