A packaging exhibition would not be complete without a stage dedicated to sustainable design.
A KEY focus for many delegates visiting this year’s Packaging Innovations show will be the Ecopack exhibition which is dedicated to sustainable packaging solutions.
Astute businesses do not neglect their environmental credentials, not least because the sustainable market is predicted to reach £111 billion within five years.
It’s therefore hardly surprising that some of the UK’s leading suppliers will be using the two-day show at the NEC to introduce delegates to new sustainable technologies and services.
One example is AB Packaging Group which will launch a “paper bag for life”. Mike Gibson, UK sales manager says the company has put two years of research and development into the creation of an innovative 100% biodegradable carrier bag, which he is hoping will attract the eye when it is unveiled in February.
Elsewhere, Recoup will launch ‘Recyclability by Design’, which aims to provide plastic packaging designers with a better understanding of the environmental implications of their design decisions.
First time exhibitor Bettix, which manufactures blow and injection mouldings, will be showcasing a range of single and twin neck dispensers as well as a brand new concept in multi-use trigger sprays, which is already having success in the USA.
Nicholl Food Packaging is launching a number of new lines into its portfolio, which includes smoothwall and wrinklewall foil trays, compostable and ovenable board variants and lidding films.
“Ecopack provides a very effective spotlight on the hugely important topic of sustainability,” says Paul Ogiliev, head of sales. “We know sustainability remains high on our customers’ agendas so we expect the 2013 show to be as busy as ever.”
Kairos One is using the show to demonstrate its two services: Eco-Design and Pre-media Support. Eco-Design helps brand owners and packaging manufacturers re-engineer a design in order to minimise its impact by reducing materials and weight, optimising shape, structure and size, and improving efficiency throughout the supply chain. Pre-media Support helps packaging manufacturers reduce cost and improve efficiency at the prepress stage.
Manuplastics is focusing on its growing standard jar/lid range including new matt and gloss surface finish options across selected product styles.
As well as providing a forum for new products and services, Ecopack also provides visitors with a fresh outlook on the latest industry developments and issues.
For instance The BIG Packaging Debate, taking place on the first day of the show, will discuss whether sustainable packaging really affects consumer buying behaviour.
“The environmental arguments for sustainable packaging have been covered on many occasions,” says Matt Benyon, managing director of easyFairs UK Ltd.
“We want to move the debate on and explore what happens in the consumer’s mind at the point of sale. Does sustainable packaging drive customer choice or are consumers colour blind when it comes to greener packaging?”
