At the Corrugated Conference 2026, Ian Bates will deliver a strategic briefing on the European fibre-based packaging sector. The session explores market trends, regulatory shifts like PPWR, and growth driven by plastic substitution. Attendees will gain actionable intelligence on material innovation and investment priorities in a rapidly evolving landscape.
At the Corrugated Conference taking place at Corrugated in Barcelona (19–22 May 2026), I will deliver, on behalf of NOA, a strategic industry briefing exploring the future direction of the European corrugated and fibre-based packaging sector. Drawing on more than 30 years of international experience across paper packaging, sustainability strategy and fibre innovation, I will provide attendees with a clear understanding of the forces shaping market demand, regulatory change, material innovation and long-term growth opportunities.
I am a sustainable packaging consultant and fibre-based solutions specialist working across the European packaging value chain, advising converters, brand owners and retailers on material transitions, regulatory compliance and emerging market opportunities. My work focuses on replacing fossil-based materials with high-performance fibre solutions, strengthening supply chain resilience and supporting genuinely regenerative packaging strategies. I will provide strategic insight into market trends, sustainability legislation and emerging technologies transforming packaging design and production.
My presentation will deliver a strategic overview of the European corrugated market based on the latest industry intelligence from the Strategic European Corrugated Guide. The session will explore key economic, environmental and structural drivers influencing demand, including inflationary pressures, changing consumer behaviour, regulatory developments and geopolitical uncertainty. Current market conditions remain characterised by uncertainty, with post-pandemic volume declines and only gradual recovery expected through the second half of the decade.
A central focus will be the growing impact of European legislation and environmental policy. I will examine how measures such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), plastic taxation and deforestation regulations are reshaping pack design, material selection and recycling infrastructure while creating opportunities for fibre-based innovation and plastic substitution.
The session will also examine the competitive transformation of the corrugated industry, including consolidation among major producers, increasing investment requirements and rising expectations around design capability and innovation. At the same time, independent converters and new entrants are gaining market share through technological investment, specialised solutions and sustainable material development.
Particular attention will be given to growth opportunities driven by plastic substitution and material innovation. Despite modest overall market growth forecasts, fibre-based packaging is expected to benefit from strong demand for sustainable alternatives, particularly in FMCG, food packaging, e-commerce and retail private label sectors. Opportunities in ultra-lightweight containerboard, advanced flute profiles, barrier coatings, microflute solutions and design-led packaging will be explored.
Attendees will gain practical insight into how these interconnected forces are shaping future investment priorities and strategic decision-making across the corrugated value chain, equipping them with actionable intelligence to support innovation, business planning and sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving packaging landscape.
Register now for Corrugated 2026, visitors can purchase super early bird tickets for €30 until 23 March by using the code FESG601.
Coming to Fira Barcelona, 19-22 May 2026, Corrugated is a new dedicated exhibition with curated conference content aimed at corrugated converters. Visitors can purchase super early bird tickets for €30 until 23 March by using the code FESG601.