About
I'm a packaging innovation and sustainability leader with over 18 years' experience driving transformational packaging programmes across FMCG, retail, beverages and luxury goods. I've led packaging innovation for globally recognised brands including PepsiCo, Unilever, Marks & Spencer, Hotel Chocolat and Gü, developing packaging that balances consumer appeal, sustainability, operational reality and commercial return.
My experience runs across the full packaging lifecycle: concept generation, material and technology evaluation, industrialisation, supplier sign off, market launch and post launch optimisation. I'm currently New Product Development Manager at Pulpex, a pioneering packaging technology company, where I lead the commercialisation of fibre based bottle technology with global FMCG partners, building the development frameworks, supplier network and cross functional teams that take a genuinely disruptive packaging format from concept to consumer market.
Across previous roles at Marks & Spencer, Pepsi Lipton (Unilever), Hotel Chocolat, Gü and Mission Foods, I've delivered 117+ packaging launches, generated £1.2m+ in documented savings, removed over 9 million plastic units from retail supply chains and reduced packaging material usage by 188 tonnes a year, while implementing 100% rPET bottle programmes across European markets.
packaging that performs
〰️
costs less
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and does right by the planet
〰️
packaging that performs 〰️ costs less 〰️ and does right by the planet 〰️
Speaking
& industry recognition
I'm a regular speaker at industry events, invited to present on packaging innovation, sustainability and the commercialisation of next generation packaging technologies. It's something I make time for alongside client work, because sharing what actually works in packaging benefits the whole industry, not just one brand.
Where you'll find me speaking:
• London Packaging Week
• Packaging Innovations Birmingham
• Sustainability focused packaging conferences across the industry
What I speak about:
• Packaging innovation and new product development
• SKU rationalisation and packaging simplification
• Sustainable materials and material transition
• Next generation and emerging packaging technologies
• Translating packaging innovation into commercially viable solutions for global brands
Why I started this consultancy
Too many brands are told to choose between packaging that performs, packaging that's affordable, and packaging that's genuinely sustainable. I started Anup Pala Packaging Consultancy to prove that's a false choice, and to make packaging innovation and sustainability commercially achievable, not just aspirational, for brands of every size.
How I work
I start with the commercial brief, not the material, cost, timeline and brand fit come first, sustainability and innovation are built in from there.
I work embedded with your team, translating between marketing, technical, procurement and suppliers so nothing gets lost.
I test before I recommend, trials and evidence over opinion.
I leave you with a structured process, not a dependency, clear specs, supplier relationships and a roadmap your team can run with.
Ready to talk packaging?
Submit your inquiry and I'll get back to you within one working day, or call me directly if you'd rather talk it through now.