PACKAGING INNOVATIONS HAS IT COVERED AT THE NEC 2014
Packaging Innovations 2014 returns to the NEC on 26 and 27 February 2014, offering an array of product launches and packaging solutions, a mass of first time and international exhibitors increasing the range of ideas on offer. So whether it is food and drink packaging, industrial solutions, luxury, cosmetic or pharmaceutical packaging, this show has it covered.
International exhibitor, Schur Star Systems, will be launching its latest developments in the UK. Specifically designed for the food industry, Schur’s Fresh `n` Go bags aim to keep fruit and vegetables fresh for longer, whilst providing convenience for the consumer. Plus, its dual or multi-chamber stand-up bags and Ready Meal bags developed for the convenience food market and aligned with the trend for smaller single-servings.
Also hoping to make consumer life easier is Silgan Plastic Food Containers providing alternatives to the traditional metal can, opened with a can-opener. Silgan will be demonstrating this with Bentos® re-launched Meat Puddings using Silgan PFC’s new light-weight plastic bowl. Hormel ‘STAGG® Chili’ high-barrier plastic containers decorated with a carton-board sleeve; and Hormel 200g Spam® now designed in a high-barrier rectangular plastic cup.
Pollard Boxes will unveil its fully automatic Emmeci MC2012 MEB for the manufacture of high quality presentation boxes up to 330mm deep, ideal for luxury drinks packaging. The first of its kind to be installed in the UK, the boxes can be finished with a variety of high quality decorative options, including film lamination, embossing, silk screen UV varnish and hot foil stamping; all produced in-house to help reinforce premium brand image on-shelf.
Making its UK debut is Seriplast who will be showcasing its latest development for the plastic packaging industry. Fiona Nicholls, International Relations for Seriplast, explains why her company has decided to exhibit:
“After asking around in the UK, the NEC easyFairs Packaging Innovation was the show most recommended to us by others so it seemed only logical to offer British customers the same innovations and choice from which the French & European cosmetic and pharmacy companies benefit.”
Plastique, who have been designing innovative thermoformed rigid plastic products for over 34 years, will be adding two new product offerings at the show, which now include: Thermoformed Pulp – sustainable and recyclable/compostable packaging products; and PaperForm – an innovative new thermoformed paper based packaging concept.
Those needing to source the latest cosmetic and pharmaceutical packaging will find plenty of expertise at the show with M&H Plastics, Measom Freer, Toly, Aptar Beauty + Home and Toly all confirmed to exhibit. The show has also attracted luxury exhibitor, Leo Luxe, for the second time. Cuan O’Callaghan, Sales Manager for Leo Luxe remarks:
“Packaging Innovations is an ideal place to showcase our packaging developments, as there is always a great footfall of high quality prospects. For 2014 we will introduce even more ‘attention grabbing’ concepts for beauty and cosmetics,
as this is an ever growing luxury market that embraces innovative decorative design.”
Rather than just showcasing its products, Curtis Packaging (stand) will be combining cartons with charity. At the London show Curtis raised £1,070.00 for the Cystic Fibrosis Organisation in the UK, and will be hoping to echo the success at NEC show. Steve Mallett, Sales Director for Curtis remarks:
“It never fails to amaze me that we have so many new people come onto our stand who have been recommended to work with us on new projects. We have a loyal and growing customer base, which we can honestly say has been helped by showcasing at the easyFairs Packaging Innovation show since it first started”.
The 2014 event will feature seven co-located shows: Packaging Innovations, Ecopack, Contract Pack, Packtech, Print Innovations, Labelling Innovations and, new for 2014, Converting Innovations. Each show addresses a specific sphere of packaging, thus providing an overall show for the full packaging supply chain, from the machinery, technology and equipment, to design and branding, forms and concepts, plus outsourcing partners to help take a product to market.
Alison Church, Event Director for Packaging Innovations comments: “Our NEC flagship show has become the packaging show where the industry gathers. Each year the big named manufacturers return, but you’ll also see a huge range of companies you just won’t meet anywhere else. We provide the perfect platform for these vibrant communities to come together and exchange ideas.”
The BIG Packaging Debate will also be returning to the NEC, where a panel of packaging experts will form a lively Question Time style session. There will be 50 content-rich learnShops seminars addressing hot industry trends and issues; plus six brave contestants who will enter the ‘Lions’ Lair’, pitching their latest products to a panel of brand, retail and packaging experts. Furthermore, on the second day of the show, the BIG Print Debate will bring industry experts together to discuss the crucial issues of print.
