After a six-year hiatus, the world's biggest and most international trade show for the packaging and processing sector is back, taking place from 4-10 May in Dusseldorf, Germany. More than 2700 exhibitors are preparing to present innovation and celebrate the long-awaited reunion of the global packaging industry.
When it comes to global packaging trade shows, Interpack is one of the best platforms for the exhange of ideas and exposure to technology and packaging materials innovation. This year exhibitors are expected to show how to change the game when it comes to sustainability, automation, digitisation and more, with a view to developing efficient production processes that are less resource intensive.
[PKN will be attending the event and reporting from the show floor. We'll be connecting with Australian exhibitors and visitors at the show, so if you would like PKN to visit your stand or that of your global partner, contact editor@packagingnews.com.au to book a time.]
“Interpack is back, and Syntegon of course is there. At our booth, visitors experience processing and packaging technology for a better life,” says Dr Michael Grosse, CEO of Syntegon Technology (represented in Australia by Nupac). “On almost 2000 square meters, we present intelligent and sustainable solutions for tomorrow – automated, digital and efficient.” Syntegon's stand will be located in Hall 6.
Global packaging solutions supplier Multivac, which has operations in Australia, is presenting its technologies in several locations at the trade fair to cover its comprehensive portfolio of solutions for food as well as for medical and pharmaceutical products.
Christian Traumann, CEO and spokesman for the board of directors at Multivac and vice president of Interpack, said: “We are very happy that the industry is coming together again after the Covid-induced hiatus. As a large, internationally leading trade fair, interpack is an important platform for presenting trends and innovation. The focus is on innovative, sustainable process and packaging solutions as well as digital services which help to create efficient production processes while avoiding unnecessary waste of resources.”
Sustainable material innovations
Much is happening on the market for packaging, packaging material and packaging aids. Visitors can expect many novelties, for example at Metsä Board (represented in Australia by Ball & Doggett). The company specialises in the development of light cardboard and recyclable barrier cardboard. “With our products and services, we can reduce the carbon footprint of packaging throughout the value chain, from optimal material selection, packaging design, 3D simulation and enhance recyclability and production efficiency. We have a clear roadmap to move to 100% fossil free products and production by the end of 2030,” is how VP Communications Marjo Halonen describes the focus of the company. Metsä Board's stand will be located in Hall 8a.
Intermediate bulk container (IBC) packaging systems by Schütz are used a million times every day the world over, including in Australia where the company has a thriving operation. At Interpack in Hall 10, the company will present innovative products like the Green Layer series, which aids customers in minimising their carbon footprint. “For Schütz, for our global team and for our internationally active customers, interpack is the world’s largest and most important platform for communication and information. With our multimedia overall concept, digital animations and of course in personal talks with our international team, at our booth we present novel products which are ideal for a circular economy and optimise the supply chain of our customers both economically and ecologically,” says Schütz CEO Roland Straßburger, vice president of Interpack.
Also in Hall 10, is ProAmpac Flexibles will showcase creative solutions for the area of flexible packaging. “ProAmpac is thrilled to be back at Interpack as this trade show allows us to meet with a wide range of brands worldwide. We are eager to discuss ProAmpac’s approach to sustainable packaging solutions and how we can collaborate with customers on even more innovative flexible packaging solutions,” says Ali McNulty, market manager Europe.
Starlinger in Hall 8a offers machines for producing woven plastic sacks, as well as systems for recycling plastics, extruding and refining PET. “At Interpack 2023, we are for the first time presenting our new sack tailoring system alongside our most recent product developments in the area of woven sacks. Our focus is on circular economy, production that uses resources responsibly, and on energy efficiency,” says Angelika Huemer, managing partner Starlinger & Co, with regard to participation in the trade fair.
[Ed's note: Starlinger is one of the equipment suppliers to the Circular Plastics Australia PET recycling facility being developed as a joint venture between Pact Group, Cleanway, Asahi and Coca-Cola EuroPacific Partners]
Inform, decorate, individualise
How to mark products, safely, efficiently and in an intelligent manner, is what visitors can learn, for example, at Bluhm Systeme in Hall 8b. Here and in Hall 8a, the spotlight is on packaging as a medium of information. “This year, the marking world of Interpack is concentrated within one-and-a-half of all the 18 trade fair halls. We are already looking forward to many talks with our customers, to the impressive design for our booth and the many new products. 300 m² offer us enough space for a close-up presentation of our highlights,” says Andreas Koch, sales director at Bluhm Systeme.
“We are delighted that with Interpack, the largest leading trade fair is happening again this year – and right on our doorstep,” says Matthias Rauen, sales director of Langguth GmbH, which is also represented in Hall 8b. “With our labelling machines, we want to meet the modern demands of the production world with regards to more efficient machines, higher degrees of automation as well as the service demands made of production systems, like OEE data recording or predictive maintenance.”
Sustainable technologies
With flexible filling and packaging machines for the market segments pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, paper hygiene and medical products, the OPTIMA packaging group supports companies worldwide. At Interpack, the focus is on sustainable solutions. CEO Dr Stefan König is looking forward to the trade fair: “Interpack is the best of all options worldwide to get up-to-date on the newest developments in technology both quickly and concisely. Our visitors have the chance to experience our fascinating exhibits as well as our technological competences in action. We also present custom service solutions and demonstrate how to turn our customers into game changers regarding sustainability.”
Also in Hall 16 is Romaco Holding, for whom the sustainability aspect is the deciding factor in this year’s edition of the trade fair as well: “We use interpack to present our sustainable, innovative machine concepts. They not only help our customers to lower their carbon emissions, they also lower production costs. In addition, we offer laboratories for granulation, pelleting, pellet coating, filling technologies and consulting for sustainable packaging,” says CEO Jörg Pieper.
All in all, approximately 2700 exhibitors at Interpack are presenting packaging and processing technology for tomorrow. Numerous special events, like the lecture programme in the spotlight talks & trends as well as trending topics of the industry add to what is offered for visitors.
Information on Interpack, including a list of exhibitors, an interactive hall plan, and how to buy tickets can be found at www.interpack.com.
Messe Reps is your contact in Australia for Interpack. Information is available on trade fairs and Dusseldorf on the website messereps.com who can also assist you with travel planning and finding accommodation.
