david tonkin, packaging development manager, 2 sisters food group, contemplates the year aheadbaby boomers to millenials packs shape up to fill the generation gapsboom. the last of the baby boomers born between 194649 can now claim the state pension. this group are a population bulge and a very important consumer group. the food information regulation fir is now in force and is a step to helping this group to identify and read the products that they want to purchase.easy open packs and inclusive design are trends that will continue to be promoted in 2015 because they fulfil a consumer need. but they are not nearly enough for a group that may not purchase a product because they don&rsquot know how long to cook it for. if this isn&rsquot reason enough, then what better reason to focus on this area than the fact that a much larger population bulge created by baby boom 2 195565 will start entering state retirement in the next 10 years or so.boom. generation change is now being outpaced by technology change. the fit of packaging and technology has been a conundrum for some time now, and i can see 2015 seeing increased forays into the use of electroluminescence, augmented reality and printed electronics. the challenge as ever will be to ensure that it&rsquos not seen as a sideshow, addon or a distraction to the pack&rsquos primary purpose.boom. the retail environment has always been a fierce place to be, and right now it&rsquos hotting up further. innovation that considers pack width will be on the winning side in 2015 as width is probably the most important dimension when considering a product&rsquos reason for being on shelf.ultimately, though, all innovation needs to be thought of from the consumer&rsquos perspective. after all, consumers pay our wages. i would like to see an increased consideration of the consumer in pack development and design. i think we are going to see packs that really stand out and deliver key information better as well as fibre based packaging solutions that can compete and deliver the same requirements as current polymer based ones. 2015 will see continued growth of &lsquocook in packaging&rsquo solutions such as our whole chicken cook in bag moving into other areas to meet consumer anxieties as well as pack solutions that can deliver great tasting food such as the new m&s taste range.longer term, there is much more for the packaging industry to get excited about when we consider that in the next five to 15 years, we&rsquoll see a greater prevalence of self driven cars, smart kitchens and appliances, increased connectivity and continued changes in consumer shopping habits and that poses an interesting thought about packaging&rsquos future.consumers should feel confident, reassured and valued through the whole purchase, use of the product and disposal of its packaging. innovative packs in 2015 that deliver on this will have a great chance of being in the market two years postlaunch, which for me is a good time to measure a product&rsquos success. 
