Great discussions with engaged and knowledgeable peers, I left with new insights.
Head of Brand & Portfolio, Fazer Bakery Sweden
The Summit brought together some great speakers, giving several angles on the topics that are currently challenging packagers, brands and retailers. Having both the wider trend picture and also technical expertise on specific solutions really helped to focus the event onto some insightful sessions
Global Packaging Insights Director, Mintel
The range of speakers was excellent and the talks exceptionally well presented. It was a very valuable opportunity to meet up and network with both old and new contacts which is always important. It also enables me to visit Amsterdam which is one of my favourite cities!
Senior Lecturer, Newcastle University
Luis Arévalo
Kellogg Company
Packaging Engineering / Sustainability & Innovation Director for the Latin-America business
Hans van Bochove
The Coca-Cola Company
Head of Public Policy Center | Chairman of the European Organisation for Packaging & Environment
Anna is a Design and Product Development Engineer and graduated with a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from Linköping University, Sweden in 2021. During her studies, Anna worked at IDUN Minerals on different assignments, from marketing to design projects. Since 2021, Anna has taken on a role as CSR Manager at IDUN Minerals and is the Packaging Sustainability Transformation Project Leader, supervising the transition to more sustainable packaging for more than 200 cosmetic product references. With a strong interest in design and sustainability, Anna is taking on the challenge of making sustainability the new luxury.
Armin von Keitz is the Sustainability Manager for Tata Steel in Europe. Armin works within the Packaging sector on all packaging-related sustainability issues including recycling, Life Cycle Performance of steel, food waste reduction and ethical sourcing. He has a background in Chemistry and a PhD in Material Science.
Mr. Ashwani Kumar is currently Chief Technologist for Design & Packaging for India’s leading consumer goods company ITC Limited. He has over 29 years of in-depth experience in the area of Design, Packaging, Materials and related Machinery. His key competency is in putting together Design Strategy and ensuring an end to end solution working with a large cross functional team. He has been the chairman of the AsiaPack Summit for last three consecutive years. A key expert and with a flair for speaking, he has been a speaker at various international forums in the area of Packaging and Graphics Design. For the past several years, he has been the keynote speaker at the prestigious EuroPack Summit at Cannes and Monaco. He has also been a speaker at the International Holographic Conference, World Packaging Summit etc. His Contribution has also been in terms of a several write ups for ‘The Economic Times’ wherein he has enunciated theories and perspectives related to Design, the ‘T’ principle being one of them. He has been a member of the prestigious ‘India Design Council’ and has been contributing in his various capacities for Design propagation. An avid traveller and a keen photographer, Mr Kumar is one of the first in the country to start Nordic walking and has been propagating the benefits in his own way. Mr. Kumar’s mantra “Nothing is impossible”.
Benjamin brings over 17 years of experience in the packaging world, and 15 years creating and delivering packaging based market insight. During this time, Benjamin has worked with global clients big and small, and has been a regular speaker at international conferences. Benjamin has been with Mintel since 2012. In his current role as Global Packaging Insights Director, he is responsible for creating and delivering Mintel’s packaging content. Benjamin also leads the delivery of bespoke packaging insights, focusing on the specific packaging needs of Mintel’s clients.
Chemical engineer from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. Master’s degree in molecular science and technology. Started master thesis project with the Royal Institute of Technology and IDUN Minerals in 2014. The purpose of the project was to study the surface of the nail, its composition and the effect from using products on it. The project resulted in IDUN Minerals nail polish collection, launched spring 2015. Since then in charge of all product development project at IDUN Minerals and from the beginning of 2018 also the director for all international sales. Aside from education in chemistry, Caroline also trained makeup artist.
Brazilian citizen, current serving as Sr. Packaging Specialist of Ambev (ABInBev South America Operation), based in Rio de Janeiro/Brazil, part of Packaging Community at ABInBev.
More than 10 years dedicated to Packaging Development, leading projects in Value Engineering, Quality & Performance Improvement. Since 2020 focused in Disruptive Innovation and Sustainability scouting process and projects, to support targets of the company to deliver circular and innovative packaging, allowing enhanced experiences for consumers and sustainable packages for ecosystem.
Since 2008 at Ambev, served as Quality & Environmental Manager at labels printer vertical operation, and later lead development projects for Quality & Value Engineering at Vertical Operations (Paper and OPP Labels, Crowns, Shrink Film & Glass Bottles).
In 2014 joined the LATAM R&D to lead projects in Secondary Packaging (focus in polymer and paper packages) and also technical projects leader for Central America & Caribbean Region of Ambev (primary and secondary packages). Besides this role, was Packaging development leader for BBlend, Join Venture of Ambev & Whirlpool that produces complete solution for beverage in PS capsules.
Holds MBA in Business Management & Market Intelligence, and Materials Engineering Graduate degree.
