Speaker Interview
Keenan Thompson
Global Director of Innovation - Operations
Philip Morris International
Keenan is known for his ability to bridge the gap between commercial and technical teams, helping them understand each other’s needs, constraints, and unlocking solutions that work for both. From diapers to beer, he works on many global brands and product portfolios including Kleenex, Huggies, Depend, Poise, Cottonelle, Colgate, Stella, Budweiser, Corona, Ultra and Bud Light. Keenan’s experience in various functional roles helps him bring fresh perspective, challenging industries.
What are the three trends shaping the future of packaging?
1. How to be sustainable, while still meeting the needs of the consumer?
2. Can the world crack the code on returnable packaging, balancing today’s trade-offs?
3. E-commerce is not going away post-COVID, how will the packaging industry embrace the new normal?
What are your predictions for the future of the smart packaging industry in the next 3-5 years?
Shopper environments are going to change, Consumer usage habits are going to change, the way we experience our world and our future relationships with those in it… will absolutely change. When making predictions I like to think extremely far forward, almost to the edge of impossible to imagine, and then dial it back a few notches. Example: imagine a situation where robots took over the world and they were the ones actually buying and using products… Of course, that probably means robots are the ones making those products as well. What new needs and benefits, in this crazy future situation, can now be identified? Next, let’s forget about that situation but focus only on the newly identified benefit. Is the benefit relevant now or in the near future, in what situation, in what market, in what part of the value chain, for which target audience? How will tangible tech in the next 3-5 years create a solution to meet that need?
What are the key challenges big FMCG faces when trying to create and implement a smart pack?
Great question, I’ll actually be covering this topic at the virtual conference this December, see you there!