London Packaging Week — What Caught Our Eye

We attended London Packaging Week this year.

It’s not a huge fair, but that’s part of what makes it interesting. More focused, easier to navigate, and a good place to see what’s new without the noise of bigger events.

It was also great to see the Pentawards winner gallery in person, and catch up with friends in the industry.

A couple of things stood out.

One was the Frugal Bottle. 

A paper-based wine “bottle” that pushes sustainability in a very tangible way. A strong idea, and a real step forward in terms of materials.

At the same time, it raises a question.

Is the market ready to move away from glass?

For some brands, probably not yet. But for those built around sustainability, it opens a different kind of positioning.

Another clear direction, especially in the UK, was the use of tins in categories like tea. Think brands like Fortnum & Mason.

Tins are not new, but the way they’re used makes them interesting.

They don’t rely on complex structures, but they still feel special. Through material, finish, and detail, they elevate the product without overcomplicating it.

In categories like confectionery or tea, that kind of approach can go a long way.