In 2022, both e-commerce sales and parcel volumes softened materially. Is this a temporary blip or are there broader shifts in consumer channel preferences? Consumers are spending a significant amount of time opening their e-commerce parcels. Why is the consumer “unboxing” experience considered “marketing gold”? Innovation has helped fulfillment centers to increase efficiency and automation, enabled by in-the-box protective packaging and securement packaging solutions. What are the most significant challenges facing fulfillment center operators today? We’ll explore these topics and more, including a discussion of the outlook in e-commerce and potential winners over the next 10 years.

Moderator: Jeff Cloetingh | Managing Director, L.E.K. Consulting

Panelists:

Sustainability remains a top-of-mind issue for operators across the packaging value chain as brand owners place renewed emphasis on measuring progress against sustainability objectives. As part of this commitment, many brand owners are taking a closer look at the broader range of coatings, adhesives, sealants, inks, additives, and other materials that comprise its products. What role do specialty materials play in innovation, improving packaging performance, and supporting progress against brand owners packaging sustainability objectives? This panels focuses on the evolution of specialty materials and their current and potential future role as a catalyst for innovation and sustainability across the packaging ecosystem.

Moderator: Amanda Davis Winters | Managing Director, L.E.K. Consulting

Panelists:

COVID-19 led to unprecedented supply chain disruptions and raw materials volatility as brand owners and converters were forced to reimagine sourcing strategies. As inflationary pressure persists and supply conditions continue to normalize, brand owners are re-evaluating what ‘optimal’ supply chains look like and leveraging lessons learned. Brand owners across the size spectrum are electing to manage their supply chains and converters in new and different ways to capitalize on the new market reality. In this panel, we’ll focus on how brand owners think about their supply chains and the current challenging procurement dynamics in the post-COVID world and how converters can adapt to meet their evolving demands. 

Moderator: Jon | Managing Director, L.E.K. Consulting

Panelists: