Packaging trends was one of the main topics during the keynote panel at HBA Global Expo. The panel’s moderator was by Jennifer Walsh, CEO of Behind the Brand Media.

Walsh certainly knows about what consumers want – she was the original founder of Beauty Bar, which gave consumers a place to find innovative niche brands.

And, what do they want? It seems that environmentally friendly packaging is here to stay, as the panel discussed a few of the ways many companies are going ‘green’ – including the use of sustainable materials.

In terms of product trends, the panelists feel that the current demand for nail polish might soon end up being a passing fad, but the consumers’ love of skin care products, especially anti-aging, is here to stay.

The keynote panelists were Bob Bastedo, executive director, purchasing, Shiseido America; Ken Kearns, global practice lead, packaging, Procurian; and Carol Puttre-Czyz, director of purchasing at Clarins USA.