1-  You were appointed Chairman of the INDP in November 2022. Could you tell us a little about your position and the INDP’s activities?

 I chair the INDP and take over from Fabrice Peltier. The Institut National du Design Packaging is an association that brings together all those involved in packaging design. Industrialists such as packaging manufacturers with design offices; brands via their marketing and product development managers; distributors. And, of course, designers. The INDP was developed because packaging design accounts for around 30% of design jobs.

The idea is to develop creativity in the service of new packaging that meets new requirements, particularly environmental ones. To achieve this, we want to bring together all the players, with a clear message: design is investment, and it creates value for the entire product marketing process.

The INDP’s three main missions are, firstly, to lead a network of experts to promote their skills. Secondly, to stimulate creativity and the use of design, and to be present throughout the packaging ecosystem in France. Finally, to associate the INDP with all national and international networks (WPO, etc.), the Conseil National de l’Emballage, etc., to position itself in design associations such as APCI, and then to develop training courses. This commitment is the legacy of Fabrice Peltier, the Institute’s founder.

2-  What are INDP’s priority projects for the coming years?

Today, we’re relaunching our membership drive. We’ve had around fifty members in the past, and we need to get them back on board, as we’ve reduced our calls for membership fees following the COVID years. But many players in the food sector, including packaging manufacturers and distributors, as well as mid-sized companies and SMEs and VSEs such as designers, are looking for advice and participation in a network: a packaging creativity hub.

We’re also going to redevelop the INDP’s activities at the request of the industry, which is being asked about “Right Packaging”. This is reflected in the AGEC law and the EGALIM law, whose decrees come to impact the positioning habits of packaging choice. For two or three years, we’ve been resisting the constraints associated with these new European and French legislative movements. Fabrice Peltier has worked hard to ensure that our positioning is clear, that we don’t greenwash, and that we take concrete action.

The idea is to have around fifty members who share the INDP’s strategy, and above all are committed to a creative dynamic that will give new meaning to value creation, while maintaining an environmental backbone. INDP is the anti-silo. The ability to put the competence of the designer at the heart of different companie. Ensure that this is not only a profession but also a skill that can be shared between markets and different points of view.

3-  You were named Manager of the Year at Emballages Magazine’s annual Packaging Conference in June 2023. First of all, congratulations, and secondly, how do you see the contributions of design (by INDP members) within the CNE for the benefit of Right Packaging?

In line with the CNE’s 4 values of dialogue, pragmatism, education and transparency, the INDP, as a network of design and creative experts, has a legitimate role to play in developing and disseminating best practice in the marketing and use of product packaging. Designers are the ideal link between brands, markets and consumers, to propose and design the Right Packaging. The INDP is a creative hub, a catalyst of skills, close to the constraints of transition while retaining the idea of creating product value. “Through Design, Less raw materials, more gray matter in packaging!”

I’d like to thank Emballages Magazine for naming me Manager of the Year, at a time when Design needs to be given pride of place in a highly industrial profession. Over and above my personal satisfaction, it’s a whole sector that’s realizing that Design is a real profitable investment!

4-  INDP joined the CNE in 2012 as a member of its 9th college (other companies and associations): what are your expectations of the CNE?

We’re delighted to have been a member of the CNE for over 10 years, and have played a major role in the work and exchanges organized during this period of many transitions. To answer the question, our expectations are as follows:

– Participate in opinions and recommendations issued by and for the profession

– Exchange with players in the collection and recovery sector, local authorities, consumer and environmental protection associations.

– Contribute to the CNE’s recommendations in best practice guides for specific market destinations.

– Support the transition to eco-design

– Promote design and designers in the sector’s value chain

– Obtain recommendations that can be disseminated and used by and for packaging training courses.

We are delighted to contribute to the recognition of the CNE’s opinions for the benefit of the entire profession.