New content, new size and new design - welcome to the all new Packaging Today. As in any business, to stand still is to go backwards. Even successful formulas need to be critically reviewed periodically if they are to remain at the top and publishing is no different.
There is, of course, the 'baby and the bathwater' analogy, so while change can be radical it does not have to be all-encompassing. In fact, in terms of content it is evolution rather then revolution with a refocus of the balance of news and features.
In an increasingly competitive, fast moving world, packaging professionals need to know the latest news and views throughout the packaging value chain, but time factors dictate that the delivery be concise and easy to digest. To that end our news coverage has been extended to include the latest business news and innovations in materials, machinery and pack design every month - but the focus is on 'must have', rather than 'nice to have' information so that it can be easily assimilated by busy professionals.
There are also new columns and commentary, more of which will appear over the coming months.
One thing that has not changed is our regular delivery of in-depth feature articles - a unique attribute in the packaging press. Complementing the broad news coverage, these enable readers to catch up on the issues and innovations in their own specialist areas of interest in a focused, accessible manner.
An added slant, however, is that more opinions and solution-driven articles will be sought from those within the industry - a fine example being that by John Bath of Brecon Pharmaceuticals [page 45] where he looks at ways to maximise the strategic benefit in an outsourcing relationship.
As for our new format, it has long been a mystery to me as to why in the 21st century the dimensions of the majority of magazines have such a restrictive size [A4] - a format that has its roots in the 18th century - especially as the majority of mailed publications now arrive polywrapped, which dispenses with the frankly feeble excuse of envelope compatibility.
Design and practicality are bywords in our industry and we believe you deserve an appropriately aesthetic and practical package. By providing just a little more width to the page, a great deal more flexibility is provided to the designers, improving readability and visual impact while retaining the classic, 'glossy' magazine style.
So, as with everything in life, we have changed and moved on. We hope you agree that it is for the better.
Gerry Duggin
