PrintWeek Awards 2024: Meghana Reddy Baddam wins Student of the Year

At a glance

• A person whom I admire: My father
• Web series: Lost in Space
• Music: Carnatic music
• Movie: Coco
• One book about print or packaging that you have read which is a must-read according to you: The Packaging Designer’s Book of Patterns by George L Wybenga and Lászlo Roth

The packaging industry urgently needs new approaches. One suggestion you have about what is needed next?
The packaging industry is at a critical juncture where sustainability and innovation need to merge. One suggestion is to focus on circular packaging solutions, where materials can be fully recycled or composted without compromising functionality. Mycelium-based packaging is a great example of a biodegradable alternative that not only reduces waste but also offers protective cushioning.

A print and packaging launch which made you go, WOW!
The launch of Coca-Cola’s limited-edition cans featuring Marvel characters, and by scanning them with a phone, fans could unlock exclusive AR content. This allowed people to see 3D animations or play interactive games with their favorite superheroes. It was an amazing way to merge physical packaging with digital experiences, making the product more engaging and memorable. I thought it was a great example of how packaging can be used creatively to connect with consumers.

A software trick or a tech app everyone in our industry should know about.
I would recommend Pacdora—an all-in-one packaging design platform. It simplifies the design process with customisable templates for different packaging types, enabling professionals to prototype quickly and accurately. This software integrates with 3D modeling tools, allowing users to visualise and test designs in real time, which is a huge advantage for improving speed-to-market while ensuring design precision.

A packaging factory you visited which blew your mind! Why so?
I had the chance to visit Alpla India, and it was mind-blowing! What impressed me the most was the level of automation, especially their injection blow molding technology, and how seamlessly the entire operation ran. The integration of cutting-edge machinery and a highly facilitated lab was really great.

Which is that one segment of packaging which requires the utmost attention?
Food packaging demands the utmost attention, especially in terms of safety, sustainability, and shelf life. With the rise in eCommerce and increasing demand for convenience, there is a pressing need to develop innovative materials that ensure food safety while minimising environmental impact. This segment also requires advancements in intelligent packaging — using smart sensors to track freshness, temperature, and even contamination — which could significantly reduce food waste and improve consumer confidence.

Powered by