Big international brands are signing up to speak and participate in the upcoming AIPIA World Congress, being held in association with AWA Associates at the Novotel RAI, Amsterdam on November 18-19, 2024. Already Unilever, Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, MSD Merck, AB InBev, Vion Food Group, Tetra Pak as well as retail group Auchan and on line retail giant Amazon.

2024 has seen a surge in interest for intelligent connected packaging and technologies to reduce food waste, improve supply chain efficiency and traceability, and tap into better consumer engagement possibilities. The Congress is well timed to capture this increase in the use QR Codes, RFID/NFC, etc and showcase some of the latest innovations. Key themes will be Smart Sustainability and the collection and use of Data – vital to helping Brands connect with and understand consumer needs.

AIPIA World Congress is the established meeting place for the seekers and providers of Smart Packaging technologies. It holds a unique position as the only event where the complete ‘world’ of Smart Packaging technologies are represented – active and intelligent –  and provides unrivalled networking and ‘hands on’ demonstrations. It also offers technology providers the chance to collaborate and cooperate to bring complete, end-to-end solutions, to the market faster.

As well as Keynotes from Brand owners on ‘hot’ topics which include AI, a number of panels featuring a cross section of Brands and technology providers will explore themes, such as the future trajectory of Smart Packaging innovation and the role of new technologies in preventing food waste.

Four themes will add focus to the expert presentation agenda: Smart Packaging for Sustainability; Driving Innovation in Connected Packaging; Powering Supply Chains & Data Management; and food Safety and Security – the Smart food Chain. Already an impressive list of speakers is taking shape and more details will emerge as these are confirmed.

To end the Congress on a high note the famous Brand Owner Challenge will round of the agenda on day two, where 12 smart technology providers will pitch ideas to a Brand Owner who is looking for a particular solution – it can be marketing, brand protection, supply chain optimization or data collection, etc- using Smart Packaging. Companies have just three minutes to pitch their ideas and convince the Brand to explore it further. Someone has to win, so come and see if its your favourite! You might even want to explore some of the solutions for yourself.

Another feature of this year’s Congress will be the first plenary meeting of the Smart Food Chain project (SFC) – an EU funded program initiated by AIPIA,  technology scouts Packz, consultants Berenschot and coordinators T-Systems. The full consortium, comprising more than 40 companies – several of them major Brand Owners –  will hold a plenary session as well as taking an active part in the full Congress. This is a great opportunity to learn all about this exciting project.

“There is a real buzz about the build up to this year’s Congress and so many Brands have already told us they want to be there,” says Eef de Ferrante, MD of AIPIA. “The format is ideal to create the kind of organised chaos which is a hallmark of the AIPIA event and brings it energy, innovation and stimulates collaboration. We look forward to welcoming old friends and new!”