The Future of Packaging, Ecology, Innovation – TAROPAK 2024
For three days, Poznań became the center of modern packaging. This year’s TAROPAK Trade Fair, held from November 13–15, attracted experts, industry leaders, and technology enthusiasts in the packaging sector.
Eco-design, deposit systems, e-commerce innovations, and flexographic printing were just a few of the topics that comprised the rich agenda of this year’s fair. TAROPAK served as a platform for exchanging knowledge and experience, inspiring participants to take action for sustainable development in the packaging industry.
Modern Machines and Packaging
The trade exhibition featured market leaders in automation who showcased modern, versatile packaging and production machinery. Visitors were treated to ergonomic packing lines and innovative packaging materials. Exhibitors displayed ready-made packaging and advanced technologies, sparking great interest among attendees.
The packaging zone highlighted companies producing packaging from various materials: corrugated cardboard, foil, glass, and wood. Visitors could also explore reusable pallets and wooden pallet collars in various sizes. The exhibition also included diverse packaging fillers for product transportation.
TAROPAK also featured a labeling zone, where industry leaders presented machines and materials for label production and printing.
Accompanying the machine and packaging displays was an exhibition curated by the Packaging Design Studio at the University of the Arts Poznań. This showcase featured modern, functional, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing packaging designs created by students.
Eco-Design and Deposit System Challenges
The first day of TAROPAK 2024 focused on eco-friendly solutions in packaging production and recycling. During the panel discussion “Creativity and Responsibility: Eco-Designing Packaging in a Circular Economy,” experts emphasized the importance of innovative biodegradable materials and the need to strengthen Poland’s recycling infrastructure.
Special attention was given to compostable packaging, which, while environmentally friendly, faces economic and technological challenges. An engaging discussion on the deposit system set to launch in 2025 highlighted the importance of public acceptance and consumer education for its success. A presentation of a recycling machine—an innovative device for collecting packaging—drew significant attention from visitors.
To conclude the first day, the panel “Women in Packaging” showcased the increasing openness of the industry to female professionals, including those in leadership roles. The discussion, featuring industry leaders Monika Poprawa, Dominika Dukiewicz, and Beata Pyś-Skrońska, focused on the future of the packaging sector. Key factors influencing the market in Poland, according to the participants, include product pricing, reducing consumerism, and growing ecological trends like "zero waste."
E-Commerce Conference
The second day of the Trade Fair was dominated by the TAROPAK E-COMMERCE Conference. Expert presentations focused on new packaging strategies, building brand communities, and digitizing logistics processes.
Marcin Dudek of DTW Logistics Group discussed how packaging impacts brand image and customer satisfaction. Bartosz Jurga of KiszoneSpecjały.pl shared practices for fostering customer loyalty through social media. Justyna Białoszewska from YORK PL presented her company’s eco-friendly initiatives, while Paweł Forystek of Sente S.A. highlighted the importance of automation and digitization in e-commerce logistics.
During the TAROPAK E-COMMERCE AWARDS gala, innovative approaches to packaging and online retail operations were honored. Krzysztof Wieczorek of Diabetyk24 won first place for his presentation on quality costs in e-commerce. Bartosz Jurga’s talk on community building around brands earned second place for its creative communication approach. Karolina Czochór-Banyś and Jakub Świętek from Smurfit Westrock claimed third place for their presentation on innovative packaging design that emphasizes brand uniqueness. Their inspiring examples underscored the role of packaging as a tool to stand out in the market and attract customers.
This year’s TAROPAK E-COMMERCE gathered a broad audience of experts, entrepreneurs, and practitioners. Inspiring lectures, diverse topics, and networking opportunities made the conference both a valuable source of knowledge and a platform for exchanging experiences.
Award Ceremony
The second day concluded with the TAROPAK Golden Medal and Acanthus Aureus Award Ceremony. The Golden Medal was awarded to three products: AquaStop™ by SMURFIT KAPPA POLSKA Sp. z o.o., the SafeClick packaging by TFP Sp. z o.o., and the Sonopost paper protective profile by SONOCO-ALCORE Sp. z o.o.
The Consumer’s Choice Golden Medal went to SONOCO-ALCORE for its innovative Sonopost paper protective profile.
The Acanthus Aureus awards for modern, customer-friendly, and standout booths were given to TFP Sp. z o.o., Supertape Polska Sp. z o.o., and Polcom Przemysław KIMLA.
During the opening gala, special anniversary diplomas were presented to Packaging Polska for 25 years in the Polish publishing market, the Polish Screen Printing and Digital Printing Association (Polskie Stowarzyszenie Sitodruku i Druku Cyfrowego), and the Polish Packaging Chamber (Polska Izba Opakowań) for their 30th anniversaries.
The final day of the Trade Fair was dedicated to flexographic printing. During the session “Flexography in Packaging: The Perfect Match,” speakers explored the complexities of this challenging technique, emphasizing its benefits and the demands it places on printing houses.
This year’s TAROPAK demonstrated that the future of the packaging industry depends on a synergy of ecology, innovation, and technology. Panel discussions, thematic conferences, and diverse exhibits showcased the challenges ahead and the directions for multifunctional machine producers and eco-friendly packaging developers.
Congratulations to the Golden Medal and Acanthus Aureus award winners, and thank you to all participants for their presence and engagement.
