Mintel
Benjamin Punchard – Global Packaging Insights Director
Benjamin Punchard is the Global Packaging Insights Director at Mintel, a leading market intelligence agency. With over 13 years of experience in the packaging industry, he has worked with a diverse range of clients globally. Since joining Mintel in 2012, Benjamin has leveraged his expertise to provide in-depth insights into the packaging sector.
Before Mintel, Benjamin worked at Euromonitor International, where he advanced to Head of Global Packaging Research. Holding a Ph.D. in Polymer Physics, Benjamin is a sought-after speaker at international events, known for sharing his extensive knowledge of packaging trends and innovations.
Mintel, with over 50 years of experience, offers research and market intelligence solutions to consumer-focused businesses. Its tools and custom insights help businesses understand consumers, trends, markets, and competitors, empowering them to identify opportunities and make informed strategic decisions.
Prezero (Part of the Schwarz Group)
Alexander Reitz – Team Lead Customer Development & Consulting
Alexander Reitz is a leading expert in sustainable packaging and Head of Consulting at PreZero Sustainable Packaging, where he has helped establish a centralized competence center for packaging sustainability within the Schwarz Group. Since 2021, he has advised on sustainability, economics, legal requirements, and marketing aspects of packaging,
Alexander brings over 10 years of experience in the sustainable, economic, legal and marketing aspects of packaging. At GVM Gesellschaft für Verpackungsmarktforschung, he consulted for organizations such as the German Federal Environmental Agency, WWF, and ZSVR.
Prezero emphasizes that sustainable packaging must balance environmental criteria with economic viability, developing future-ready solutions that align ecological goals with business needs. Prezero’s mission is to turn waste into raw materials for new products and reach a circular economy.
Rabobank
Regina Mestre – Analyst Food & Agribusiness Packaging
Regina Mestre is an Analyst in Packaging at RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness, based in the Netherlands. She specializes in analyzing packaging trends and developments in metals, glass, and plastics, with a focus on sustainability in the food and agribusiness sectors. Regina joined Rabobank in 2020 as a Business Analyst, bringing a wealth of experience in business analysis and project management.
Before her current role, Regina worked as a Product Owner and Business Analyst at Deutsche Bank in Barcelona, where she led the development of investment proposal tools in compliance with the MiFID II framework. She also gained valuable experience as a Management Consulting Analyst at Accenture in Mexico City, focusing on process optimization and automation for global financial institutions. Her diverse background in financial services and consulting complements her expertise in packaging, helping drive data-driven insights for sustainable solutions in the packaging industry.
Rabobank is a cooperative bank focused on creating a sustainable future by addressing societal challenges. With 125 years of experience, it serves retail and corporate customers in the Netherlands and specializes globally in Food & Agriculture. Its strategy emphasizes customer focus, sustainability, profitability, and a future-ready workforce to drive positive societal impact.
Mondi Group
Marco Macoratti – Head of Sustainable Packaging Solutions & Circularity
Marco is a highly experienced professional with over 20 years in the Paper & Packaging Industry, specializing in sustainable packaging solutions. He is the Head of Sustainable Packaging Solutions & Circularity at Mondi Group and has worked extensively with major industrial companies, retailers, and private labels, advising them on how to achieve their sustainability goals through flexible packaging solutions.
As the first point of contact for partnerships with retailers and brands, Marco is committed to driving sustainability in packaging by offering tailored solutions that align with both environmental and business objectives. Marco holds a Civil Engineering degree and an Executive MBA in Growth Strategies from the University of Cambridge, where he specialized in Business Sustainability and Circular Economy. Raised in Venice, Italy, he has witnessed the impact of climate change firsthand, fueling his passion for sustainability in business.
Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, dedicated to creating innovative, sustainable solutions. With 22,000 employees across 100 production sites in over 30 countries, including key operations in Europe, North America, and Africa, Mondi is united by a shared purpose, long-term strategy, and strong values, all focused on sustainability by design.
Tjarks & Tjarks
Steen Tjarks, President & Co-founder
Dr. Steen Tjarks is an industry leader in design and branding, Steen Tjarks brings extensive expertise in leveraging consumer insights to create impactful private brand packaging, as CEO of T&T. With a deep understanding of European markets, Steen has guided numerous brands in crafting design strategies that resonate with both established and emerging consumers.
His work consistently demonstrates the power of visual identity in driving consumer choice and brand loyalty.
Before founding T&T, Steen worked with top strategy consulting firms, where he developed high-impact strategies for business growth and consumer engagement. At T&T, he has leveraged these insights to turn private label programmes into powerful brand assets for clients across industries. His expertise has earned him recognition, including mentions in ‘Forbes’, as a thought leader in the retail and branding space.
T&T specializes in creating impactful brand experiences and packaging that stands out in today’s fast-paced retail world. T&T focuses on making packaging a key tool for brand engagement, ensuring it conveys the brand’s message, provides instant recognition, and serves as a place of connection with consumers.
Appetite Creative
Jenny Stanley, Managing Director and Author of "Connected Packaging"
Jenny Stanley has over 20 years of experience in international sales management across media, advertising, and creative technology. As the founder of Appetite Creative, a global leader in connected packaging, she has pioneered the integration of digital experiences into physical packaging, driving consumer engagement and delivering valuable data insights for brands.
Under her leadership, Appetite Creative has launched innovative campaigns for major brands like Tetra Pak, AB InBev, and Nestlé, reaching millions globally. Jenny’s book, *Connected Packaging: The Game-Changing Marketing Tool* (Sept 2024), is an exceptional, comprehensive guide on the subject.
Prior to founding Appetite Creative, Jenny held senior roles at Microsoft, UTarget, Oddcast, EyeWonder/Mediamind, and Adform, building a strong foundation in business development and sales.
Founded in 2015, Appetite Creative is a global digital agency specializing in B2C marketing, connected packaging, and customer engagement at scale. Combining experience from agencies, corporates, startups, and freelance work, Appetite Creative delivers creative solutions that exceed expectations.
Tetra Pak: France & Benelux
Kevin Loos: Retail and Channel Manager
Kevin Loos serves as the Retail & Channel Manager for Tetra Pak, overseeing operations in France and the Benelux region.
With over 15 years of experience in key account management, Kevin has worked with renowned companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, Mattel, and STABILO, building a strong foundation in managing diverse markets and driving strategic growth. He is passionate about identifying new business opportunities, fostering omnichannel expansion, and cultivating strong partnerships that deliver mutual value.
Tetra Pak is dedicated to making food safe, accessible, and sustainable for all. Through pioneering aseptic technology, they have ensured food can be stored, transported, and consumed safely without refrigeration or preservatives. Tetra Pak’s mission is to provide nutritious food to the remotest regions while protecting people and the planet for future generations.