A packed programme awaits delegates attending this year’s Pro2Pac at ExcEl London from March 17 to 20
ORGANISERS of the biennial exhibition that turns the spotlight on the food and drink packaging and processing are promising ‘insight and opportunity’ to the thousands of packaging professionals who will congregate at the spring showcase.
For example, ‘Pro2Pac Live’ will focus on key issues and current hot topics, including sustainability, labelling innovations and reducing packaging costs.
Covering the entire packaging and processing supply chain, the seminar programme promises to be interspersed with real-life case studies and incorporate everything from design, branding, artwork and innovation, through to technology, manufacturing and cost reduction.
Along with the seminars, brand new visitor attraction Pro2Pac One2One Experts will provide crucial business information for the food industry, with free one-to-one sessions allowing visitors to gain personalised insights and advice.
The comprehensive consultation service covers a wide array of industry practices and is available to all visitors who book an available time slot during the course of the four-day event.
Event director Christopher McCuin said: “Pro2Pac 2013 is set to be our largest and most impressive show yet, bringing together companies from across the food and drink industry, providing key insights into the most pressing issues in the UK’s largest manufacturing sector.
“Exhibitors can reach the largest audience of food and drink manufacturers anywhere in the UK and for visitors it’s a unique, time-efficient opportunity to source, evaluate and discuss the latest developments within food and drink processing and packaging.”
More than 130 companies are expected to exhibit the latest in innovative packaging, sustainable materials, manufacturing equipment and packaging services.
Labelling company Brother will exhibit its range of electronic labelling printers that produce labels that are water, fade, frost, chemical and scuff resistant, while the on-demand colour label printer manufacturer Quicklabel Systems will give its Vivo! Touch printer its UK premiere at the show.
Exhibitors can reach the largest audience of food and drink manufacturers anywhere in the UK.
Other exhibitors include the award-winning Sherwood Press Group, which will showcase sustainable packaging that combines innovation in 2D/3D design, and Automated Packaging Systems, which will display its recently launched FAS Sprint Revolution machine, which is food compatible and capable of running tamper evident and resealable bags.
Over a third of exhibitors will be making their first appearance at Pro2Pac, including Miller Graphics Group, Logson Group and Packwood UK and will include exhibitors from around world including UAE, South America, Malaysia, Germany, France, Sweden and many more.
Brand new for 2013, the Sustainable Solutions Zone has been established to provide visitors with a unique platform to discover the latest resource-efficient technologies and sustainable practices.
This new addition to the event will allow visitors to learn more about responsible recycling and waste reduction and provide insights into cutting-edge renewable energy practices, which can help food manufacturers reduce costs as well as emissions.
Following a new partnership with The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA), the Sustainable Solutions Zone will also give visitors the chance to learn about the vital efficiency and environmental benefits offered by Anaerobic Digestion (AD).
AD can be used by all types of businesses, including food manufacturers, and involves using biodegradable waste to generate energy, cutting costs and carbon emissions.
A members’ pavilion and meeting area within the zone will introduce food and drink manufacturers to AD suppliers in order to learn exactly why leading organisations including Waitrose, Diageo, Sainsbury’s and Branston have already invested in the technology.
In-depth insights into how AD can be used and its benefits will also be shared during Pro2Pac Live.
Another show feature is challenging design students from Leeds Metropolitan and Sheffield Hallam universities to design the food and drink packaging of the future.
To be in with a chance of success, entrants will have to design a revolutionary and groundbreaking ‘sustainable’ concept for either a new or existing product that satisfies criteria around consumer needs, shelf impact, feasibility, cost and the environment.
Judged by a panel of experts including representatives from design agency Miller Graphics; grocery retail magazine The Grocer; leading packaging title Packaging News; the industry body IoPP; university tutors and Pro2Pac Event Director Christopher McCuin, the award aims to give the industry a glimpse of what the future might hold for packaging and inspire up-and-coming talent.
Image – Top, More than 130 exhibitors are expected to attend the March gathering in London.
