In this week's newsletter I've been looking at 3D printing void fill. While better suited to an expensive product needing a custom fit, I was surprised by the range of flexible, even bouncy 3D materials. So it got me wondering, has anyone 3D printed any aspect of their packaging?

As the Christmas supply stores prepare to close down for the year, packaging lines finalise their bookings and food producers see their products go through packaging testing, where are you in your 2026 preparations? If you're new to retail, NPD or the idea that Christmas 2026 started before Christmas 2025, this weeks newsletter has you covered. Equally, if you're now in a panic reading this, search for "over wrap," festive packaging ideas and temporary festive rebranding for a shortcut to Christmasifying your product range. When you're sitting with a stock of Christmas packaging in early September (when the festive shopping starts) and watch the suppliers run out, you can feel all smug and confident for the season ahead (while preparing for 2027).

Up until now, all priducts under €150 don't incur import tariffs, but changes from the 1st July will see tariffs or custom levies on all products. The fees will be added per category of product shipped, not the number of parcels, so it's important to build in the additional costs and know how to calculate them, as each member state can have their own rules and fees. You can sign up for free access to this 4 minute explainer video from the UK's Department of Business and Trade (DBT): https://www.business.gov.uk/business-academy/videos/eu-union-custom-code-reforms-explained-july-1st-2026-2038/ and the official fees page is here: https://www.business.gov.uk/campaign/europe/european-union-eu-regulations/

There's an interesting range of topics in this upcoming webinar on Tuesday 21st July: https://webapp.spotme.com/login/eventspace/packaging-europe-beyond-the-box - Discover what’s new in the packaging start-up scene - Hear from Sustainability Awards judges about their takeaways from this year’s competition - Hottest innovation trends and biggest tech opportunities in packaging at the moment - Learn what sustainability and business drivers are demanding of new solutions

Your days of sneaking a peek for collectible cards by shining a light through the packaging are numbered. Toppan have developed a 98% light-shielded pack to hide their collectibles: https://packagingeurope.com/news/light-shielding-paper-pillow-packs-hide-rare-trading-cards-before-opening/14359.article Check out this story and more in this week's newsletter: https://bakeandbag.com/newsletter