The second day of Luxe Pack’s seminars began with “Trends in Material Innovation and Sustainability for Luxury Packaging,” presented by Andrew Dent, VP library and materials research, Materials ConneXion. While the topics often focused on sustainability, Dent was quick to point out that the term has become, in his opinion, somewhat overused, and it’s reached the point where the definition has become clouded. To him, sustainability is “our attempt to reduce our environmental impact.”

“We need to do more with less,” Dent said, referring to the drive for greater versatility with simpler, more flexible solutions. One of the keys, he said, is to go outside one’s comfort zone in order to find what he calls the “unkown unkowns.”

He proceeded to narrate through a series of slides showing newer, innovative material, some of which are commercially available and some that are just in the prototype phase. Among the materials he described were a transparent LED film, a laminate wood that allows light to shine through, and a liquid silicone rubber. “They’ve been able to make a silicone that’s as transparent as glass or acrylic,” he said.

The simplification of printed electronics was another theme Dent discussed. He pointed out that embedded electronic RFID tags, and printed security features can become more prominent, as the cost of these paper-based printing technologies has become significantly lower. In addition, he said, new lighting technology based on polymer chemistry, as well as rare earth elements, are also trending today.

Dent concluded by taking a survey of the room and asked the attendees if any of them are currently using lifecycle analysis in their manufacturing processes. A few hands shot up out of over 100 in the room. He said that lifecycle analysis is quickly becoming a major trend, and it’s one he feels strongly about. He then showed a video detailing his company’s work on Puma’s upcoming “boxless” shoe packaging called the “The Clever Little Bag.” The video presentation was as enlightening as it was entertaining, putting into numbers and perspective the environmental impact reduction the innovative packaging will provide. He said that when he returns next year, he expects to see a lot more hands in the air.