Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to change our world in ways we can hardly imagine. Like a diamond in the rough, it offers immense possibilities that are waiting to be unleashed. However, as with any technological advancement, there are challenges and uncertainties that need to be overcome.

At Drupa in Düsseldorf, Arne Fehlhaber and Florian Schaake gave an inspiring presentation on this topic. The presentation highlighted the dual nature of AI. The central question was: Is AI a friend or foe of the designer?

The answer to this depends largely on how we deal with this technology. If we actively use AI and integrate its capabilities into our processes, it can bring us enormous benefits. From automating repetitive tasks and improving decision-making processes to opening up new areas of business - the potential applications are virtually unlimited. In this case, AI becomes a powerful friend and ally.

However, if we refuse to embrace technological progress and ignore the potential of AI, it could become our enemy. Companies and individuals who are reluctant to use AI risk being left behind and falling behind the competition.

The presentation showed how important it is to proactively engage with AI. Sometimes it's just a mood image that is now created by the company itself instead of being selected from extensive stock material - like the key visual in this article, which was generated after the text content of the presentation was entered (Midjourney). Sometimes, however, AI technology can also turn the entire work process on its head. There are countless AI tools that start at every conceivable point in (our) work process. From chat GPT support to research and analysis tools, image, video and sound generators to layout and presentation aids. And the number of tools is growing every day.

Of course, the use of AI also harbors various risks, such as bias and discrimination, data protection problems and job losses. There are also ethical concerns. Responsible use also requires ethical guidelines, transparency and continuous monitoring.

Ultimately, however, it is up to people to polish this diamond, to get the best out of this revolutionary technology and, above all, to learn how to use it. Let's take advantage of the opportunities that AI offers us and actively shape our future.

Once again this year, designers, developers, manufacturers, and users of innovative packaging solutions have submitted their best products, concepts, developments, or prototypes for the German Packaging Award 2023.

We are delighted to announce that Andreas Schabert will be participating again as a juror, assisting in selecting the best innovations and solutions for ten categories. Stay tuned for the public announcement on August 9th and the grand award ceremony on September 13th in Berlin.

We are very happy about the latest addition to our competence.
With Florian Schaake, as Creative Director Brand & Structural Design, we complete our service portfolio in the 3D area. Since 01.09. Florian supports us with several years of experience and is responsible for the area of structural design and visualization.

He gained his expertise in over 17 years working as a product designer in various agencies – the last 11 as design director at the Peter Schmidt Group. There he worked for many renowned and international brandowners such as Coca-Cola, Henkel, Hugo Boss or Mercedes. Florian also established the field of visualization within the agency and advanced many sustainability topics.

With his know-how in industrial, product and structural design as well as the CGI area, he seamlessly complements our expertise as a third pillar in branding and packaging design. Our offer ranges from strategic development to conceptual elaboration, creative design up to technical implementation.

We are very much looking forward to a great collaboration and successful projects!

After the long corona-related break, we were happy to jump to the opportunity to meet again on a face to face basis and exchange ideas and inspiration with our network and business partners. One highlight of this year's highlight for us was the Cosmetic Business, which opened its doors on 20/21 October in Munich. Andreas Schabert had the opportunity to hold a presentation and provide an insight into packaging trends in the cosmetics industry:

Innovative materials, recycling and closed-loop systems offer new opportunities for sustainable packaging solutions. We need meaningful concepts that fit the brand and the company - but how do designers and brand owners react to these trends?

The presentation has been recorded and is available for download in the media library. Use of the Mediathek is free of charge, registration is required. (Lecture in German with simultaneous interpretation into English)

A glance at the consumer goods industry reveals new packaging trends: innovative materials, recycling and circular systems offer new opportunities for sustainable packaging solutions.

We are in need of meaningful and brandfit concepts – how do designers and brand owners respond to these trends? Andreas Schabert gives an overview of current materials and the influence on packaging design.

Packaging Congress October 19, 2021 in Vienna - „Grüne Welle oder neue Nachhaltigkeit“
Lecture Andreas Schabert October 19, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.

We are so excited: Our innovative packaging concept Legacy of chocolate convinced the jury. After our nomination in August, we have now entered the finals of the German Sustainability Award 2021. We are Looking forward to the award ceremony on December 3, 2020 - until then, keep your fingers crossed.

Legacy of chocolate uniquely combines sustainable material with extraordinary design. The concept makes it possible to replace packaging materials based on different sources i.e. plastics & folding cartons, with a mono-material solution based on natural fiber material.