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Business Success 2015

1. Presentations at Conferences

Neil was a keynote speaker at the Packaging Innovations London Show, held at Olympia, London on September 16th. His presentation on Innovations and Future Trends in the Drinks Packaging Market was given to a packed audience keen to hear about the latest technologies and innovations in this dynamic sector, including thermochromic and photochromic inks, bioplastics, pouch packs, active and intelligent packaging and digital print.

Neil was a speaker at the Innovations in Soft and Alcoholic Drinks Conference held at Campden BRI, Chipping Camden, Gloucestershire on April 23rd . In his presentation on Trends and Innovations in Drinks Packaging Neil assessed the current state of the market, highlighting new pack developments in metal and glass packaging, bioplastics, decoration and print. He then evaluated the future of packaging innovations and their likely impact over the next 5 years.

2. Writer of Informative Articles

Throughout the year Neil writes informative and well researched articles under his “Neil Says” byline for Packaging Gazette, a leading technology and innovations magazine serving the FMCG packaging market. Topics covered this year include the continuing rise of pouch packs, why packaging is now in favour with city investors, and, following a trip to Asia, the packaging market in India and Sri Lanka.
Neil was chosen as a guest contributor to Food Online, a leading US Food Manufacturing trends Newsletter. His article was entitled: How Food and Beverage Packaging Innovations are Improving Traceability and Security. Neil discussed how the food supply chain is becoming increasingly complex and demanding in terms of regulatory requirements. Improved traceability and security is an important topic and Neil outlined how these issues can be resolved with the help of new packaging technologies.

Neil was selected as a leading contributor to the Packaging Yearbook 2015, published by Media One Communications. His article on The Dynamic Market for Bioplastics in Consumer Goods Packaging provided an insight into this growing and attractive market sector. He provided statistics and information showing how the market is forecast to grow over the next 5 years.

3. Packaging Analysis and Reviews

In the “Design Focus” feature in each issue of Packaging Gazette Neil analyses and reviews the latest packaging designs that have appeared on the market. Rating each pack out of 10 he gives his expert assessment of their design features, shelf impact, functionality, brand identity, possible improvements needed and overall performance.

All this shows how Neil Farmer Associates provide thought leadership and intelligence for the consumer goods packaging market.

February 2015:

Neil Farmer-Keynote Speaker at Packaging Innovations Show at the NEC, Birmingham, February 25th 2015

Neil`s presentation was entitled: "The Dynamic Market for Bioplastics in Consumer Goods Packaging"

Speaking to a large audience, Neil provided a comprehensive overview on all that was happening in the Bioplastics Packaging Market. He started by analysing the current market with statistics from the European Bioplastics Annual Survey. These show that all material types will gain ground,with bio-based PE and bio-based PET at the forefront. He then evaluated the global consumer goods packaging market and the forecast growth rates for all material and sectors,noting that bioplastics were growing at a more rapid rate than the market overall.

Neil commented on the commercial barriers to market growth for bioplastics, including capital, infrastructure and initial set-up costs which could at times be prohibitive. The highly successful Coca-Cola Plant Bottle , made partially from plant based materials was next assessed, as were the company`s plans for greater use of plant based packaging in the future. Developments by Tetra Pak in Brazil, using bio-based LDPE, were evaluated as were the company`s pilot scheme in Finland with the first carton made entirely from plant-based renewable packaging materials.

Companies in the UK to receive Neil`s assessment and evaluation included Innovia Films and Parkside Flexibles with their collaboration in developing two unique barrier bio-laminate structures and Parkside's new innovation strategy called "Advanced Packaging Expertise". Neil analysed the potential for new materials including Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) and the potential for other materials which are considered to have growth potential, including Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Polyhydroxyalkanoate(PHA).

He commented on the importance of EU investment in the renewable bio-based economy through the European Joint Undertaking on Bio-Based Industries (BBI). Neil next evaluated the importance of the need to improve and standardise the collection and sorting processes for PET bottles to increase plastics recycling, in the light of demanding EU recycling targets.

Developments in global markets were analysed including Coca-Cola`s plans to construct a new green plant in Harbin, China-operational in 2016. Neil concluded by saying that greater use of bioplastics with enhanced performance features will be a key part of the holistic approach to sustainability over the next 10 years.

To obtain more information on any subjects covered in Neil`s presentation please use the "Contact Us" page.

September 2014:

Thought Leadership in Consumer Goods Packaging 2014

Neil Farmer is a major player in thought leadership in the fast moving consumer goods industry.

During 2014 he has written insightful and informative articles in many publications and provided consultations on a wide variety of topics.

In September in Food Online.com he wrote an important article on Bioplastics in Food and Beverage Packaging.

In Packaging Gazette, in his regular "Neil says" column, he has:

  • Evaluated world trends in metal packaging.
  • Assessed the future of 3D printing in packaging.
  • Analysed developments in the Middle Eastern packaging market.
  • Reviewed trends in the packaging machinery market.
  • Evaluated the importance of technological change in the packaging industry.

