Key Takeaways: Packaging Innovations Show 2015

Bringing together industry leaders from across the packaging landscape, this year's Packaging Innovations event in Birmingham (February 25-26) showcased a plethora of design innovation. Key themes include packaging for on-the-go consumers, dual functionality, waste reduction and personalisation.

"On-the-go food packaging – in all types of specifications – is an area where lots of innovation is happening. All food packaging companies are looking to mobile food." Eric Dauer, Director of Sales, Coveris (packaging solutions company)

• E-Z Snackpak, developed by global packaging company Ampac, is a new pyramid-shaped packaging format for the single-serve snack-food market. Once opened, the packaging transforms into a makeshift tray, adding dual functionality. 

• Global packaging solutions company Coveris has developed a range of on-the-go food packaging that prioritises minimal packaging waste. The company has designed a range of salad pots. Each pot features a hole at the top, which can be used to push dressing into before closing and shaking. Coveris has also created plastic fruit and salad bowls that feature air vents underneath and handles for easy transportation. For children, a range of brightly coloured, on-the-go packaging options in fun shapes – such as spaceships and rockets – encourage healthy eating. 

• German packaging firm Südpack has created an oblong-shaped package that allows for solid items to be packaged on the inside, with liquids in the outer layer. The company is currently unsure what the packaging will be used for, but predicts that food and beverage brands will be interested in the design. 

• With many brands using personalised packaging to engage consumers on an emotional level, a clutch of bespoke solutions were highlighted at the event. These included UK crisp company Walkers featuring consumers' names and messages on the front of packs; Scottish soft drink Irn-Bru's clan packaging, made especially for Burns Night; and Heinz's Alphabetti tins that feature quotes from well-known Aesop's fables. 

• During his talk 'A Snapshot of the Packaging Industry', Philip Chadwick, news editor of UK trade magazine Packaging News, emphasised the challenges surrounding food labelling. He suggests brands should work on allergen-specific information in a bid to avoid confusing terminology and jargon. 

For a deeper look at current food labelling concerns, look out for our forthcoming report Key Directions in Food Labelling. For more on packaging solutions that enhance functionality, see Packaging Futures: New Formats, Packaging to Survive Modern Life and In-Transit Packaging.