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In collaboration with

Shaping the Future with Packaging conference, 18-19 February 2027

Intergraf and FTA Europe, in collaboration with Smithers, are pleased to announce the next edition of the Shaping the Future series: Shaping the Future with Packaging, taking place in Brussels on 18–19 February 2027.

This flagship event will bring together leading packaging manufacturers, printers, converters, suppliers, brand owners, policymakers, and industry experts to explore the regulatory, market, and technological developments shaping the future of Europe's packaging sector.

The European packaging industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by evolving EU legislation, growing sustainability requirements, changing market dynamics, and technological innovation. The conference will provide a platform for industry stakeholders to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging challenges, and identify opportunities for the sector.

The programme will address key developments across the packaging value chain, including:

• Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) – Understanding the practical implications of the EU regulatory framework for the packaging industry.
• European packaging market developments – Exploring market trends, economic outlooks, and emerging opportunities.
• Innovation in packaging – Examining new technologies, materials, and production processes transforming the sector.
• Artificial intelligence and packaging design – Understanding how AI is influencing design, production, and innovation.
• Design for recycling – Exploring approaches to improving packaging recyclability and supporting the transition towards a circular economy.
• Industry case studies – Showcasing practical examples of innovation, sustainability, and technological developments from across the packaging value chain.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The conference will feature a series of expert presentations, industry case studies, and discussions addressing the most pressing developments in the European packaging sector.

The event will take place over two days, on Thursday, 18 February, and Friday, 19 February 2027. A welcome cocktail and networking dinner will provide opportunities for participants to connect and exchange perspectives in an informal setting.

he conference will conclude on Friday, 19 February, following the morning sessions and networking lunch.

Further details on the programme and speakers will be announced shortly.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

The conference will take place at the Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel, conveniently located at Brussels Airport.

A limited number of rooms have been reserved for conference participants at preferential rates:

• €209 per night – Single occupancy

• €229 per night – Double occupancy

Both rates include breakfast and VAT. The city tax is charged separately.

Participants are encouraged to book their accommodation by 18 January 2027 to benefit from the negotiated rates and secure availability.

Cancellation policy: Reservations may be cancelled free of charge up to 10 days before arrival. Cancellations made after this deadline will incur a charge equivalent to the full stay.

For questions regarding accommodation, please contact Geert Leirens at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

BOOK YOUR ROOM: Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel – Conference Delegate Booking

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Shaping the Future with Packaging 2027 offers sponsorship opportunities for companies looking to increase their visibility and connect with key decisionmakers across the European packaging and printing industries.

Gold and Silver sponsorship packages are available, offering a range of benefits, including brand visibility on conference materials, promotional opportunities through event communications and social media, on-site branding, and complimentary conference passes.

Sponsorship provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your company, strengthen industry relationships, and engage with professionals from across the packaging value chain. 

Interested in becoming a sponsor? For more information about the available packages and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Sergejs Mikaeljans at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ABOUT THE EVENT SERIES

The Shaping the Future series, organized by Intergraf in collaboration with Smithers, highlights key sub-sectors of the European print industry. Previous conferences have focused on topics including books, commercial print, magazines, direct mail, and packaging.

In 2027, the focus returns to packaging, a sector at the forefront of regulatory developments, sustainability initiatives, and technological innovation.

Co-organised by Intergraf and FTA Europe, the conference builds on the success of Shaping the Future with Packaging 2025, which brought together 110 participants from more than 20 countries.

The 2027 edition aims to continue fostering industry dialogue, sharing knowledge, and strengthening collaboration across the European packaging value chain.

See sponsorships opportunities here.

Fees:

The following registration fees apply to participants:

• Printing company belonging to an Intergraf member association - 190 EUR + VAT
• Company belonging to an FTA Europe member association - 190 EUR + VAT
• Non-member company - 495 EUR + VAT
• Intergraf Member Association Director/Board Member/employee - Free for up to 2 delegates
• FTA Europe Member Association Director, Board or employee - Free for up to 2 delegates
• Intergraf or FTA Europe Associate Member - Free for up to 2 delegates
• Intergraf and FTA Europe staff - Free 
• Sponsor company employee or customer - Free (subject to the conditions of the sponsorship agreement)
• Journalist - Free 
• Speaker - Free 

All applicable registration fees are subject to VAT. Complimentary registrations are subject to the eligibility criteria and limitations indicated above.

Speakers:

• Developments in different print market segments. Sean Smyth, Print & Packaging Consultant, Smithers, UK.
• Case Study: Studiosus: Premium communication for a premium brand with premium customers. Challenges and opportunities of print and communication (from a customer’s point of view). Boris Kochan, KOCHAN & PARTNER GmbH & Deutscher Designtag, DE.
• Packaging & Packaging Waste and national initiatives regarding mineral oil. Christof Walter, Food Contact Manager, EuPIA, DE.
• Case Study: The Bertelsmann approach to the carbon footprint. Mark Fabisch, Senior Director Environment, Bertelsmann, DE.
• What is print’s place in a digital world? Manon Lassaigne, winner of the 2023 Intergraf Young Talent Award, FR.
• Web printing in challenging times. Johannes Helmberger, Managing Director, Niedermayr, DE.
• The transformation from a family business to part of the most important printing group in Norway, Morten Gunnarshaug, CPO, Aksell AS, NO.
• AI and how it can affect the graphic industry. Ivs Zenne, Docent, Art Academy of Latvia, LV.
• An overview of current and prospective conditions in the U.S. print market, Ford Bowers, CEO. PRINTING United Alliance, USA.
• What if innovation isn't part of tomorrow? Morten Reitoft, Editor, INKISH, DK.