The Total Processing and Packaging Exhibition continued its dominance as the UK's largest three-day exhibition with over 400 exhibiting companies showcasing the latest production line solutions, material developments and product innovations.
Returning to the NEC, Birmingham from 4-6 June 2013, the exhibition had a total attendance of 8,731 and brought together leading experts from across the processing and packaging industries to share the latest advice, reveal groundbreaking product innovations and put the spotlight on the sector’s pressing issues.
Experts from leading processing, packaging and pharmaceutical organisations, including M&S, Dairy Crest, B&Q, GSK, Siemens and Bürkert delivered free-to-attend seminars across three dedicated areas including the Pakex Innovation Hub sponsored by Markem Imaje, The Manufacturing Forum, sponsored by Linx Printing Technologies and the Interphex Theatre, sponsored by Bürkert Fluid Control Systems.
Innopak scooped the top prize at the Total Processing and Packaging Exhibition’s first Packaging Design Challenge for its ComboLid concept. Announced on the final day of the exhibition, Innopak was chosen as the winner by both the judges and visitors at the show, and praised for its innovation, practicality and investment opportunity.
The ComboLid concept offers a unique (patent pending) lid with a difference – in addition to sealing takeaway cups to avoid spillage, it contains a recessed space which can be used to store food items. Ideal for use in cinemas or at outdoor events, the recess featured in the ComboLid can be used to store a multitude of items, ranging from ice cream, sweets and chocolate; through to hot food items such as chicken bites or chilli and rice.
Joe Fogel, managing director of Innopak Limited, part of the VaioPak Group Limited, said: “It is an honour to be recognised as the winner of the Packaging Design Challenge. We’re delighted that our ComboLid has been so well received and we look forward to exploring the investment opportunities with the judges.”
Andrew Speck, commercial and environmental Packaging Manager at Marks & Spencer was named the brightest up-and-coming young talent in the manufacturing industry after winning the Ones to Watch competition at the Total Processing and Packaging Exhibition 2013.
Andrew won after the judges singled him out for the impact he has had both on his business and the wider packaging sector.
Andrew said: “I’m very pleased to have been selected as the Ones to Watch winner, especially as the finalists all have such impressive backgrounds. I’d also like to acknowledge my colleagues – this recognition is due to their hard work and support – and I look forward to going from strength to strength with the exciting projects we have on the horizon.”
Speaking about the optimistic atmosphere at the NEC, Simon Taylor, sales and marketing director for Endoline said: “This year’s Total Processing and Packaging Exhibition offered a timely reminder that we really do appear to be looking purposeful demeanour to this year’s visitors that has been missing from recent UK shows. The presence of some very important European companies also supported the view that the UK is on the move again.”
The exhibition was also the stage for a number of exhibitor success stories, with many exhibitors reporting high levels of good quality sales leads and product enquiries. Harry Norman, managing director for Olympus Automation, said: “It’s highly unusual to take circa one million pounds worth of orders at a show, this reflects the markets excitement in our products.”
Exhibition director Graham Earl praised the “scale and ambition” of the industry.
“This year’s Total Processing and Packaging Exhibition has certainly reflected the scale and ambition of the UK’s packaging and processing industries. We’ve had a number of first-time exhibitors at this year’s show and it’s been great to hear such positive feedback about the value of exhibiting.
“We’ve heard lots of success stories from this year’s event and we’re delighted with the feedback that the show has been able to provide visitors with an opportunity to learn from the experts, gain insight into the industry’s hot topics and build on new and existing relationships.”
