Size Matters
E-commerce across the UK and Europe thrives on the innovation and agility of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These businesses are the lifeblood of the industry, yet much of the ecosystem they rely on—particularly in packaging—has not evolved to meet their specific needs.
Pet Food Unpacked
On my way to a conference recently, I was stopped at Waterloo Station by a pop-up stand promoting Nibbles—freeze-dried chicken treats for cats, £10 a pack. Premium snacks for pets, marketed with the same flair you’d expect from a human wellness brand.
Not long after, I passed a van in my neighbourhood offering luxury dog-walking services—complete with GPS tracking, tailored exercise plans, and pup reports.
These aren’t just curiosities. They’re signals of a fast-evolving pet care market where premiumisation, wellness, and lifestyle alignment are reshaping expectations. For the supply chain—from food manufacturers to packaging providers—this means both challenges and opportunities.
Sustainability Isn’t a Single Answer — It Starts With the Right Questions
In a recent team meeting, someone asked a question that, on the surface, seemed to have an obvious answer:
“Is sustainability one of our key brand values?”
Of course, the answer was yes. But what followed was a conversation that’s long overdue in many companies, brands, and teams — a conversation about what sustainability actually means beyond the buzzword.
New Behaviors, New Bottles: How Shifting Beverage Trends Are Reshaping Packaging Expectations
The beverage industry is vast and constantly evolving, but a unifying force is reshaping the way drinks are consumed and packaged: the changing behaviors of Millennials and Gen Z. These generations are not just altering what they consume, but also redefining how and why they consume. For the packaging industry, this presents both challenges and opportunities.
Beauty at What Cost? Packaging for a Smarter Future
I love my beauty samples. They make me feel like a child at a birthday party, unwrapping more surprises than I had expected. Many beauty brands now let you choose your own samples when shopping online, and as a frequent traveller, I appreciate the convenience of carrying my favorite products in miniature. Beyond personal enjoyment, samples play a strategic role in driving repeat purchases—a crucial factor in an industry where consumers are becoming more selective with their spending.
Lead for the Future
“Lead for the future.” This phrase echoed throughout the discussions at Davos and in many offices last week, encapsulating the urgent need for businesses to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an increasingly complex world. But what does it truly mean to lead for the future?
Is Marketing Essential?
“But Karnika, do we really need marketing?” is a question I’ve heard countless times over my 20-year career in B2B marketing. At this point, I think it’s a fair question with the challenges companies are facing but the answer depends entirely on your business aspirations.
The Surge of Recommerce
Spotlight on resale
These days, wherever I go, whether I’m complimenting someone’s outfit or seeing teens shopping online on the bus—it’s impossible to overlook the rise of the second-hand fashion trend. Naturally, my mind starts working, suggesting that the preloved goods market is worth exploring. In fact, while exploring this topic, it seems that recommerce is more than just a passing retail trend; it’s a reflection of evolving consumer values and a move towards more sustainable and responsible retail practices.