FDBusiness.com

Pro2Pac is returning with a new look, a new layout and the same continued commitment to showcasing the latest innovations in food & drink packaging and processing, in what is set to be the show’s largest edition yet.

As the UK’s only dedicated food and drink processing and packaging event, Pro2Pac 2013 promises to bring together key influencers and offer crucial insights into the current issues facing UK’s largest manufacturing sector. 

The biennial event will draw exhibitors from all over the world to ExCeL London, where they will showcase the latest packaging and processing technologies. Brother UK, Group Guillin Holding, Multivac UK, PFM Packaging Machinery, Rapid Action Packaging, and Silgan Plastic Containers are amongst the names that have already confirmed stands at the newly designed Pro2Pac 2013.

Pro2Pac 2013 has a new prominent position at the entrance of ExcEL and is co-located with IFE, the UK’s largest food and drink trade event. The two shows will unite key decision makers from the entire food and drink industry, offering unbeatable networking opportunities and attracting a truly international audience of manufacturers, retailers and third-party suppliers looking to source processing and packaging solutions.

The Learning Process

Pro2Pac Live will again feature a packed programme of thought leaders and industry experts sharing cutting-edge insights into key issues and current hot topics, including sustainability, labelling innovations and reducing packaging costs. Covering the entire packaging and processing supply chain, the seminar programme will be interspersed with real-life case studies and will incorporate everything from design, branding, artwork and innovation, through to technology, manufacturing and cost reduction. 

Along with the seminars, brand new visitor attraction Pro2Pac One2One Experts will provide crucial business information for the food industry, with free one-to-one sessions allowing visitors to gain personalised insights and advice. The comprehensive consultation service covers a wide array of industry practices and is available to all visitors who book an available time slot during the course of the four-day event.

Leading Food Industry Companies

More than 130 companies will attend Pro2Pac 2013 to exhibit the latest in innovative packaging, sustainable materials, manufacturing equipment and packaging services, enabling delegates to maximise efficiency within their supply chains and boost profitability.

Leading labelling company Brother will exhibit its range of electronic labelling printers that produce labels that are water, fade, frost, chemical and scuff resistant, while the on-demand colour label printer manufacturer Quicklabel Systems will give its Vivo! Touch printer – offering higher quality and a faster print – its UK premiere at the show.

Other exhibitors include the award-winning Sherwood Press Group, which will showcase sustainable packaging that combines innovation in 2D/3D design, and Automated Packaging Systems, which will display its recently launched FAS Sprint Revolution machine, which is food compatible and capable of running tamper evident and resealable bags.

Over a third of exhibitors will be making their first appearance at Pro2Pac, including Miller Graphics Group, Logson Group and Packwood UK and will include exhibitors from around world including UAE, South America, Malaysia, Germany, France, Sweden and many more.

Event Director Christopher McCuin comments: “Pro2Pac 2013 is set to be our largest and most impressive show yet, bringing together companies from across the food and drink industry providing key insights into the most pressing issues in theUK’s largest manufacturing sector.

“Exhibitors can reach the largest audience of food and drink manufacturers anywhere in the UK and for visitors, it’s a unique, time-efficient opportunity to source, evaluate and discuss the latest developments within food and drink processing and packaging,” McCuin adds.

Solutions for the Future

Brand new for 2013, the Sustainable Solutions Zone has been established to provide visitors with a unique platform to discover the latest resource-efficient technologies and sustainable practices. This new addition to the event will allow visitors to learn more about responsible recycling and waste reduction and provide insights into cutting-edge renewable energy practices, which can help food manufacturers reduce costs as well as emissions.

Following a new partnership with The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA), the Sustainable Solutions Zone will also give visitors the chance to learn about the vital efficiency and environmental benefits offered by Anaerobic Digestion (AD).

AD can be used by all types of businesses, including food manufacturers, and involves using biodegradable waste to generate energy, cutting costs and carbon emissions. A members’ pavilion and meeting area within the zone will introduce food and drink manufacturers to AD suppliers in order to learn exactly why leading organisations including Waitrose, Diageo, Sainsbury’s and Branston have already invested in the technology.

In-depth insights into how AD can be used and its benefits will also be shared during Pro2Pac Live.

Future of Packaging

Another exciting show feature is challenging design students from Leeds Metropolitan and Sheffield Hallam universities to design the food and drink packaging of the future. To be in with a chance of success, entrants will have to design a revolutionary and groundbreaking ‘sustainable’ concept for either a new or existing product that satisfies criteria around consumer needs, shelf impact, feasibility, cost and the environment.

Judged by a panel of experts including representatives from design agency Miller Graphics; grocery retail magazine The Grocer; leading packaging title Packaging News; the industry body IoPP; university tutors and Pro2Pac Event Director Christopher McCuin, the award aims to give the industry a glimpse of what the future might hold for packaging and inspire up-and-coming talent.

“Every aspect of Pro2Pac has been devised to encourage progress and debate in the industry. We’re very much looking forward to facilitating the sharing of ideas between leading industry experts to deliver not only our biggest and best show, but the show the industry wants and needs for 2013,” adds Event Director Christopher McCuin.

For further information visit www.pro2pac.co.uk.