Luxe Pack, the luxury goods packaging exhibition, took place Oct. 24-27 at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. The theme for Luxe Pack, according to show organizer Christophe Czajka, was exclusivity, conviviality and creativity. He stressed the importance of the quality of visitors over quantity, citing that there were over 300 exhibitors, and that this year there were more visitors from Asia, the Americas and Eastern Europe than ever before. Of the 5,590 visitors, representing 56 countries, more than 63% were decision makers such as CEOs, purchasing managers and marketing managers.

New this year was Luxe Pack Trends and Market Observer, a participation-based forum featuring a panel of industry experts to provide strategic information on trends of the luxury market. The four major trends in luxury packaging presented were Lux, wherein all techniques are used to play with light. These techniques include a contrast between black and white, the working of angles for brilliance and scintillation, 3-D printing, the weight and thickness of glass, using bright colors such as orange and yellow and absolute transparency.

The second trend was labeled “Careful!” and pertains to the promotion of sustainable development and safety. This includes protection of the environment, the fight against trademark infringement and the protection of formulas.

The third trend was Consideration, which is to fulfill consumers’ desires for luxury through exclusivity, gifts, samples, decoration, secondary packaging and “noble” materials, such as faux leather. The fourth trend was Enchantment, to add surprise and make consumption fun again through the use of accessories, sophisticated finishes, contrasting shapes, opposing materials and eye catching, different materials.

Numerous panels, roundtables, conferences, exhibitions and art installations were presented on all four days of the event.

Marc Rosen, International Designer and president of Marc Rosen Associates, moderated the roundtable “Turning Back Time: Packaging the Promise”. Panelists included Gus Bezas, Milbar Labs; Peter Lichtenthal, M.A.C. Cosmetics; Pamela Vaile, Pamela Vaile Associates; and Karen Newman, GCI magazine. The discussion hit on numerous topics, including the new phenomena of anti-aging products that target 20- and 30-somethings determined to prevent the signs of aging rather than wait until they appear. Also noted were products that, in addition to minimizing wrinkles, also offer relief for brown spots, acne and roseacea. Products that offer eye care, dermabrasion, bronzing and skin brightening were also noted as the latest crazes.

Another roundtable entitled “Standards When Luxury Plays on Variety” dealt with whether or not stock packaging components could ever be considered true luxury packaging.

The spirited debate included Alain Trophardy, St. Gobain Emballage; Dieter Bakic, DieterBakic Enterprises; Rebecca Goswell, HCT; Michel Cochet, Codipack; and Laetitia Hacpille, Carré Noir.

While at Luxe Pack, the Fragrance Foundation announced the winner of the redesign of the FiFi award trophy: Denis Boudard, founder and designer, QSLD Paris and QSLD New World-USA. The redesigned trophy will be showcased at the 2007 FiFi Awards.

In 2007, Luxe Pack New York will be held May 23-24, Luxe Pack São Paolo on Oct. 3-4, Luxe Pack Monaco on Oct. 23-26 and Luxe Pack Shanghai will take place Nov. 19-21.