Developments in packaging design will be on show at the NEC in June alongside the latest machinery to enhance productivity. There will also be a hub to showcase manufacturing solutions tailored for the pharmaceutical industry. The organisers of the TOTAL Processing & Packaging exhibition preview some of the likely highlights of this year’s show
This year’s exhibition takes place against a tough backdrop for the industry. Manufacturing output fell by 3 per cent in the year to March 2013, according to the Office for National Statistics.
On top of that, the manufacturing industry is suffering a degree of collateral damage from the horsemeat scandal. The industry could be forgiven for looking glum.
Luckily there are some chinks of light amidst the darkness: some firms are finding ways to turn the crises into opportunities.
Speaking about the challenges facing manufacturers during this time, Michelle Newman, Marketing Manager for Kliklok International Ltd, Stand H10, commented, “In light of the recent controversy over horsemeat, an increasing number of supermarkets are pledging to source their ingredients from reputable suppliers in the UK. It already seems that the average consumer is now favouring fish and chicken over red meat consumption. For the UK food producer, this may well lead to an unexpected upturn in overall production, which means that higher speed, labour- saving automatic packaging could be the next step.”
Graham Earl, Exhibition Manager at the Total Processing & Packaging Exhibition, added: “It sounds counter-intuitive, but tough times can be positive for manufacturers, as they act as a catalyst for innovation. We think that this is where a show like Total comes into its own – it is a place to meet peers from across the industry, share the latest ideas and thinking, and find ways to chart a course through the tough terrain.”
Challenging perceptions: The future of the processing and packaging industries
Over 320 exhibitors will be on hand to demonstrate just how processing and packaging professionals can improve efficiency, accuracy and consistency while focusing on innovation.
Comprising three dedicated hubs including Pakex, PPMA and Interphex, attendees are invited to discover the latest innovations in packaging design at the Pakex Hub, machinery to enhance productivity at the PPMA show and new manufacturing solutions designed specifically for the pharmaceutical industry in the Interphex hub.
… tough times can be positive for manufacturer’s as they act as a catalyst for innovation
From design, automation and control, packaging machinery to materials and containers, no matter what industry or product you’re in charge of, there is no better place to discover the latest solutions and technologies available to enhance your business and transform your production line.
Learn from industry insiders
While advice on the latest pressing industry topics can be found on a number of exhibitor stands, free-to-attend seminars will be available throughout the 3-day event featuring experts Tyrrells, M&S, Dairy Crest, B&Q, Kerry Foods, GSK, Siemens and B. Braun who will put the industry’s pressing issues under the spotlight, share the latest advice and reveal groundbreaking industry innovations.
Seminar line-up
Reflecting the three show hubs, visitors can attend seminars in the Manufacturing Forum, sponsored by Linx Printing Technologies, the Interphex Theatre, sponsored by Bürkert Fluid Control Systems and Pakex Innovation Hub, sponsored by Markem Imaje. Each hub offers a unique seminar programme packed with an exciting line up of topics chaired by editors from Process Engineering, Machinery Update, The Manufacturer, Packaging News, Packaging Gazette and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Packing Source (PMPS).
Other chairs overseeing seminars at the exhibition include International Society for Phamaceutical Engineering (ISPE) chair, Lynn Bryan, Thrive design agency founder, Doug James and Alan Isaacs, founder and architect of packaging and converting process machinery for the medical and pharmaceutical sectors.
The Pakex Innovation Hub, sponsored by Markem-Imaje will cover all things packaging and design related with speakers from Kerry Foods and Tyrells confirmed for the exhibition’s opening day. Leading with subjects such as “Sustainable production from process and packaging” and “Understanding the trade to create brand growth”, attendees will gain a rare insight into some of the UK’s biggest brands and how they manage to keep up with ever-changing packaging innovations.
While attendees can discover the latest in packaging design at the Pakex Innovation Hub, attendees looking for machinery or automation can join the Manufacturing Forum, sponsored by Linx Printing Technologies.
Candidates are invited to submit their packaging concepts for a chance to secure a real financial investment
This dedicated hub will offer an insight into the technology readily designed to help manufacturers reduce waste, increase flexibility and transform productivity on the production line.
Pharmaceuticals hub
While automation and machinery may be used across the processing and packaging industries, the third and final hub offers attendees a unique insight into the issues and pressing topics affecting pharmaceutical manufacturers. Available in the Interphex Theatre, sponsored by Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, pharmaceutical and packaging experts will discuss the importance of hygiene, how to reduce contamination and anti-counterfeiting and the challenges of meeting new legislation and directives.
Graham Earl, added: “This year’s seminar programme most certainly reflects the scale of the Total Processing & Packaging Exhibition in 2013. It’s great to be able to offer attendees such an extensive three-day seminar programme. For attendees, whether you’re a packaging professional looking to improve the design, automation or productivity of your plant, there are a wide range of subjects relevant to you. Visitors will be given a unique opportunity to learn from the experts with measurable success to gain crucial business advice and tips on meeting the demands of the modern processing and packaging industries.”
Looking to the future: Identifying the next generation of industry talent
Recognising the best and brightest up-and-coming talent in the industry will also be a key focus, with the return of the Ones to Watch competition and the launch of the new Packaging Design Challenge.
Ones to Watch is a search for the industry’s brightest young processing and packaging professional, judged on entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to the industry. Sponsored by Festo, the successful candidate and ‘one to watch’ will win more than £9,500 of in-house training from Festo’s Training & Consulting portfolio. If you know a colleague that fits the bill, visit www.totalexhibition.com/otw.
Sponsored by Festo, leading suppliers of pneumatic and electronic automation technology, the winners of the awards will win a Festo Training & Consulting workshop and be exhibited as part of the Achievement Gallery at the show.
Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will also win additional training courses, with the Gold Winner receiving a complimentary, ‘in-company’ training course worth over £9,500 from Festo’s Training & Consulting portfolio. A wide range of training courses are available for selection including people management, organisational management and technical based program training – all refined to meet the winners’ business needs and requirements.
Take the packaging challenge
New to the Total Processing and Packaging Exhibition 2013, the Packaging Design Challenge will offer one lucky packaging professional the chance at a real investment in their packaging innovations. Candidates are invited to submit their packaging concepts for a chance to secure a real financial investment live at the show. If you have a concept or packaging idea you’d like to see on the shop shelves, visit www.totalexhibition.com/packdesignchallenge for more information.
With so much variety on offer, if you want to hear about the latest news and trends in the processing, packaging and pharmaceutical industries, you’ll start with the Total Processing and Packaging Exhibition 2013. For more information and to register today, visit http://www.totalexhibition.co.uk.
For more information on the Total Processing and Packaging Exhibition 2013, please visit www.totalexhibition.com or join the conversation on Twitter (@TotalExhibition) or the Total Exhibition 2013 LinkedIn group.
