Düsseldorf will again be the international meeting point for the packaging sector from 4-10 May 2017. The European Tube Manufacturers Association (etma) will be exhibiting on a joint stand with the German Aluminium Association (GDA), where it will be presenting highly topical information at first hand on the tube as a form of packaging (Hall 11, Stand A37).
A very important aspect that will run through all topics at this year’s Interpack is the interrelationship between packaging and societies and cultures that are undergoing change, and packaging’s influence on them. The president of Interpack 2017, Friedbert Klefenz, pointed to this relationship in detail in an interview and made clear how social change is also affecting the packaging sector.
For example, the trend towards more single-person households in the Western industrial nations is leading to greater demand for smaller sized packs. The increasing trend towards consumption on-the- go will mean ever more products are being consumed on the move and in smaller portions. And what is more, the ageing society will play an ever-more important role in the pharmaceutical sector, by ensuring growing demand for these products. However, older target groups also have their own needs when it comes to appropriate packaging, especially packaging that is easy and convenient to use.
“These topics are particularly interesting and exciting for the tube, of course,” says Gregor Spengler, etma’s Secretary General, with a smile. “After all, tubes are light, unbreakable and easy to handle so they are the ideal packaging for people on the move. On top of this there is the tube’s ability to dispense exact portions, its excellent barrier properties and its very good resealability. Incidentally, all of the advantages the tube offers also benefit the Save Food concept, which will be a key aspect at this year’s Interpack, too. And with its uncomplicated handling, ease of opening and resealing, precise dosing and the highest level of hygiene, the tube is particularly well suited both for pharmaceutical products and the growing target group of older people. We want to make these benefits the subject of discussion at the trade fair and together with our member companies initiate and promote appropriate solutions and ideas within our organisation.”
New solutions for intelligent, communicative packaging will also play an important role at the trade fair. The focus will be on smart packaging, Packaging 4.0 with all its innovative technologies and processes, and the growing importance of packaging’s marketing function. Packaging often represents the initial and extremely important contact between the consumer and a brand. Together with the spontaneous decision to purchase at the point of sale, this aspect is also accounting for more and more emphasis being given to packaging design.“
And here the tube has a good deal to offer,” says etma’s Secretary General Gregor Spengler confidently. “Innovative designs, the latest printing and conversion technologies, and ‘smart’ components are opening up numerous new opportunities for the tube with regards marketing and suitable packaging design.”
“In this context, we also see our joint stand as being a meeting point and communication forum for the European tube industry, its suppliers and clients. That is why our stand will certainly be an ideal place for networking along the whole process chain. In any case, today I would like to say: welcome to the Interpack fair in Hall 11, Stand A37!”
