THE first confirmed speakers for London Packaging Week have been announced.
Taking place on 15 & 16 October at Excel London, London Packaging Week 2025 will bring together packaging and brand experts to tackle the biggest industry challenges.
With three content stages focused on beauty, drinks, food, and luxury markets, organiser Easyfairs UK said attendees will gain ‘actionable insights’ into sustainability, design, and future packaging technologies.
This year’s conference explores six key themes. From the impact of policy and governance to the fusion of creative thinking and emerging tech, the programme also tackles business resilience, sustainability, inclusive design, and evolving consumer values.
“Our speakers represent the full spectrum of the packaging world, from global brands to creative agencies, all committed to advancing the industry,” said Casey McHugh, conference & community manager at Easyfairs UK. “Each talk offers fresh ideas and practical insights, helping attendees navigate challenges and seize new opportunities. Together, these voices form a powerful conversation that will influence how packaging evolves in the years ahead.”
The programme features Frank Stephenson, the designer behind some of the world’s most iconic luxury cars, including Ferrari, McLaren, and Maserati. Frank will explore how the future of luxury packaging and design is shaped by craftsmanship, exclusivity, and innovative aesthetics. Kevin Marshall, senior creative director at Microsoft, will join him and address the need for inclusive packaging.
A session organised by the Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging will bring together Alison Bramfitt, head of packaging at Nestlé UKI, Nikki Grainge, packaging technician at Marks & Spencer, Ed Smythe, strategic account manager for Veolia, Richard Inskip, compliance & sustainability manager at EP Group, and Talia Goldman, co-chair of the Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging. Chaired by James Piper, co-host of the Talking Rubbish podcast, the panel will explore whether the current policy environment supports or slows the growth of fibre-based packaging and what regulatory and industry shifts are needed to unlock its full potential.
In the session Innovate & Inspire for Impact: Meeting the Demand for Realness and Authenticity, Stylus will explore how brands can connect with evolving consumer expectations through emotionally resonant, inclusive, and trend-aware design. Aaron Butler, global design lead at Boots – No7 Company, will join Stylus for this discussion.
Other sessions include:
- David Hodgson, founder & CEO at Zeno Wine, Laura Willoughby MBE, co-founder of Club Soda, and Leon Pullin, MD at Agua de Madre, examining how packaging helps NoLo brands differentiate in a competitive drinks market
- Ben Saltmer, head of lifestyle design at Bentley Motors, and Camille Ten Horn, artistic director at Carré Basset, unveiling Bentley BECOME — a new collaboration at the intersection of fragrance and design
- Paul Botje, museum director at the Museum of Brands, challenging the idea that innovation is a modern concept and taking attendees on a journey through packaging history to prove his case
- Arno Melchior, global packaging director at Reckitt, and Vivian Loftin, co-founder and MD at Recyda, exploring how digital tools can future-proof packaging strategies under evolving EPR rules.
Attendees can also expect to hear from Fortnum & Mason, OPRL, WRAP, PackUK, Pearlfisher, Positive Luxury, Sun Branding, Trinny London, Unilever, and others. For the up-to-date programme and full list of confirmed speakers so far, visit https://www.londonpackagingweek.com/speakers/.
Taking place on Day Two on the Luxury Stage, the Innovation Awards ceremony will celebrate breakthrough ideas and standout solutions in packaging design, sustainability, and functionality. This year, brands including Hotel Chocolat, Mondelez, Glenmorangie, Hennessy, Innocent, The Macallan, LUSH, Lindt, Pladis, Sainsbury’s, Harrods, and The Glenlivet have entered the awards.