Senior Marketing Manager Elly has built up her marketing experience with Packamama & Garçon Wines, best known for eco-flat wine bottles. Now in her fourth year of working with the company, she has been part of the growth in adoption of this innovative packaging format from just after its market launch to the millionth bottle sold. Most recently, she has led the launch of Packamama, the dedicated climate tech packaging spin-off from Garçon Wines. Motivated by being part of creating a better future for both the planet and the wine industry, Elly brings creative flair and enthusiasm to the marketing streams of both business lines, which are on a mission to expand the impact of more sustainable wine packaging fit for a 21st century world.
Erika Ollen’s experience ranges from strategic marketing to brand consulting and design, always for the food related industries and very often with a health/nutritional and/or educational focus. Erika is a skilled chef with insights in product development and communication. She has more often than not ran her own projects and initiatives. For the past four years she has been part of running the innovative beverage company Caliente Beverages, being head of Marketing. Their drink range has received great international recognition, incl. “Best New Adult Drink” at World Beverage Innovation Awards. Extensive dialogue with the market made the team identify the gap for NA spirits early on, thus developing Gnista – the first non alcoholic spirit truly resembling a fine spirit. Gnista’s first flavour, Floral Wormwood, was launched Autumn 2019.
Hans van Bochove is Head of Public Policy Center at The Coca-Cola Company Europe. Amongst his responsibilities is the company’s packaging and recycling policy.
He joined the Coca-Cola system in 1998 serving as Director Public Affairs and Communications in The Netherlands for nine years. In this capacity he was responsible for the company’s transition from refillable to non-refillable / recyclable PET bottles. He also developed a sustainable policy and published the first public societal report within the Coca-Cola system.
From 2007 to 2011, Hans was Director Public Affairs, Communications and CSR at Starbucks Coffee Company for the Europe, Middle-East and Africa region.
He then returned to Coca-Cola as Vice-President Public Affairs Europe and since March 2017 also serves as Chairman of the European Organization for Packaging and Environment (EUROPEN).
Hans holds a master degree in Business Administration from the Erasmus University Rotterdam / Rotterdam School of Management.
With a general background in Graphic arts, John has held different sales and marketing management positions, developing a high interest and experience in solutions and workflows for Brand Owners and Retailers. Solving complex business and process challenges, to deliver optimal efficiency, by using best practices processes with cutting edge technology.
Jo Chidley is a circular economy expert, chemist, herbal botanist, and co-founder of Beauty Kitchen, the highest scoring B Corp in the UK beauty industry. Founded in 2014, Jo has set out to change the face of the beauty industry by creating the most effective, natural, and sustainable beauty products in the world.
Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of sustainable beauty, Jo is championing a Reuse Revolution through sustainable innovation by implementing Cradle to Cradle design into Beauty Kitchen’s circular approach. Among her achievements and award accolades, Jo has been instrumental in developing the world’s first closed-loop solution for beauty packaging and has powered the service behind the ground-breaking Return•Refill•Repeat programme & Refill Stations. Thanks to her leadership, Beauty Kitchen is recognised on the UK’s 50 Most Disruptive Companies list and has won numerous industry awards, including ‘Who’s Who in Natural Beauty’.
Kamila is an award-winning professional with 20+ years of experience as a Category Strategist for global brands such as Ferrero, Pepsi or Britivic. Co-founder of Kolibri Drinks, the world’s first packaged drinks with bespoke flavours and control of ingredients which became the UK’s most awarded beverage innovation in 2019/20. Author of the Amazon bestseller ‘Bespoke’, and a leading F&B blogger, Kamila’s work over the years has attracted over 100k+ industry followers.
Kamila is also the co-founder of Dexos, packaging technology company on a mission to tackle plastic pollution by reimagining packaging and reinventing products to minimise size and weight. Dexos proprietary multi-dosing cap closures offer revolutionary integration of packaging for complementary liquid products which drastically reduce the impact on the environment at all stages of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
Chemical Engineer with specialty in materials. Over 10 years experience in pharmaceutical and cosmetic business, most of them related to Packaging Engineer positions.
Being part of Korres for the last 8 years, contributing to technical support on research and development of packaging materials related to new product launches.
Motivated by participating in implementation of innovative ideas. Such as latest Korres lab-Recycle Lab, of which we are very proud as brand because completes Korres full circle path.
Ilkka Harju, Packaging Design Director, is leading the Metsä Board’s packaging design team responsible for the European and Asian markets. Before joining Metsä Board in 2018, he was responsible for packaging design and innovation needs for various companies. Harju is renowned for pushing design boundaries by working collaboratively with other designers and technology experts. He constantly advocates the role of responsible design, technology and renewable raw materials as a tool for a healthier environment. In 2017 Harju received a Worldstar Award for his jewelry packaging design.
