Collaborative programme to accelerate regional problem solving

The company intends to engage with start-ups in the Asia Pacific region and across the world to disrupt and evolve the labels and packaging industry and strengthen its innovation capabilities. The aim is to address some of the industry’s most urgent business challenges by collaborating with promising start-ups in Asia Pacific, allying them to Avery Dennison’s experience and size so both can grow.

‘From our first day in business nearly 90 years ago, Avery Dennison has a long and proud heritage as an innovator,’ says Anil Sharma, vice president and general manager, Labels and Graphic Materials in Asia Pacific. ‘AD Stretch will help us stay on the cutting edge of innovation by reaching out to the brightest talent and start-ups, working together to realise shared goals and values and solve the key challenges of the next decade.’

The programme will be launched globally, starting in Asia Pacific and Latin America, then rolling out in Europe and the US later this year. With the end goal of solving a particular problem, each group of start-ups will have a specific brief that draws on regional challenges.

The core themes will focus on connecting consumers to brands through new experiences; creating sustainable, responsible and efficient value chains; and the development of materials and packaging 2.0. Specifically within Asia Pacific, areas the AD Stretch teams will focus on solutions that help brands connect with end users more effectively, new biodegradable labelling and packaging products and materials, and solutions that help perishables survive the last leg of the supply chain in emerging economies.

The programme, in partnership with venture studio Highline Beta, aims to attract the best and brightest start-ups and innovators. Following a period of review and consultation, the applicants will be narrowed down to 10 finalists that will go on to execute a pilot project.

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