Michael Richmond, HAVI Global Solutions, previews his October 20th presentation on packaging trends.
Register today (last day for early registration) and save $50 on the full day conference rate of $250.
Co-founder of Packaging and Technology Integrated Solutions (PTIS), Michael Richmond is a strategic business and technical leader with 30 years of experience with consumer packaged goods companies including Kellogg's and Kraft, and both research and teaching at Michigan State University in the School of Packaging. At Focal Point, Richmond will present "Packaging Thought Leaders Insight: Changes and Trends Affecting Paper Based Products." We asked him to share a few thoughts in advance of the October 20 conference.
WIST: Briefly describe your role and the role of Packaging Technology Integrated Solutions, HAVI Global Solutions, and how it relates to the packaging industry.
Michael Richmond
Michael Richmond: My role as a Vice President of Consulting services for HAVI Global Solutions is working with executive decision makers across our industry to help them not only with the strategic direction required to advance their business forward, but also to provide that vital lens looking to the future and providing assistance with things that are going to affect their business in the years to come.
WIST: One of the areas you plan to talk about at Focal Point is "the changing consumer." What is one example of a change in consumer behavior or demand that packaging or converting enterprises should be accounting for?
Michael Richmond: Consumers are much savvier today. The rate at which technology is changing and new innovation is influencing our industry today is moving at a rate we have never seen before. Organizations need better, faster, solutions for consumers and customers. The market is demanding it.
WIST: You've been deeply involved in the packaging industry for 30 years. What is the biggest change you've noted in what is driving innovation in packaging today compared to earlier in your career?
Michael Richmond: Because of the explosive growth of technology, and the influence across every aspect of our business, packaging and technology teams need to be true collaborative business partners at the table together. Packaging is enabling new product development, where packaging is being looked at as a growth vehicle, a true brand expression, and not just something to protect the product
WIST: The word "sustainability" gets used a lot and in many different contexts. To what extent do you think the packaging industry and consumers understand this term in the same way?
Michael Richmond: Ask ten consumers what sustainability means to them, and you may get ten different answers. Even though you get a different perspective from each person, make no mistake, it is top-of-mind. We are becoming more and more sensitive to the social responsibility and transparency we all share. Consumers recognize, and are embracing that we need to be smarter and do a better job of taking care of our planet and packaging plays a key role from manufacture to distribution to disposal and now to reuse.
Early-bird registration discount applies until October 2.
Register today for $200 and save $50 off the full conference registration rate.
If you are in paper and paperboard manufacturing or converting, or supply chemicals and polymers to the paper and paperboard industries, be sure to attend this one-day conference. Brand owners and the QSR sector will also gain insights from these conference presentations.
