For the most part, consumers take product packaging for granted. When they do think about packaging, it’s because they cannot open a package, it does not work or the product inside is damaged.

Product packaging developers, on the other hand, are always thinking about packaging. It is their job to ensure product protection, reduce costs and meet the needs of customers. But, how, exactly, are product packaging developers addressing these issues?

We invited packaging experts to a virtual summit to examine how the product packaging industry has changed over the past 20 years – and where it is headed.

Our experts span a range of industries. Mark James, principal engineer of the Xerox Office Group, is responsible for the design, development and procurement of packaging and packaging processes for printers and multifunction products. Peter Woolley, manager, Rack Design, Corporate Material Handling Engineering, DaimlerChrysler, Chrysler Division, is in charge of the design development of all NAFTA unique shipping racks. Terry Bedell, now a consultant for Packaging & Technology Integrated Solutions, LLC, spent more than 28 years with the Clorox Company. As a Research Fellow there, he introduced new technology to improve the effectiveness and speed of creating innovative packaging.