Smithers Insights Podcast

What does the future of e-commerce packaging actually look like? Industry expert Dr Windsor Holden joins host Adam Page to break down the trends, data, and regulatory shifts shaping the global market – and what they mean for businesses operating in this space.This episode covers:Which regions are set to see the fastest growth The rise of flexible packaging How fashion and social media are accelerating e-commerce demandThe regulatory changes pushing businesses towards a fundamental redesign of their packaging systems. Dr Holden is one of the foremost authorities on digital commerce and payments, with over 25 years of experience advising leading research firms, industry bodies, and global organisations. He is the author of Smithers’ latest market report The Future of E-commerce Packaging to 2031.Listen to the full conversation and subscribe to Smithers Insights Podcast for more expert analysis on the packaging industry.

In this episode we talk to paper and pulp expert Alexander Koukoulas about the outlook for moulded pulp, a market that will continue to grow steadily from 2025 to 2030.We discuss how the implementation of PPWR in Europe, and growing EPR regulations globally, are driving the shift away from plastics to more sustainable materials such as moulded fibre. We also explore regional differences, especially in light of regulations; as well as key performance characteristics, innovations and barriers to adoption.Alexander Koukoulas is a strategic advisor with 35+ years of experience across pulp & paper, nonwovens, advanced materials, biofuels, and biochemicals, with leadership roles spanning Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurial ventures, and national research centres.New research published by Smithers, the authority on paper and packaging supply chains, forecasts a global growth rate of 4.1% CAGR to 2030. Its latest in-depth market report The Future of Moulded Pulp Packaging to 2030 identifies the biggest opportunities for growth in moulded pulp and provides insights into the unmet needs of the industry. Find out more at: https://www.smithers.com/services/market-reports/packaging/the-future-of-moulded-pulp-packaging-to-2030

Printing equipment is used to produce a vast array of products, from books, magazines, newspapers through packaging materials and several trends are impacting the demand for new printing equipment.  In the latest episode of Smithers Insights Podcast we interview Jon Harper Smith on some of these trends, such as: The drive to automation of print equipment over the next ten yearsIncreasing sustainability efforts affecting manufacturing of print equipmentConsumer demand, regulations and brand owners fuelling this move to sustinabilityListen to the podcast now to find out more on the latest trends in the print equipment market and their forecast shift over the next few years. 

In this episode of Smithers Insights Podcast we are in conversation with paper expert Scott McNutt, author of a new Smithers report, The Future of Specialty Papers to 2030. Scott highlights the segments poised for growth, the impact of regulations, and the latest innovations in the specialty papers market. Scott McNutt has over 43 years of experience in the paper industry, with expertise in papermaking, quality management, engineering, operations management, technical service, and product innovation. For the last 3 years, as the founder of Nextep Partners LLC Consulting, he has helped client companies develop and commercialise sustainable packaging.The Future of Specialty Papers to 2030 is available now from Smithers. This report explores the key market trends, including sustainable packaging solutions and interrelated environmental regulations, new technology for papermaking, new materials for paper and coatings – including bio-based coatings and alternative fibres – and the trend for customisation and personalisation in packaging.Smithers is your strategic partner for market insights into the paper and packaging industry.

In this episode we're talking to packaging expert Dr Sean Smyth about the forecast of digital printing for producing labels and packaging over the period 2020–2030, as more brands and retailers are taking advantage of the benefits of digital print production.Sean chats about the manufacture of labels and packaging (corrugated, cartons, flexible packaging, rigid plastics and metal) that are printed using  either electrophotography or inkjet.Sean Smyth has spent more than 25 years in senior technology and management positions for print businesses across the supply chain. Sean has extensive experience in digital printing. In his time with Smithers, Sean has authored many off-the-shelf market studies and has provided strategic consultancy services to a range of clients across the value chain.The Future of Digital Print for Packaging to 2030 is available now from Smithers, your strategic partner for market insights into the packaging and printing industry.

Increasing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures are driving the demand for more sustainable packaging solutions as companies come under pressure to reduce their environmental impact. Brand owners are considering alternative solutions for difficult-to-recycle flexible plastic packaging; including fibre-based packaging and more recyclable mono-material flexible plastic packaging. In this instalment of Smithers Insights Podcast we discuss these changes in material with Jonathan Fowle, spotlighting the debate between paper and plastic. Alongside this battle of substrates and materials we chat more about changes in supply chain, the use of PCR and new and changing legislations.Listen now to find out the latest on the flexible packaging market and read more in Smithers new report: The Future of Global Flexible Packaging to 2030For more information on Smithers Market Reports head to www.smithers.com

In this episode we're talking to currency expert Dr James Wojtyk about market developments in banknotes - the subject of a new market report The Lifecycle of Banknotes to 2030.Despite the growing dominance of contactless payments and digital wallets, banknotes remain indispensable for economic resilience, financial inclusion, cultural identity, and privacy. Towards 2030, the banknote lifecycle will be greatly influenced by the integration of advanced technology, evolving public needs, and a strong emphasis on security, sustainability, and accessibility.  Listen now to hear Dr Wojtyk discuss the range of factors shaping the banknote market, including the impact of AI; anticounterfeiting measures; evolving public needs, and the prioritization of sustainability and accessibility.For more information about The Lifecycle of Banknotes to 2030, please visit www.smithers.com

In this episode we sit down with packaging expert Colin Kerr, author of a new Smithers report, The Future of Paper vs Plastic Packaging to 2030. We discuss the global increase in packaging consumption and the knock-on effect this has had on the paper and plastic material markets, focusing on the key drivers and trends that favour one over the other. Colin Kerr has over 38 years’ experience in R&D in the FMCG industry, leading packaging development teams globally. He has worked extensively on packaging sustainability, innovation, value management and supply optimisation and was most recently the Global Head of Packaging Technology at Unilever. He is now a non-Executive Director and packaging consultantThe Future of Paper vs Plastic Packaging to 2030 examines potential transitions between plastic packaging and paper packaging from 2025 to 2030, detailing packaging segments where paper or plastic is currently the dominant material choice, looking into technological forecasts, different end-uses and key trends in the markets. For more information, please visit www.smithers.com