Design Futures (formerly The Packaging Partnership), was formed in July 2000 with the aim of establishing an internationally recognized centre of packaging excellence within the manufacturing heartland of South Yorkshire. In July 2004, and in conjunction with the University's product development centre, it was accredited a Centre of Industrial Collaboration by Yorkshire Forward in recognition of its achievements.

It is now an award-winning design consultancy within Sheffield Hallam University, which provides packaging and product research, pack testing, structural and graphic design and development, social and environmental sustainable design and packaging technology.

As a centre of innovative thinking, Design Futures employs a multi-disciplinary approach to design and adopts a global perspective on all packaging issues. Taking a strategic view of packaging, promotional and branding design and its role in meeting the demands of the market place, it can identify market opportunities and exploit them through design.

Its range of services include:

• innovation
• design (structural and graphic)
• education and training
• technical communication
• research
• pack testing
• environmental considerations (a theme running through all other activities).