Interpack 2008 surpasses all expectations (video)

interpack PROCESSES AND PACKAGING 2008 was a source of excellent business for the 2,744 exhibitors. On few other occasions in the event’s fifty-year history has the mood in the halls been quite as exuberant, the contacts forged by companies as abundant and the volume of orders placed as high. A total of 179,000 visitors got the lowdown on innovations in machinery for producing packaging, confectionery and bakery goods as well as packaging of all material classes between 24 and 30 April.

The exhibitors at the biggest edition of interpack to date were in an almost euphoric mood. They reported closing very good deals that exceeded even the already optimistic expectations in the run-up to interpack, as well as forging many highly promising contacts that signal lucrative post-fair business. As a result, 97 percent of the participating companies have already indicated their intention to exhibit at the next interpack in three years’ time.

The exceptional atmosphere in the halls was not only felt in the air but could also be seen: Numerous stands frequently seemed packed to capacity. For their part, the exhibitors could be heard again and again praising the international mix of visitors and their extensive decision-making powers. interpack 2008 succeeded in making gains in both of these areas. Sixty-five percent of visitors were experts with the authority to make decisions on their company’s behalf. The proportion of visitors attending from outside Germany increased to 62 percent. Altogether, 121 countries were represented. Attendees arriving from European countries (62 percent) were in the majority but those from Asian nations (20 percent), and the Indian subcontinent in particular, also formed a large contingent. Visitors from South and Central America, for example, similarly made their presence strongly felt.

Erhard Rustler, President of interpack PROCESSES AND PACKAGING 2008, confirmed the extraordinary mood among the exhibitors. “Throughout, we have heard nothing but positive reports from the companies. In particular, the deals sealed are more than gratifying. These will contribute to the industry’s further robust development and stem equally from the segments machinery, process technologies and packaging.” Rustler also pointed out the significant growth in interest in complete lines and process technologies. The first-time inclusion of stand-alone solutions for packaging production on the list of exhibits was also very well received by trade visitors.

And it wasn’t just the exhibitors who declared the event a resounding success. Of the visitors surveyed, 97 percent – an almost unanimous vote – gave interpack 2008 top marks. “We have been able to harness the upbeat mood in the run-up to the event and translate it into a basis for closing physical business deals. This proves that our concept is right on target for the market. What better validation could you ask for than satisfied customers,” said Wilhelm Niedergöker, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, summing up the response from exhibitors and visitors.

A large proportion – 78 percent – of visitors were interested in process technologies and machinery for packaging as well as packaging production. The second largest segment at interpack PROCESSES AND PACKAGING 2008 – packaging materials and packaging – also drew plenty of attention. This segment was a main attraction for 50 percent of visitors. Machinery and process technology for confectionery and bakery goods were on the agenda for 14 percent of visitors. All three segments mentioned had expanded in terms of floor space compared to interpack 2005.

Droves of attendees were also to be found thronging Hall 7a where the two special presentations “Bioplastics in Packaging” and the “INNOVATIONPARC PACKAGING” were located. The concept based on competence centers with various links in the value chain thematically grouped also triggered lively and fruitful exchanges between exhibitors and visitors. The partner organisations involved, the EHI, ProCarton and PDA, were also delighted with the concept and its execution. Praise expressed by the 45 participating companies, many of them first-time exhibitors, at times bordered on the ecstatic: Their enthusiasm for the number of contacts forged and the fact that these originated from every link in the value chain spanning design agencies to branded goods manufacturers was overwhelming. Traffic in the halls was accordingly high. Chairs and standing room in the forum were constantly filled to capacity when the talks on offer were underway.

The 40 participating companies representing all bioplastics classes were no less enthusiastic about the reception visitors gave the “Bioplastics in Packaging” special presentation. Visitor interest in sustainable plastic materials as a complement to established materials was enormous and promises a further growth spurt in this segment.

The next edition of interpack in Düsseldorf has already been scheduled for 12 to 18 May 2011.