SubscribePackaging professionals turned out in record numbers for easyFairs
PACKAGING INNOVATIONS, ECOPACK, PACKTECH and CONTRACT PACK as the show quartet saw visitor numbers more than double year-on-year.
Almost 4,000 visitors checked out the latest packaging solutions and design trends at the March 12-13 shows at Birmingham’s NEC – an increase of 118% on the number that attended last year’s exposition.
The event’s wide-ranging appeal saw brand development managers from multinationals like ASDA, Unilever, Boots and Cadbury Schweppes rubbing shoulders with family-run, independent enterprises. Packaging technologists, designers, and engineers also took a keen interest in the 340 stands, plus a programme of educational seminars delivered by industry experts.
easyFairs Managing Director Peter Heath said the show’s popularity illustrated the pivotal role packaging plays in today’s corporate environment.
“Packaging really is at the sweet spot of board agendas,” he said, “and is dominating a growing share of the marketing mix. Our research shows that 74 per cent of brands believe packaging is an integral part of new product development – and the desire to innovate and address green issues is set to intensify.
“The visitor numbers were spectacular…it was a brilliant event for all concerned.”
Green Theme
Many visitors were attracted by easyFairs ECOPACK – a new addition to the event focusing on sustainable packaging solutions.
One, Sarah Calcutt from English fruit marketers Norman Collett Ltd, said: “I’ve come specifically to check out environmental developments at the new ECOPACK show, especially advances in biodegradable products and low-micron plastics and films. It’s been an extremely valuable event, and well worth the trip from our Kent base.”
The packed programme of educational talks and case studies (there were more than 100 over the two days) also proved a big draw.
Dean Brown, Packaging Development Engineer for Home Retail Group – the company behind Argos and Homebase – was one of many visitors who attended a learnShops debate on easyFairs’ Packaging Industry Report 2007. He said: “It was a superb discussion…interesting to hear feedback from all parties on the big issues in retailers’ minds at the moment.
“easyFairs PACKAGING INNOVATIONS is a real breeding ground for new ideas and, as we can’t do everything in-house, the new CONTRACT PACK show was a great opportunity to meet potential business partners.”
Sanner Plastics Technology’s Executive Director of Innovation, Dr Ian Buckley, continued: “There’s a huge range of innovations here; I didn’t arrive looking for anything specific but knew there would be plenty of food for thought, interesting developments and ideas to take away. I’ve not been disappointed. One of the learnShops educational sessions on dispensing innovations was very useful and provided inspiration for associated projects I’m involved with.”
And exhibitors, of which more than half have already signed-up for the 2009 event, also enthused over the shows’ success.
Ben Still, General Manager of easyFairs® ECOPACK exhibitor Paperboard Products, which makes food applications from renewable sources, said: “We’ve not exhibited at a trade show before so we really didn’t know what to expect. But the quality of the footfall exceeded our expectations. This was the right show for us.”