Pakko founder and CEO Nina Nguyen will deliver a keynote speech at the inaugural Packaging Forum in Sydney sharing the company’s growth and acquisition strategies.

The ProPack Packaging Forum will take place at Shangri-La during the day on Friday 25 October, alongside the FESPA Australia Conference and prior to the 2024 ProPrint Awards later that evening.

Nguyen’s presentation, sponsored by Kissel & Wolf, will provide further insights into the opportunities and challenges facing the sector as well as more information on the recent acquisition of Boxes R Us, formerly known as CraftPak.

In her submission to the labels and packaging Leaders Forum, published by ProPack earlier this year, Nguyen noted recent growth in the sector driven by technological advancements, a notable shift towards digital production, increased automation, and a heightened focus on sustainable practices.

She also highlighted challenges including skilled labour shortages, inflation, and evolving customer demands. These challenges prompted many business leaders to revise their strategies, focusing on operational efficiency and sustainability.

In her article, Nguyen said she has noticed a trend towards businesses reshoring to local production, as cost and timelines were becoming a concern.

She believes sustainability isn’t just about using eco-friendly materials such as biodegradable packaging and recyclable materials but also implementing sustainable practices.

Nguyen’s key industry predictions include:

• Continued growth in digital production: A shift towards digital production is likely to continue. There will need to be flexibility in design and productions and the ability to quickly adapt to market changes and consumer demands.
• Increased automation: Enhancing operational efficiency, reducing manual errors, and shortening production timelines.
• Sustainability: Companies will likely innovate further in developing environmentally friendly packaging solutions, such as biodegradable materials and processes that minimise waste and energy consumption.
• Reshoring of production: There might be an increased trend towards local production or reshoring, as companies seek to mitigate supply chain risks
• Challenges in skilled labour: This could lead to increased investment in training and development, as well as the exploration of new technologies to offset labour shortages.
• Technology advancement: In areas like digital printing, smart packaging and sustainable materials.

Nguyen’s highlights the following industry challenges:  

• Supply chain vulnerabilities: The industry could face supply chain disruptions, which can affect the availability of raw materials and lead to increased costs. This includes the risks associated with global logistics and dependence on specific suppliers or regions.  
• Cost pressures and economic fluctuations: Fluctuations in the economy, such as inflation or recession, can impact consumer spending and thus affect the demand for packaging solutions.  
• Competition and market saturation: Intense competition, both locally and globally, can pressure margins and market share. Innovating and differentiating products in a saturated market can be challenging.  

To foster growth and improvement in the next 12 months, she believes the labels and packaging industry should focus on several key strategies:

• Embrace digital transformation: Continuously invest in and adopt digital technologies for production. This includes digital printing, automation of workflows, and integration of software solutions for design and manufacturing. Digital transformation can increase efficiency and allow for greater customisation and flexibility in production.
• Innovate in sustainable practices: Given the increasing consumer and regulatory emphasis on sustainability, the industry should focus on developing and using environmentally friendly materials, such as biodegradable or recyclable packaging.   
• Focus on customer-centric innovation: Stay attuned to changing customer needs and preferences. This includes offering personalised and customisable packaging options and being responsive to feedback and market demands.  
• Build strategic partnerships: Collaborate with technology providers, material suppliers, and other stakeholders to drive innovation and efficiency in the industry.

Click here to purchase tickets to the Packaging Forum on Friday 25 October at Shang-ri La Sydney.

The inaugural ProPack Packaging Forum would not be possible without the support from its sponsors:

Platinum Sponsor – Durst Oceania

Gold Sponsor – Cyber

Gold Sponsor – Miraclon

Bronze Sponsor – Hybrid Software

Bronze Sponsor – Kissel & Wolf

Bronze Sponsor – Koenig & Bauer

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