More than an empty shell

 
Review Interpack is one of the mammoth events in the packaging industry. It challenges not only exhibitors, but also visitors. 
From April 24 to 30, 2008, it was that time again. In Düsseldorf, the international packaging industry presented all the products without which packaging would not be what it should be. From raw materials to packaging materials, packaging and filling systems and process technology, almost everything the industry currently offers was on display. Times are good for the packaging industry. The food and consumer goods industries have full order books, and the pharmaceutical industry is also doing well. Packaging is increasingly becoming a brand symbol that is being used specifically in the competition for consumer favor. Positive mood According to the organizer, this was the largest Interpack to date, which also ensured extremely good business for the 2744 exhibitors. Around 179,000 visitors crowded through the exhibition halls. Erhard Rustler, President of Interpack Process and Packaging 2008, confirmed the exceptionally good mood among exhibitors. "We have only heard positive things from the companies. The business deals in particular are more than pleasing. This will continue to contribute to the positive development of the industry and applies to the machinery and process technology side as well as to the packaging materials sector." The increasing interest in complete lines and process technology is also striking. The first-time approval of stand-alone solutions for packaging production was also very well received by trade visitors.
Anyone who wanted to go on a targeted search for innovations quickly came up against the limits of what was feasible and visible. Very often, new products were not recognizable as such at first glance. Those who were not helped by chance simply walked past such trade fair stands. An overview, as previously offered by the trade fair as a service, would have been helpful here. Even an exhibit described as innovative did not always deliver what it promised - old hat in a new box. There were no big surprises, particularly in the area of packaging materials.
Hall 7a, where the two special themes "Bioplastics in Packaging" and the "Packaging Innovation Park" were located, was also well attended. The concept of the competence centers with the thematic bundling of different stages of the value chain was particularly well received by exhibitors and visitors.
Double-digit growth ratesThe organizers hit the bull's eye with the special show "Bioplastics". The topic is highly topical. On an exhibition area of 100 m2, exhibitors presented raw materials, semi-finished products, products, processes, machines and services for bioplastics technology. The aisles were packed with visitors. Some exhibitors were not prepared for this level of interest. They had already run out of brochures after the first few days of the fair. The global market for biodegradable and bio-based plastics is growing by more than 20 percent per year.
In terms of sustainability, bioplastics are a valid alternative to their conventional relatives made from crude oil. However, there are two different concepts behind the terms "bioplastic" and "bioplastics". One refers to biodegradable polymers and compostable plastic products made from them. The focus here is on functionality. The other concept, which focuses on the raw material base, is based on bio-based polymers, i.e. plastic products that are manufactured on the basis of renewable raw materials. Today, bioplastics are used for the production of carrier bags, organic waste bags, food packaging, bioplastic bottles and films for covering plants in agriculture, among other things.
New findingsWhere there is light, there is also shadow. A new study could put a serious damper on the bioplastics euphoria. An international team of scientists led by Dutch Nobel Prize winner in chemistry Paul Crutzen claims to have provided evidence that the energy crops used for bioplastics are highly damaging to the climate. The heavy fertilization releases dangerous nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere. Part of the greenhouse gas is converted into nitrous oxide through chemical reactions and is therefore 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. The raw material polylactic acid (PLA) has also come under fire. According to the British newspaper The Guardian, it can only be broken down in landfill sites and can only be composted in a few anaerobic digestion processes that exist in the UK. However, these processes cannot be used for packaging.
New Swiss industry platformWhile the next Interpack will not take place for another three years, the Swiss trade fair for packaging technology and integrated logistics solutions Pack & Move will premiere in Basel in November. From November 18 to 21, 2008, it will be much smaller and therefore more clearly structured, and will cover the entire logistics and packaging process chain. A special industry focus will make it easier for exhibitors to present their products and services to their target groups. The event will focus on solutions for the pharmaceutical/chemical, food/beverage, manufacturing technology and mail order/e-commerce user industries. An additional attraction is the three-day "logistics talks" forum with renowned speakers and contributions from the industry.
Sabine Flaxman
Pack & MoveSwiss trade fair for integrated logistics solutions and packaging technology
Tuesday, 18 to Friday,
November 21, 2008
Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Basel Exhibition Center, Hall 3