A MAJOR global organisation that brings together marketers, designers and packaging specialists is preparing to launch in the UK.
The Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) has been creating networking and educational opportunities for all those involved in specifying, developing or deploying packaging for the past 75 years.
Although it has over 9,000 members in 40 countries its October UK launch will mark its first formal base outside the US.
Over 50 brands, including names such as Waitrose, Cath Kidson, Samsung and Harrods, gathered at the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising in Notting Hill to hear its plans for the UK.
Kevin Vyse, director of IoPP UK, said: “One of our main priorities will be to develop an invaluable education programme for those thinking of joining the industry or new to it.
“IoPP works brilliantly in the US and its mix of training, member benefits, networking events plus global connections is something professionals in the UK will really benefit from.”
To reflect the IoPP’s role promoting learning and the exchange of ideas, at the event, Marcel Knobil, the founder of superbrands, and Tom Heap, freelance journalist & broadcaster who presents Radio 4’s Costing the Earth, gave their outlook for the packaging sector.
Patrick Farrey, executive director of the IoPP in Chicago added: “Packaging is a global issue and our members are looking for opportunities to connect with people from other parts of the world. If we start sharing, we can learn and help each other, after all, we are struggling with the same things in the US as you are in the UK.”
The next IoPP event will be taking place at the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising in Notting Hill on September 18 with speaker Karl McKeever, a world leading retail consultant, who will be discussing the future role of the retail store and the packaging industry’s likely reaction to this positioning.
Vyse added: “One of the reasons for running pre-launch events is to speak to the industry and really understand what it needs from us, as we’re determined that the IoPP will operate in a way which best serves UK professionals.”
The IoPP UK will formally launch on October 4 at easyFairs.
Image: Kevin Vyse says the development of young packaging professionals is a key priority for IoPP which is launching in the UK this October.
