The Packaging Professional begins the year by asking the rather large question, 'What has polymer technology ever done for packaging?' Malcolm Butler from FaraPack Polymers Ltd provides an overview to some of the major developments. And if you've been wondering what 'smart materials' are, then we provide a brief run-down, with examples ranging from thin-film displays that show moving images to polymer bubbles - called vesicles - that could be used for encapsulation. In the news, we cover the opening of the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising in London, and we reveal the new categories in this year's Industry Starpack Awards.