Page 55 - Packaging News magazine Jul-Aug 2021

July-August 2021 | www.packagingnews.com.au PACK & LABEL PRINTNG
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“There’s simply nothing like seeing new technologies demonstrated in person, and that’s where physical trade shows come into their own.”
to Melbourne
focus on the label and packaging sector,” Harper says.
“The co-location adds extra value, by ensuring the participation of large suppliers like Currie Group, Fujifilm Business Innovation, HP, Konica Minolta, Mimaki, Mutoh and Spicers, who have label and packag- ing solutions as part of their broader product range.
“This also provides the opportu- nity to see solutions like wide-for- mat print and digital laser-cutting, for example, which have such rel- evance for everything from pack- aging prototypes to large-format label production.”
As well as print, production, con- vertingandfinishingtechnologies, key areas of interest are likely to include security, product verifica- tion and anti-counterfeiting solu- tions; new, more sustainable sub- strates, stocks and materials which boost performance while improving recyclability and reducing environ- mental impact; and advances in bar- coding, product identification and track-and-trace solutions.
While exhibitors are, for the most part, still keeping the details of their showcase under wraps as this issue goes to press, early word is that there are likely to be a number of new releases making their Australian – or even global – debut, making visi- tors to the Melbourne show likely among the first in the world to see some of the trends first-hand.
“As much as we have adjusted to doing business in the virtual sphere, there’s simply nothing like seeing new technologies demonstrated in person, and that’s where physical trade shows really come into their own,” Harper says.
“As well as the opportunities to see solutions demonstrated live on- stand, exhibitors will also of course have teams of product experts on hand to provide information and advice to businesses about specific solutions, their suitability to meet particular business requirements, and how businesses might best implement those solutions to maxi- mise return on investment.”
Internationally, the trend towards co-location is clear, and Harper says
the Australian shows have ben- efited from the strategy for over a decade, by ensuring visitors can see not only solutions targeted at their own particular sector, but gather information and ideas about what might be termed ‘adjacent’ technol- ogies, that could open the door to new business opportunities.
“By bringing suppliers together under one roof, you create the ideal opportunity for businesses to ‘hap- pen across’ solutions they may never have gone looking for, but which could be the key to solving a business challenge or developing a profitable new revenue stream,” he points out.
MARKET INFORMATION
AND INSIGHTS
As well as the exhibition, a peren- nially popular feature of PacPrint and its associated shows is the PacPrint Forum Series of seminars, held during the show, which help visitors catch up with the latest global trends influencing the sec- tor, and gain important ideas and insights from thought-leaders and industry experts.
While the 2021 seminar program is still being finalised as we go to press, Harper says the content will range from general topics like busi- ness and leadership, to specific ses- sions targeted specifically at those in the label and packaging sector.
This includes a session from Rowena Curlewis, CEO and found- ing partner of leading drinks design specialist, Denomination.
Curlewis, who was a popular speaker at the 2019 seminar series, will share her global insight, pas- sion and knowledge about the drinks industry in a session addressing the move towards sustainability in drinks, how market demand is chang- ing, and how innovation is driving progress in beverage packaging.
The ‘Driving Sustainability in Drinks’ session will look at how the Covid-19 pandemic has fast-tracked the growing demand for sustainable prod- ucts and packaging by consumers, and look at innovations in the drinks cate- gory which are sustainability-focused.
“We’re also working closely with the Flexible Packaging and Label Manufacturer’sAssociation(FPLMA), and other industry partners, to con- vene other keynote and panel presenta- tions specially designed for this mar- ket, while the broader seminar sessions on everything from leadership, to busi- ness planning to industrial relations, will of course have broad appeal to businesses of all kinds,” Harper says.
As details are confirmed, the program will be updated at on the PacPrint website – a central hub where visitors can also find full details about the show and its exhibitors, plus visitor information including accommodation deals. ■
The Label & Packaging Expo, PacPrint 2021 and Visual Impact Melbourne will run from 28 September to 1 October at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. To register or for more infor- mation, go to www.pacprint.com.au