Press release | The key to success in aerosol and dispensing system packaging: the best ideas are often the simplest

“Packaging is to a product what a beautiful dress or suit is to a person,” says Werdich when outlining packaging success. “It has to be high-quality and functional. It should also be recognisable as part of the brand. For example, everyone in the world recognises a Perrier bottle–it’s familiar and has strong links to brand identity.”

When asked what the key metrics are to measure a pack’s success, Steiner adds: “Criteria is varied. Protection and conservation of the product is a primary concern. But a pack must also be compliant, fit for purpose safe, traceable, easy to use, sustainable, and cost-effective. The list goes on. There’s a lot more to a pack than aesthetics,”

On critical design elements, Werdich offers: “I agree, but even so, consumers should experience beauty in their hands. Functionality and eco-credentials shouldn’t get in the way of a delightful experience.” Steiner responds: “A minimalist design is a good option then. It’s environmentally sound because it reduces materials and complexity.”

Steiner continues: “A simple and refined design can also meet functionality and sustainability needs. Sometimes, the best ideas arise from creators and manufacturers transforming technical constraints into opportunities and ideas. And ‘simple, beautiful, practical, intuitive’, aren’t these comments we want to hear from the end user?”

Moving onto the essential trends for achieving packaging success, Werdich says: “Mono material packaging is the next challenge. It’s more easily recycled and avoids taxation penalties. Rather than, say, 75% aluminium and 25% plastic, a move to single material design is the way forward.”

When asked for their advice for those looking to succeed in packaging, the duo responded: “Always prioritise the regulatory aspects, including security and compliance, while basing your design on consumer needs. Focus on sustainability, and then use aesthetics and technology wisely. For success, you need good ideas, organisation and collaboration with all the right people in the development phase. The best ideas are often the simplest,” explains Steiner.

Werdich adds: “I guess the biggest challenge when submitting to the awards is explaining why your solution is unique and why you believe it helps the consumer. What does it aim for? To sell more or contribute to a better life? Your story needs to be told well.”

Arnaud Steiner, Leopold Werdich, and an expert judging panel representing highly regarded brands like KAO, Beiersdorf, and Unilever will judge submissions for the ADF Innovation Awards, focusing on the year’s best creative innovation in aerosol and dispensing technology packaging solutions.

Meanwhile, the PCD Innovation Awards recognises top packaging from the global beauty market, designed for perfume, cosmetics and personal care products, while the PLD Innovation Awards will focus on the year’s best premium and luxury drinks packaging innovations.

The PLD, PCD, and ADF Innovation Awards are open to all, free of charge, ensuring accessibility for brands of all sizes. The judging process is conducted anonymously, without any conflicts of interest, allowing both emerging and established brands an equal opportunity to shine based on the merit of their packaging innovations. The entry deadline is 8 November, and winners will be announced live in a glittering Paris Packaging Week ceremony on 28 & 29 January at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

For more information and to enter, visit www.parispackagingweek.com

About Paris Packaging Week

Every year, Paris Packaging Week unites the international community of packaging suppliers, brand owners and design agencies with a single mission: to help brands to innovate and create the packaging for their next launch.

Paris Packaging Week brings together four exhibitions, each dedicated to a specific market: ADF for aerosol and dispensing products; PCD for perfume, cosmetics and personal care products; PLD for premium and luxury drinks; and Packaging Première for luxury products in the fashion, accessories, watches, jewellery and fine food markets.

In 2025, the event will connect more than 750 packaging suppliers from across the world with packaging designers, engineers and buyers representing more than 3,000 brands and design agencies.

Paris Packaging Week 2025 will take place on 28 & 29 January at Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles. For further information visit www.parispackagingweek.com