Entries by Manager

Beyond the 100% Recyclable Claim: What True Circularity Really Means for Packaging

In recent years, many packaging companies have proudly embraced the label “100% recyclable”. At first glance, it sounds like a bold step toward sustainability. But in reality, recyclability is only one part of a much larger conversation. True circularity goes beyond whether an item can technically be recycled—it requires a system-wide approach that considers design, […]

Sustainability in Packaging and Print: Why Technical Directors Must Lead the Change

The packaging and print industry is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history. Driven by global regulation, consumer awareness, and corporate responsibility, sustainability is no longer an optional extra—it is a fundamental expectation. For Technical Directors, this shift is redefining what it takes to succeed and lead in the sector. From “Nice-to-Have” […]

Smart + Sustainable: The Next Frontier in Packaging and Print

The packaging and print industry is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history. The convergence of sustainable materials and smart technologies is reshaping the way products are designed, produced, and consumed. This shift is not a passing trend—it represents a structural redefinition of packaging’s role in the global value chain. 1. A […]

Driving Digital Transformation in Packaging: A Leadership Blueprint for Technical Directors

Introduction — The Turning Point in Packaging & Print The packaging and print sector stands on the cusp of a transformative era. From evolving consumer expectations to tightened sustainability and regulatory mandates, Technical Directors must adapt urgent challenges into strategic opportunities. For executive search pioneers like Athena Executive Search, spotlighting these innovations offers both thought […]

Rethinking Recruitment in Print & Packaging: Five Considerations for Today’s Market

The print and packaging industry is experiencing one of the most transformative periods in decades. Shifts in sustainability demands, digitalisation, supply chain pressures, and the need for innovative materials are reshaping what businesses require from their people. At Athena Executive Search, we see first-hand how these changes impact recruitment. The question for clients is no […]

Negotiating High-Value Contracts in Packaging: Best Practices from Commercial Leaders

In the competitive world of print and packaging, the role of the Commercial Director extends far beyond driving sales. Securing high-value contracts often determines not only annual revenue but also a company’s long-term strategic position. For many businesses, these agreements shape relationships with global brands, influence production capacity, and dictate innovation priorities. Through our work […]

The Modern Commercial Director in Print & Packaging — Driving Growth in a Transforming Industry

IntroductionThe print and packaging industry is undergoing one of its most significant shifts in decades. Regulatory pressures on plastics, rapid advances in sustainable materials, customer demand for customised, short-run solutions, and digital integration into traditional manufacturing are all reshaping the commercial playing field. In this environment, the role of the Commercial Director has evolved from […]

Navigating Change: How Packaging & Print Candidates Can Thrive in 2025’s Shifting Market

The packaging and print industry is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history. For candidates, these shifts bring both challenges and opportunities. At Athena Executive Search, we work closely with professionals across the sector and have identified three key trends shaping career paths in 2025—and how you can position yourself for success. […]