Drinks packaging total solutions at UK show

Total Processing & Packaging 2010 is set to open its doors to thousands of visitors at the NEC, Birmingham from May 25 - 27.  This is the third edition of the UK’s largest integrated processing and packaging exhibition, held every three years, that provides a comprehensive insight into the latest technical developments from design to delivery.

For drinks industry visitors, the highly popular Packaging Innovation Hub, with its focus on packaging materials, containers, pack design and marketing, smart and intelligent packaging, and sustainable solutions, will be of particular interest.  At the heart of the Hub will be the 2010 Design Challenge, sponsored by Linx.  First held at Total Processing & Packaging 2007, where it attracted a huge amount of interest, the Challenge invites major pack and machinery manufacturers to share their latest material and technological developments with leading design houses in order to explore opportunities for the creation of new products, market applications and consumer experiences.  The results of the challenge will be on show at the event.

The Packaging Innovation Hub will also host an in depth seminar programme, sponsored by Linx, covering a variety of topics including consumer and retail trends, waste minimisation, sustainability, and the impact of current and forthcoming legislation. 

With the changing economic landscape, businesses are continuing to seek out efficiency savings whilst increasing productivity.  Responding to these needs, the Robotics & Industrial Vision Pavilion in association with BARA and UKIVA is a brand new show feature that will provide the perfect opportunity for visitors to find out more about the benefits of incorporating automation technologies into their businesses, while at the same time allowing them to view the latest solutions.  

Other visitor attractions include the Packaging Clinic in association with the Packaging Society, which enables visitors to get free expert advice on particular packaging challenges and design issues in order to help them create superior results.

An Energy Advice Clinic in association with the Energy Cost Advisors will also be offering free strategic advice. With expert knowledge on a vast array of topics such as risk managed procurement of all energies, conservation, The Carbon Reduction Commitment, latest legislation and company obligations, and renewables, the solutions offered will be tailored to individual businesses.

With so much going on at the exhibition – not to mention the wealth of new products on display – visitors are advised to plan their time at the show as much as possible.  A good starting point is the exhibition website at www.totalexhibition.com.  As well being able to register for a free visitor badge to ensure fast and easy access on the day, the website provides comprehensive information on all exhibitors and what they will be showing, with an interactive ‘Plan your day’ facility which allows visitors to search for the products they are interested in and generate a personalised route around the exhibition.

In addition, the show organiser’s have just launched TotalTV at www.totalexhibition.com/totaltv. This facility allows visitors to view live videos of the technologies that exhibitors will be showing to enable them to get a real idea of their applications prior to visiting the companies at the event for face-to-face discussions.

Among the new developments on show, a unique dual colour manufacturing process for PET bottles will be a major highlight of the Artenius PET Packaging Europe (APPE, Stand 5768) stand.  In addition, the company will showcase its design and technical skills, new decoration techniques and latest sustainability initiatives to demonstrate the versatility of its PET containers for a wide variety of applications.

The dual colour process enables PET bottles to be produced in a graduated shade of two different colours to create an individual and eye-catching appearance that enhances branding and ensures maximum shelf impact.

Codeway (Stand 5837) will be exhibiting the latest in labelling and auto-id technology.  In addition to printers, applicators and print and apply machinery, its range of specialised apply heads will be displayed.

Shrink sleeve manufacturer Sleeve Solutions (Stand 5766) will be at Total Processing & Packaging 2010 for the first time.  The company offers innovative and cost effective shrink sleeving solutions, with full customer support including complete project management from the initial concept to assistance with application.

1 March 2010 - Felicity Murray