The 22nd annual luxury packaging conference and exhibition starts today.

A regular feature in Monaco's trade show calendar, the event takes place over 3 days, from 21st to 23rd October, in the Grimaldi Forum. You'll find boxes, jars and bags made from every material you can imagine.

In spite of the current economic situation, Nathalie Grosdidier, the event's General Manager says it's fully booked, with almost 330 companies exhibiting. There are several new exhibitors, many from Italy, who've taken advantage of changes to the layout and size of stands.

The show is an opportunity for designers, manufacturers and purchasers to network. In addition to the exhibition, there's a conference program with presentations on issues of interest to luxury brands. Special guests this year include Vera Strubi (behind the Thierry Mugler perfume Angel), Noe Duchaufour Lauwrance (designer), and Marc Rosen (designer).

Not surprisingly, sustainable development is on the agenda for 2009. On 23rd October Jonathan Cohen, Global Business Director of DuPont Cosmetic Solutions, talks about its significance for the industry and how to make packaging more eco-friendly. In support, designers from Strate College are exhibiting More Magic, Less Material. Their approach to luxury is sustainable and ethical, advocating an end to bling and a return to discretion. You'll find the students in Luxe Pack in Green, a space dedicated to exhibitors of the best in sustainable luxury packaging.

Finally, Monaco IQ spotted a couple of other interesting events. On 21st October, Yannick Brunat, Marketing and Commercial VP of Pfeiffer talks about packaging design in relation to Generation Y. And there's an exhibition of lipsticks, some dating back to the early 20th century.