When the Institute of Packaging realised that there was an urgent need to realign the content of its annual directory and review in relation to changing industry needs and an increasingly demanding readership, it turned to Packaging Today International.

PTI naturally rose to the challenge and, after discussion with our directory operation, decided to introduce a fresh format that makes it far more comprehensive, accurate and simple to use by busy executives. The team currently produces 10 market-leading, highly profitable directories.

The product will gain considerable credibility from a web link that we plan to develop between the IoP and PTI web sites. This will provide a more focussed validation process and provide a data amend/build facility that will open major doors for the IoP.

Our plans are too comprehensive, even radical, to outline here but it is our intention to build up the company base over the next three years and plan to expand the directory to provide more key data, such as the number of employees and product range.

New branding will also be created to build product profile and market confidence. We will restructure the directory to make data access easier, so improving usability, and widen and enhance content to improve information value by making it more focussed. A new classification system will make the directory more comprehensive and simpler to navigate.

The current editor of Packaging Today International, Rodney Abbott, is to concentrate on developing the review. Asked to comment on the review as it stood, he said: “Articles do not include enough information or direction to be of value to the reader. Most readers are familiar with the content. Industry professionals need constant food for thought?

“The subject matter should embrace some controversial matters – matters that affect the whole packaging chain. Most importantly, there is no reference to education and training. How can the IoP’s raison d’être be ignored?

“There is a definite need for logical grouping of subject matter to provide easier access for the reader and provide a more professional-looking product, complementing the directory and again speeding up access. Above all it must look good.”

&#8220Articles do not include enough information or direction to be of value to the reader. Most readers are familiar with the content. Industry professionals need constant food for thought.”

Rodney Abbott, editor Packaging Today International

The five sections will embrace:

• Education and training

• Essential data for every day use

• Leading edge technologies

• Key industry issues

• IoP membership services

“The new review will address its readership as professionals,” says publisher Mike Mikunda. “More importantly, it will not remain static. The overall product will continue to develop year on year.”