In the Packaging Yearbook 2014, he has written authoritatively about The Growing Market for Active and Intelligent Packaging.

To get in touch with Neil to discuss research or analysis on these and any other topics please go to the Contact Us page of the website.

February 2014:

Neil Farmer - Keynote Speaker at Easyfairs Packaging Innovations Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham, February 27th 2014.

Neil`s presentation was entitled: "The Exciting Advances of Active and Intelligent Packaging"
Neil provided a stimulating talk to a large audience, keen to hear about innovations in this dynamic sector. He started off by defining active and intelligent packaging before moving on to evaluate the size of the market. He observed that there were encouraging signs that the market was now moving ahead rapidly, as the recession finally comes to an end. Neil first considered Time Temperature Indicators (TTI`s). He highlighted a Keep-It Technologies pack which has sold 1 million units in Norway. The indicator shows the actual shelf life of the product it is attached to as it reacts to time and temperature of its storage conditions, from the producer to the consumer.

Neil evaluated Viridiflex`s technology for extra shelf life. The Viridiflex laminate structure is designed by Ultimate Packaging who worked closely with Innovia Films, using Innovia`s Natureflex(TM) film.

Next for consideration was as intelligent label from Insignia Technologies, which uses colour changing inks and pigments. This pack was the winner of Best New Concept category in the UK Packaging Awards 2013. Further innovative packs for consideration included G`s Fresh Beetroot, a resealable film pack for Marks and Spencer`s fresh produce, which replaces an existing punnet lid. This was also a winner at the UK Packaging Awards in 2013 in the Consumer Convenience category.

3D printing was evaluated in the form of the Caskstrength Creative Diageo 3D whisky pack, the first time 3D printing has been used for spirits packaging.

Further innovations included Mullinix`s glass-clear PET with oxygen scavenging, the Black Jack glow-in-dark beverage can from Rexam for the Russian market, thermochromic inks, including Rexam`s thermochromic printed can ends, (claimed to be the first in the market) and Rexam`s photochromic ink developments.

Neil considered the Marks and Spencer modified atmosphere (MAP) pack for flowers sold over the Valentine`s Day period last year. M&S claimed to be the UK`s first retailer to use MAP to deliver water-free flowers to its customers. Finally he commented on EMCO`s modified atmosphere (MAP) OxyFresh technology, which could increase the shelf life of fruit. This has been awarded a UK patent and is already being trialled with Marks and Spencer.

Neil concluded by saying that efficient and cost-effective use of packaging materials and processes is a vital part of the holistic approach to save and replenish the earth`s natural resources. Consumers want packaging which keeps products in good condition. Ultimately they want longer shelf life, product security and value for money. Active and Intelligent packaging can help achieve all these objectives.

To obtain more information on any subjects covered in Neil`s presentation please use the "Contact Us" page.

June 2013:

Neil was a Keynote Speaker at the Total Packaging Exhibition Seminar at the NEC,Birmingham on June 6th 2013 in the Pakex Innovation Hub.

His presentation entitled: "The Evolution of Packaging and Design Innovation" was the most highly rated presentation at the show.

Neil gave an essential masterclass in design innovation. He assessed the current status of the consumer packaging market, before commenting on trends in light-weighting of packaging, material reductions, recycling and waste initiatives. He then looked at Closed Loop Recycling before considering the important cost versus innovation equation.

Individual innovations such as pouch packs, the Coca-Cola plant bottle, developments in plastic container barrier technology, active and intelligent packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) were all evaluated and assessed.

Infini, the world`s lightest ever four pint HDPE bottle from Nampak was considered as was the move by Unilever to halve the size of its aerosol cans. Digital printing developments were highlighted as were digitally printed packs in corrugated by Belmont Packaging.

Rigid food-safe products from recycled bottles by Invicta Plastics were considered, before developments in the bioplastics market, biodegradable and compostable materials, including Innovia Film`s NatureFlex NK material, received Neil`s expert judgement. The presentation concluded with an evaluation of the current and future state of packaging design and digital technology, design innovation for special events and consumer technologies, including AR and QR codes. Neil`s final thoughts were on the need for the education of the next generation of packaging designers, a vital task for the industry.

To obtain more information on any subjects covered in Neil`s presentation please use the Contact Us page.

March 2013:

Neil Farmer is the editor and author of a new book,published in March 2013, on trends in packaging of food, beverages and other fast-moving consumer goods.

Published by Woodhead Publishing, the book considers the present status and new innovations in the consumer goods packaging field. It then evaluates the packaging technologies in the sector, including modified atmosphere packaging and other active packaging systems, including smart and intelligent packaging, developments in plastic and bioplastic materials and recycling systems. Further chapters consider developments in metal, paper and paperboard packaging,international environmental and sustainability regulatory and legislative frameworks, before considering the use of nanotechnology and smart and interactive packaging developments for enhanced communication.The book concludes by analysing future trends in materials and technologies across international markets.

