Has anyone else noticed the increased move in product development from NPD and packaging design to all-in-one product development, including the packaging? Lego, Magnum and Unilever have all announced "single roof" product development centres, with packaging a key part of that process. It feels like they will become more agile, more connected and more economical in their development. It will also appear like less work available for third party packaging designers, but I think it will also be an opportunity for smaller brands. Any process that becomes part of a larger, faster process, gains increased restraints to fit within the new streamlined process. For smaller brands, this creates a window to develop outside the box, utilising the less economical processes, which stand out and make consumers love your product. Links to all the press releases and articles from Lego, Magnum and Unilever are in my Packed newsletter, this Friday at 10am: https://lnkd.in/eRudUSrX

In this week's newsletter I've been looking at 3D printing void fill. While better suited to an expensive product needing a custom fit, I was surprised by the range of flexible, even bouncy 3D materials. So it got me wondering, has anyone 3D printed any aspect of their packaging?

As the Christmas supply stores prepare to close down for the year, packaging lines finalise their bookings and food producers see their products go through packaging testing, where are you in your 2026 preparations? If you're new to retail, NPD or the idea that Christmas 2026 started before Christmas 2025, this weeks newsletter has you covered. Equally, if you're now in a panic reading this, search for "over wrap," festive packaging ideas and temporary festive rebranding for a shortcut to Christmasifying your product range. When you're sitting with a stock of Christmas packaging in early September (when the festive shopping starts) and watch the suppliers run out, you can feel all smug and confident for the season ahead (while preparing for 2027).

Up until now, all priducts under €150 don't incur import tariffs, but changes from the 1st July will see tariffs or custom levies on all products. The fees will be added per category of product shipped, not the number of parcels, so it's important to build in the additional costs and know how to calculate them, as each member state can have their own rules and fees. You can sign up for free access to this 4 minute explainer video from the UK's Department of Business and Trade (DBT): https://www.business.gov.uk/business-academy/videos/eu-union-custom-code-reforms-explained-july-1st-2026-2038/ and the official fees page is here: https://www.business.gov.uk/campaign/europe/european-union-eu-regulations/

There's an interesting range of topics in this upcoming webinar on Tuesday 21st July: https://webapp.spotme.com/login/eventspace/packaging-europe-beyond-the-box - Discover what’s new in the packaging start-up scene - Hear from Sustainability Awards judges about their takeaways from this year’s competition - Hottest innovation trends and biggest tech opportunities in packaging at the moment - Learn what sustainability and business drivers are demanding of new solutions