The Processing and Packaging Machine Association (PPMA) Total show was in Birmingham, England this week. It's an expo of mainly food processing and packaging machines, but it's also typically the biggest machinery available. If your budget is under £50k, there's only a few suppliers of interest, but for me it's all about seeing new technology for packaging. I always come away with ideas on how I can improve my own packing and potential suppliers for my own bagging machine. This robot is at the end of a toothpaste production line.

For most of us, this is a technical level WAY above our needs, but it's an interesting insight into how major brands develop their packaging. They are also integrating their own AI models into the development of packaging for accelerated design and manufacture: https://www.packagingdive.com/news/5-ways-ai-shaping-packaging-research-testing-nestle-colgate-palmolive/759794/ This and more news in my 5 minute read comes out every Friday morning by email. You can sign up for free here: https://bakeandbag.com/newsletter/

Hey everyone 👋I’m new here and excited to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs! I run a small Print on Demand business on Etsy and just reached 150 sales 🎉. My next goal is to scale to 300 sales this Q4, and I’d love any tips you’re willing to share — whether it’s Etsy SEO, marketing strategies, or holiday promotions. Looking forward to learning, growing, and sharing wins with you all! 🙌

Will your product survive in the post? Will it look as good as you hoped when it's in the hands of your customers? My Post-2-Test service lets you send your parcel for a thorough testing and video review. With a receiving address on an island, your parcel is guaranteed to be tested by air and road before delivery. After delivery, it will go through drop testing from 1.8 metres (70 inches) then be opened by me to check the contents are intact, all recorded on video for you to watch privately. I'll also be looking for ease of opening, how the package looks and sustainability. Products received can be returned to you at cost, donated, recycled or potentially given away to Skool Community and YouTube (@bakeandbag) followers. If you agree, your video can also be shared with the community to provide education and inspiration (and a little promotion for your product!).

It REALLY is time to sort your Christmas packaging... 73 days till Black Friday - 28th November 76 days till Cyber Monday - 1st December Early Christmas shoppers have started NOW (yes, weirdos like me) 49% of parents have started shopping by mid-November - that's just 9 weeks away!