UPM Raflatac has released the findings of a new neuromarketing study. Results show the power of different label materials and finishes to shape consumer perceptions and drive purchasing. Focused on white wine labels, the research carried out in collaboration with partners in the packaging value chain, ARGEA, SenseCatch, Kurz, and Krämer Druck, shows that label material and finishes all have a significant part to play in consumer purchasing behavior and post-purchase enjoyment. The research has been summarized in a book, which also features a foreword by Uwe Melichari, a sustainable packaging expert, designer, and Pentawards jury member. The book is available in three languages and as a digital version. A wine’s label plays a pivotal role in the consumer’s decision to buy it or not. In fact, according to a study on the wine sector conducted by wine.net, it was found that 82% of a sample of 2000 consumers relied primarily on the label to choose their favorite wine. Many other studies have also commented on the link between the perceived taste of wine and expectations, and how these are influenced by the label’s color, shape, paper, printing technique, and overall design.

Direct-to-consumer shipments of medtech wearables continue to climb—IDC estimates 534.6 million units were shipped in 2024. At the same time, the global wearable market is valued at $103.04 billion in 2025 and will rise to $324.73 billion by 2032. These devices are often high-value, sensitive technologies requiring careful handling, especially as more brands embrace D2C delivery models. With category growth, product fragility, and shifting distribution channels, an optimized packaging strategy has become essential for protecting products, controlling costs, and delivering a strong customer experience. So, what exactly is a wearable? In the medtech world, wearables are electronic sensors worn on—or even implanted in—the body to continuously capture health data. Think wrist-worn smartwatches that log heart rate and activity, arm-mounted continuous glucose monitors, adhesive ECG patches for cardiac monitoring and sleek sleep-tracking rings. As these devices more and more frequently journey from manufacturers, clinics and retailers direct to consumers’ homes, your packaging must evolve. Here are five strategies to balance product protection, user experience and material efficiency:

Aptar Pharma, a global leader in drug delivery systems, services and active material science solutions, today announced the opening of its new Aptar Mumbai site, which will increase manufacturing capabilities in South East Asia. An inauguration ceremony held on December 1, 2023, marked the official opening of the new Aptar Mumbai production facility in the Palava Industrial and Logistics Park at Taloja, Mumbai. Members of Aptar’s Executive Committee and Aptar Pharma’s Global Leadership Team welcomed more than 100 key customers and Aptar employees from the Mumbai and Hyderabad, India sites to this momentous occasion, which included a ribbon cutting and tree-planting ceremony. Manufacturing capabilities at Aptar Mumbai, which began in 2012 with the assembly and supply of metered dose valves and pumps, have now been expanded to offer more innovative product solutions and ensure increased manufacturing capacity to pharma customers in South East Asia.