Krzysztof Krajewski is currently Director Packaging Sustainability – Hygiene in Reckitt based in Amsterdam - Schiphol. The aim for this role is focusing on two functional areas: Regional-Global Sustainability – where a key to success is rapid implementation of multiple projects that fit local, individual countries recycling rules and sourcing complexity with launches at scale with meaningful volumes that have a tangible impact on delivery towards Reckitt 2025 sustainability pledge. The other functional area is Sustainable Packaging Innovation and Polymer Science (both embedded within R&D functions) which are facing towards future of recycling methodologies, next generation renewable and bio degradable replacement materials. Krzysztof started his career 20 years ago in plastics processing industry (converter in blow-moulding, injection moulding) and one of the first recycling plants in Poland. After moving to FMCG sector and joining Reckitt 15 years, ago Krzysztof embarked on his professional trip across several geographies as Regional Packaging Manager in Singapore, Cluster Packaging Manager in Venice area and lastly as Head of Packaging Innovation (Home) and most recently as Director of Packaging Sustainability in The Netherlands – HQ of Reckitt’s Hygiene business unit.
Laura Rudoe set up Good Ventures in 2008 as an ethical development company with the mission to create new organic personal care brands that make a difference. A former Management Consultant and Venture Capitalist, Laura holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and was a founding employee of NUDE skincare - so was well equipped to face the challenges of starting a skincare business.
Laura is a passionate advocate of ethical and environmentally friendly business as well as natural and sustainable living. Her deep appreciation for nature is at the heart of everything she does.
Lucile has 10 years of experience in managing packaging design, artwork, and prepress production for Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG), with a strong focus on process efficiency and continuous improvement. She has formed and led teams for top global players in the food, retail, and beauty industries.
Her expertise lies in adapting the packaging development process to top market needs: sustainability, time-to-market, efficiency, and creative innovation - leading to stronger brand identity and customer personalization.
Luis Arévalo has collaborated in the last 29 years with CPG companies in the fields of personal care, home care and food, global organizations like Kimberly Clark / Colgate-Palmolive and Kellogg, He is an Industrial Designer with a master’s degree in marketing and Innovation, he combines experiences in the areas of Packaging Engineering, Sustainability, Industrial & Graphic Design and printing, true believer that Design drives Innovation, Innovation powers brand; Brand builds loyalty and loyalty sustains profits.
From his unique perspective as a Designer, He is particularly interested in investigating how to develop and implement Innovation in complex organizations like CPG´s bringing more human centric approach thru Design, technology, and business strategy with focus in elevate the Packaging Consumer experience.
Luis is going to publish his book “Innovation against the bureaucratic Octopus" in November 2022 sharing his 29 year experience as a Designer & Innovator working with CPG companies.
Luis Carlos Chacón leads the BusinessCase team, a Boutique-Global-Firm that works with multinational FMCG's identifying emerging and future business opportunities. Also, has been a columnist for Forbes Latin America for several years, and currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Global Business at the University of Oxford (where previously graduated in Strategy and Innovation), his educational background also includes studies at Stanford, The University of Manchester, and Houston University. In business, he has worked for more than eighteen years for the global and regional operations of FMCG’s such as The Coca-Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive, Diageo, Kellogg’s, Unilever, AB InBev among many others. Global traveller, eternal student, avant-garde thinker, business consultant, writer, and researcher, related to topics such as economics, storytelling, investment, retail, futures, semiotics, creativity, business competitive, globalization strategy, design thinking and behavioural sciences.
Mark, CEO of Nature Force Technologies AG and Global Sales Director of ViCAP Systems Global AG, with experience in Israel and internationally, is part of management board of joint venture of 2 companies:
Natasha is a Utrecht-based analyst working for the F&A Packaging & Logistics team.
Prior to joining Rabobank, Natasha worked as a Markets and Supply Chains researcher at LEI Wageningen University. In this position, she conducted research on a wide range of F&A sectors, such as poultry and dairy, as well as on a number of overarching food supply chain themes, like food safety.
Natasha started her career in 1999 as Quality Assurance Manager at a baby food production plant (part of Royal Numico) in Moscow. From there, she moved to the Netherlands to work on her Ph.D. at Wageningen University, focusing on the economics of food safety and traceability in the Dutch dairy chain. During this period, she was also a visiting researcher in the US and Australia. In addition to her Ph.D., Natasha holds a MSc in Agricultural Economics from the Russian State Agricultural University (Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy).
His entire career Pieter has been working in international business development and account management roles in the printing, packaging and supply chain management industry with the main focus on international hardware and software suppliers, publishing houses, telecom providers and CPG’s. Currently he holds a strategic account management position Global Brand Team at X-Rite Pantone in which he is supporting Global Brands to develop, implement, manage and sustain their digital color workflow and print quality program for their entire packaging supply chain.
Tim is the Sustainability & ESG Director for AB InBev – the world leading brewer – in Europe. He previously was the Corporate Affairs Manager for AB InBev in Europe and before that Tim spent 8 years with EY in the sustainability consulting department working on packaging collection & recycling systems. Tim holds a Master in Law and in Management.
Victoria has over 30 year’s experience in packaging graphics and marketing production specifically focusing on retail and CPG clients. Her expertise is for the implementation and management of global accounts for design, artwork, prepress and technology solutions. She is driven to strive for best-in-class process, innovation and helping clients deliver their business objectives and values.