Events A Bustling Celebration for the Packaging Industry “Those who weren’t able to attend definitely missed out.” That was the unanimous view of the exhibitors as FACHPACK drew to a close. For three days, the trade fair for packaging, technology and processes was brimming with innovation and inspiration for the packaging sector. And the pleasure of being able to meet with customers and business partners in person was palpable throughout the exhibition halls. There were goosebumps all around! A total of 788 exhibitors from 33 countries were on hand to answer specific packaging questions from about 24,000 trade visitors. Of the trade visitors, one in three had travelled to Nuremberg from outside Germany. Access to the trade fair with e-tickets and verification of “3G” status (proof of having been vaccinated, tested, or recovered from COVID) at the entrances was quick and uncomplicated. The hygiene strategy worked, with exhibitors and visitors observing the relevant regulations. The aisles were busy, and there were crowds around the stands: strolling through the exhibition halls and in conversation with exhibitors it was possible to catch phrases such as, “The investment definitely paid off!” “We’re pleased we weren’t put off by the risk,” or “The exhibitors who were optimistic have been rewarded.” The supporting programme also proved highly popular. About 9,500 audience members followed the 101 product presentations in the PACKBOX, TECHBOX and INNOVATIONBOX forums. And anyone who missed a presentation at the trade fair can still view it on the myFACHPACK digital tool until the end of the year. Products on display and an international focus FachPack covered a comprehensive range of products from the entire packaging process chain, from packaging materials and machines to printing and processing, logistics systems and services. Forty-one percent of the exhibitors and about one-third of the visitors travelled from outside Germany, mainly from Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Poland, France and Belgium. Visitors appreciate FACHPACK as a working trade fair “Exhausted, but happy!” That sums up how Heike Slotta, Executive Director Exhibitions, NürnbergMesse, felt just before the trade fair came to an end. Many others shared her feelings. Noone knew in advance how it would turn out, or how many visitors would actually make the trip to Nuremberg in this unusual, pandemic-afflicted year. The fact so many attended in the end was a surprise not only for the exhibitors but also for the trade fair organizers. And it just proves that nothing can take the place of a live event, despite all the digital options available. “What visitors to FACHPACK particularly appreciate is the productive conversations with exhibitors, which lead to new ideas for solutions to their packaging problems,” observes Phillip Blass, Director FACHPACK, NürnbergMesse. “FACHPACK is simply a real working fair – and that’s what makes it special.” Industry professionals: 90 percent contribute to purchasing decisions The exhibitors had particular praise for the high quality of the industry professionals. That is backed up by the results of a visitor survey by an independent institute: some 90 percent of the trade visitors said they were involved in the purchasing and procurement decisions in their companies. About two-thirds of them held senior positions, and more than one in five were from management. The visitors came mainly from the food and beverage, pharmaceutical and medical, cosmetics, chemical, electronics and automotive industries. New key theme for FACHPACK 2022: “Transition in packaging” FACHPACK perceives itself as a guide, and aims to offer direction to the sector. The new key theme for 2022 is therefore devoted to the powerful trends currently impacting on the packaging industry. Sustainability is demanded not only by law but also by consumers – and that is making far-reaching changes to the industry. Subjects such as the circular economy, digitalization and e-commerce add to the mix. Covid-19 has brought a focus to the aspect of hygiene in product protection. In addition, areas such as online shopping and home deliveries will continue to grow. What purchasing behaviours will consumers exhibit in the future? All these themes are not only a task for the packaging industry; they also offer a major opportunity to make changes. Save the date! The next FACHPACK will take place in the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg in its usual sequence from 27 to 29 September 2022. fmt 54 foodMarketing & Technology • October 2021
Events Success for PPMA as the Show Restarts The UK’s largest processing and packaging machinery event returned to the NEC, Birmingham (28-30 September) following the postponement of the 2020 Show. Hailed as a great success by exhibitors and visitors, over 250 exhibitors and 1,250 brands showcased the latest innovations in smart manufacturing, processing equipment and packaging solutions. Richard Little, Show Director said, “Notwithstanding the impact of the pandemic on all live events, the PPMA Show has once again proved to be a successful event for both visitors and exhibitors. We’re thrilled to have delivered our first live show since 2019 and evidence is that buyers have visited our event with active projects in mind. Improving line speeds, efficiency and automation of lines has been of primary interest with manufacturing companies having the joint challenge of labor restrictions and increased demand for packaged goods from retailers. It’s great that the PPMA Show will help make a contribution to building back business.” Building back business For the exhibitors at PPMA 2021, the caliber of visitor and quality of leads were significant positives: “Our stand attracted a good number of visitors; most importantly, the quality was excellent too, with key decision makers such as Heads of Engineering and Engineering Managers all coming by to speak to us. We have come away from the event with some strong leads that we are looking forward to following up on.” said Steve Bradley, Sales Director, AVE UK. “The show was livelier than expected,” commented Stuart Coulton, Market Development Manager at Omron UK. “Our stand was consistently busy from the moment the doors opened, with labor proving a major issue for manufacturers. Overall, it was a very successful show for us, attracting senior representatives from both SMEs and large corporations alike.” Phil Brown, Managing Director, Fortress Technology Europe, also felt PPMA Show 2021 proved a big success. “We were extremely happy with the turnout at this year’s event. Our stand was constantly busy, with visitors spending longer than usual talking to our team. Most were looking to fulfil live projects taking place in the next 3-6 months, so they were ready to talk details. We met with a number of decision makers from key food manufacturers across the confectionery and dairy sectors, among others. I can honestly say it was one of the most successful PPMA Shows that we’ve ever exhibited at.” Akeel Ahmed, Business Development Manager for Kemtile says: “We were really happy to be back in front of prospective customers and get a taste of pre-pandemic life.” “We picked up some promising leads, mostly in the fresh produce and ready meals sectors” adds David John, Managing Director at Brillopak.” I was pleased to note that the quality of visitors seemed higher than usual, with less junior team members and more Project Managers, Directors and company owners.” Meanwhile, Craig Burgess, Managing Director of Lechler, said: “Another well organized show - the quality of people attending has been excellent. Visitors really know what they wanted, and this has led to some very interesting conversations.” Sustainability was, unsurprisingly, at the top of the agenda, “We were delighted with the turnout at this year’s show, with a constant stream of high-quality visitors spending time on our stand,” said Tony McDonald, Sales and Marketing Director, IMA Ilapak. “Sustainability was a key driver for many of the people we spoke to. The impending Plastic Packaging Tax is prompting manufacturers to look towards recyclable films. “Nothing beats being able to engage with customers and prospects face to face. It was great to sit down and grab a coffee with our customers who we had been previously unable to visit due to the pandemic. It was a pleasure to be able to showcase solutions to visitors in person again.” In response to all the positive feedback received, David Harrison, Chief Operating Officer of PPMA Group of Associations concluded: “There is evidence that, despite the challenges posed post COVID and the unforeseen fuel crisis, the packaging and processing industry continues to thrive. The footfall has been fantastic and quality of visitors exceptionally high. It’s just what all our members deserve after pulling together as an industry over the last 18 months.” The PPMA Show is the UK’s leading production line event for processing and packaging machinery. The exhibition showcases the latest innovations in processing and packaging machinery and is attended by manufacturers of food, pharmaceuticals, toiletries and FMCG, contract packers and more. fmt foodMarketing & Technology • October 2021 55
