Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Packaging Innovations, which takes place at the NEC on 26 and 27 February 2014, will be jam-packed with over 350 exhibitors, and an inspiring learnShops programme, spanning across every aspect of packaging delivered by world-class industry experts, such as Marks & Spencer, Iceland Foods, Recoup, Procter & Gamble and Mintel. Plus plenty of show floor ‘theatre’ in the form of The BIG Packaging Debate, one-to-one advice and the Lions’ Lair.

First and foremost, visitors head to the show to get inspired – to spot new ideas, concepts and suppliers from right across the packaging supply chain, and there’s plenty of inspiration in store for visitors attending the 2013 show.

Show Exhibitors

Paramount Packaging Systems, the UK  and Ireland distributor for Fuji Wrapping, will be showcasing its flow-wrapping and tray wrapping systems with two innovative options, a resealable system for product freshness and Freshcare for shelf life extension, keeping products fresh until the very last bite.

Also looking to help the food sector is ILPRA Systems UK with its new Foodpack line model FP1485 – the very latest in-lane tray sealing machine with innovative features incorporated for the end user, giving advantages both technically and commercially.

Those looking to invest in the latest labelling solutions will find plenty of expertise at the show; Epson will be demonstrating the Epson TM-C3500 colour label printer and the GP-C831, rugged inkjet, tractor feed label printer.

HP will be transforming its stand into a ‘digitally printed supermarket’. It will showcase the many consumer items that feature digitally printed labels and packaging that have been printed on HP Indigo Digital Presses, demonstrating the versioning capabilities of HP digital printing technology. Also on display will be secondary packaging that has been printed on HP Scitex Industrial Presses. The shelves will be filled with wine bottles, health and beauty, pharmaceutical and other typical household products.

For food packaging applications Durst Phototechnik AG, the industrial inkjet specialist, is expanding the application fields of the Tau 330 digital UV inkjet print system and will be presenting new solutions for the food industry and fully-automated industrial production.

Show Features

There will be two major new features at the show; firstly Campden BRI eye-tracking technology, providing a unique opportunity to see through the eye of the consumer, understand what drives their spending behaviour and store navigation. This will help food and drink businesses to develop a strategy for POS, pack design and product positioning. Plus the inaugural Recycling Clinic, where experts from Recoup will be on hand to provide free, one-to-one recycling advice.

To keep up with latest issues and trends there will be an array of free-to-attend learnShops seminars, with expert and case study speakers spanning the world of print and packaging. Headlining the exciting line-up of speakers will be packaging guru Lars Wallentin, drawing upon his experiences after a 40-year career at Nestlé as head of packaging design, as he talks ‘Packaging Sense’ at the show. Other key companies featured will be Procter & Gamble, Iceland, and olive brand Oloves.

Sun Branding Solutions will present its case study on the redesign of Mondelez International’s European chewing gum brands Trident, Stimorol and Hollywood, in the biggest cross-country branding project undertaken by Mondelez to date. RPC Containers Corby will be touching upon Heinz’s latest revolution in packaging.

Mike Fairley, Managing Director at Labels & Labelling Consultancy, will be discussing the latest print technologies – new brand and marketing opportunities, and building on the theme of labels, Ian Schofield, Own Label Manager at Iceland Foods, will be looking at the packaging challenges for retail.

Plus, Steve Morgan from Recoup will give delegates a clear idea of the Plastics Recycling Agenda for 2014 looking at the UK’s progress against its plastic recycling targets and how this will be affecting compliance costs.

The BIG Packaging Debate will also be returning to the NEC, where a panel of packaging experts will form a lively Question Time style session, discussing whether packaging is designed for the consumer or for the supply chain.

Visitors can also get one-to-one personalised advice on any aspect of their packaging from expert professionals at the Packaging Consultancy Clinic, or take part in Lions’ Lair where the audience can grill a selection of brave exhibitors as they pitch their latest innovations to a panel of experts, hoping to receive a very public thumbs up.

Those interested in exploring what active and intelligent packaging can do for their brand can gain tailored and specific advice on the Active & Intelligent Packaging Industry Association stand. Furthermore, on the second day of the show, the BIG Print Debate will bring industry experts together to discuss whether the latest print technologies provide brands sound ROI or are simply a gimmick.

A drinks reception for all those visiting the show will be held after The BIG Packaging Debate at the close of the show on Wednesday providing an opportunity to meet the panel and the rest of the speakers at the show, network with colleagues, new contacts, and exhibitors.

The 2014 event will feature seven co-located shows in total: Packaging Innovations, Ecopack, Contract Pack, Packtech, Print Innovations, Labelling Innovations and, new for 2014, Converting Innovations.

Visitor registration is free via the Packaging Innovations website www.easyFairs.com/PIUK.

Companies interested in exhibiting at Packaging Innovations 2014 can find out more about booking a stand by calling the packaging team on +44 (0)20 8843 8800 or emailing PackagingUK@easyFairs.com.