TRADE FAIRS | 25 November 2024
Ecology, Innovation, and the Future of the Packaging Industry – TAROPAK 2024 Wraps Up
For three days, the International Poznań Fair became a hub for knowledge exchange, experience sharing, and innovation, bringing together representatives from the packaging and e-commerce sectors. The key themes of this year’s TAROPAK Fair included recycling, sustainability, brand building, and digitalization. The event attracted industry leaders and innovators alike, offering inspiring lectures and presentations of cutting-edge technologies.
Modern Machines and Packaging Solutions
The TAROPAK 2024 exhibition showcased market leaders in automation, presenting advanced and versatile packaging machines as well as equipment for producing packaging materials. Visitors explored ergonomic packaging lines and innovative packaging materials, along with finished products and cutting-edge technologies that captured their attention.
The packaging zone featured companies offering products made from diverse materials, including corrugated cardboard, foil, glass, and wood. Visitors also discovered reusable pallets and wooden pallet collars in various sizes, as well as a variety of packaging fillers for product transportation.
The fair also included a labeling section, where industry leaders exhibited machines and materials for label production and printing. Alongside these displays, the University of the Arts Poznań’s Packaging Design Studio presented an exhibition of modern, functional, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing packaging designed by students.
Eco-Friendly Packaging Revolution
This year’s event emphasized sustainable approaches to packaging design and production. The panel discussion, “Creativity and Responsibility: Eco-Design in the Circular Economy”, organized by the Polish Chamber of Packaging and the Polish Chamber of Recovery and Recycling of Packaging, gathered experts to discuss the importance of recycling and biodegradable packaging solutions.
A major topic was Poland’s upcoming deposit return system, set to launch in 2025. The showcased “Recyclomat,” an innovative device developed by Łukasiewicz–Poznań Institute of Technology, symbolized technological support for eco-friendly initiatives. Despite economic and infrastructural challenges, experts agreed that the future belongs to reusable and easily recyclable packaging materials.
E-Commerce and Digital Transformation
On the second day, the TAROPAK E-COMMERCE Conference focused on innovation in the e-commerce sector. Key presentations highlighted the role of packaging in building brand identity and customer loyalty. Speakers, such as Marcin Dudek from DTW Logistics Group, emphasized that packaging serves as a company’s business card, with its design, material, and aesthetics significantly influencing the customer experience.
Sustainability and digital transformation were prominent themes in logistics discussions. Justyna Białoszewska from YORK PL presented a case study on implementing circular economy principles, while Paweł Forystek from Sente S.A. discussed the digitalization of logistics processes, showcasing how modern technologies reduce errors and enhance warehouse efficiency.
The conference concluded with the prestigious TAROPAK E-COMMERCE AWARDS, recognizing innovative approaches to packaging and customer service. Winners included:
- First place: Krzysztof Wieczorek (Diabetyk24) for a presentation on quality costs in e-commerce operations.
- Second place: Bartosz Jurga for his talk on building a community around a brand, emphasizing creative customer engagement.
- Third place: Karolina Czochór-Banyś and Jakub Świętek (Smurfit Westrock) for their presentation on innovative packaging design.
Advanced Technologies and Flexographic Printing
The final day focused on flexographic printing, with the Polish Chamber of Flexography hosting a session titled “Flexography in Packaging: The Perfect Combination.” Specialists gained practical insights into optimizing this advanced printing technique.
Awards and Networking
The fair also celebrated innovation through a gala recognizing standout products and companies. The TAROPAK Gold Medal was awarded to:
- AquaStop™ by SMURFIT KAPPA POLSKA Sp. z o.o.
- SafeClick packaging by TFP Sp. z o.o.
- Sonopost paper protection profiles by SONOCO - ALCORE Sp. z o.o.
The Gold Medal Consumer Choice Award went to SONOCO – ALCORE for their innovative Sonopost profiles.
The Acanthus Aureus awards, honoring exceptional booth designs, were presented to TFP Sp. z o.o., Supertape Polska Sp. z o.o., and Polcom Przemysław KIMLA.
During the opening gala, jubilees were celebrated:
- “Packaging Polska” for 25 years in the publishing market.
- The Polish Screen and Digital Printing Association and the Polish Chamber of Packaging for 30 years of industry contributions.
The Evening Networking Party brought together exhibitors, speakers, and guests, fostering a relaxed atmosphere for exchanging ideas, forming new partnerships, and discussing the future challenges of the industry.
TAROPAK 2024: Where Innovation Meets Sustainability
This year’s TAROPAK proved that the packaging sector is evolving rapidly, focusing on sustainable development, technology, and creativity. The event inspired participants to adopt innovative solutions that not only meet market demands but also address the needs of future generations.