AbstractA brief historic overview is given of simulation research in the TNO Packaging Research Centre, starting with ideas initiated some 5 years ago and ending with those being considered today. Some of the increasing number of simulation tools available are discussed, and a few thoughts are presented for prospective users making an intelligent choice.The paper presents what the TNO Centre for Packaging Research tries to simulate at present, and then considers why and how such simulations are carried out.Developing simulation techniques is a long‐term commitment and it should be realized that only by performing such simulations is it possible to find out what is possible, affordable and practical.Sometimes the applicability of new techniques can be discussed successfully with representatives of the target group only if a few examples are shown to the