Neil Farmer, who edited the whole book in addition to writing the chapters on present market status and future international market trends, said:

"The book is the culmination of many years of work. It has been the wish of mine for some time to produce a book on this subject. The authors of individual chapters are experts in their own fields and I believe the combined knowledge will enable the book to make an important contribution in providing a practical overview of emerging packaging technologies and market trends"

The book:"Trends in Packaging of Food, Beverages and other Fast-Moving Consumer Goods", is available from Woodhead Publishing at the following addresses:
https://www.woodheadpublishing.com
https://www.woodheadpublishingonline.com
Woodhead Publishing Limited,
80, High Street,Sawston, Cambridge CB22 3HJ
Tel:01223 499140.

March 3rd 2011:
Neil Farmer  was a Keynote Speaker at Easyfairs International Brand Summit, Packaging Innovations 2011, NEC, Birmingham, February 16th. Extending The Shelf Life: Innovation Is The Future for Packaging Producers and Brand Owners.

Summary of talk: Innovations in Packaging for Extended Shelf Life will be a key driver over the next 5-10 years. The speed of  implementation will depend on the  pace of the economic recovery.

 

 The areas in Active and Intelligent Packaging where innovative developments will be occurring include: Time Temperature Indicators(TTI`s),Barrier Films, Coatings and Additives, Thermochromic Inks, Biodegradable and Compostable Materials.

 

The demand for recycled PET will continue to increase. Capacity is coming on-stream to process and recycle PET bottles but there is a shortage of raw material coming onto the market.There is a move in some food and drink markets from glass to lighterweight plastics alternatives.

 

The demand for Pouch packs will continue to rise, benefiting from the trend towards eat-on- the-go- foods and convenience.

 

Major consumer goods manufacturers are setting far -reaching sustainability goals and objectives. Material reductions and a Total Sustainability Vision will be an essential part of the future.

 

Implementation of nanotechnologiies in consumer goods  markets could grow globally. UK applications over the next 5 years will be dependent on Regulatory issues, Safety issues and the "cost versus innovation equation".

 

To obtain more information on any of the subjects covered in Neil`s presentation , please use the Contact Us page.

February 25th 2010:
Neil Farmer presents at Easyfairs Brand Summit, Packaging Innovations 2010, NEC, Birmingham.

Summary of talks:

  • The Plastics Packaging Presentation evaluated the current position regarding innovations and new technological developments and their impact on future materials usage.
  • Neil highlighted the fragile recovery in the European Flexible Packaging Market and the consequences this would have on the take-up of new ideas and developments.
  • He spoke about the continuing growth of Standing Pouches and the phenomenal success they have achieved in Europe and globally.
  • Innovative flexible packaging developments were assessed including Innovia Films Nature Flex NK material and other biopolymer films.
  • Neil evaluated the whole market for Intelligent and Smart Packaging and concluded by assessing the future of Nanotechnology.

The Paper and Paperboard Presentation dealt when the following important issues:

  • Material reduction and the likely impact in the paperboard sector.
  • Sustainability and the enviromental benefits of cartons and cartonboard, when compared to plastics.
  • The use of Intelligent packaging, including Irreversible Thermochromic Technology and Time-Temperature Indicators
  • The projected growth of Smart and Active Packaging and its likely impact in the global packaging market

To obtain more information on any of the subjects covered in Neil`s authoritative and comprehensive presentations , please use the Contact Us page.

December 2009:
Neil Farmer was a leading speaker at 2 international conferences organized by Pira international.


The events were held at Crowne Plaza, Dublin, Ireland.

Neil gave presentations on "Plastic Packaging Trends and Impact on Materials Usage" and "Paper Packaging Trends and Impact on Materials Usage."

  • The Plastics market presentation highlighted key factors in the Food Contact sector, including the continuous growth of Smart Packaging and the benefits of Intelligent Packaging such as Time Temperature Indicators.
  • Neil evaluated active packaging systems such as Product Freshness Indicators.
  • He reviewed trends in the Pouch Pack market and considered exciting developments in bioplastics and biopolymer films.
  • He also evaluated the benefits of Nanotechnology in the food contact field and developments in the PET market, particularly barrier technologies.

The Paper and Paperboard presentation considered the benefits of paperboard as an environmentally proven material.

Cartonboard and paper are the most highly recycled products in Europe. Recycling rates for paper products outstrip those for plastics.

  • The presentation also looked at material reductions by many leading consumer goods companies and the added value benefits of cartonboard and cartons.
  • Neil then considered developments in Smart and Intelligent Packaging, including Irreversible Thermochromics.
  • Neil evaluated examples of high performance base papers for barrier coating, lamination and metallization by converters.

For further information on Neil`s 2 presentations, please go to the Contact Us page of the web-site and enter your details.