Ceepackaging

Events

Panorama of plastics and rubber

In October 2007, exhibitors at K will have even more exhibition space at their disposal than at K 2004 because the Messe Düsseldorf Supervisory Board has just approved the building of a new hall in the north of the Düsseldorf Trade Fair Center. Dubbed Hall 8b, the extension to the fairgrounds will go up north of the mall on Europaplatz, opposite the existing Hall 8a. With dimensions of 98 by 150 metres, the new addition will expand the exhibition space at the Düsseldorf Trade Fair Center from its current 252,000 square metres to 265,000 square metres. Hall 8b will be built to the same floor plan as its sister hall, except that instead of a restaurant it will contain conference rooms. The total value of this investment will be EUR 51.5 million.

What’s more, the Düsseldorf Trade Fair Center is also undergoing further comprehensive improvements to make it even more welcoming and convenient for exhibitors and visitors. Work has already started on Hall 14, which according to Messe Düsseldorf’s master plan is to be completely revamped. The façade of the hall will be clad in sheets of metal that look like aluminium while a capacious glass entrance areas and skylights will create a bright, cheery atmosphere. Also on the agenda is a comprehensive upgrade of the technical facilities, especially the air conditioning. Inside the hall, a spacious restaurant for 200 diners and built on ground level will be added. A new glassed-in walkway will also link Hall 14 to Hall 15 and the East Entrance. By the end of 2006, the renovations should be completed. The investment in the construction work amounts to EUR 19.5 million.

At K 2007, the 17th International Trade Fair Plastics + Rubber, the leading suppliers will present their innovations in the product categories:

¨      Raw materials, auxiliaries

¨      Semi-finished products, technical parts and reinforced plastics

¨      Machinery and equipment for the plastics and rubber industries

The companies’ exhibits will be rounded out by a special presentation entitled “Plastics pack the punch!”. Abundant examples will illustrate polymers’ contribution to the fundamental functions of packaging: providing protection, information and an attractive appearance. These principles will be explored in solutions as understood in the broadest terms, encompassing far more than product packaging in the strict sense. Plastic protects exotic fruits on their journey from the tree into stores, as it does the head of a young cyclist in the street. An attractive appearance is equally important for products on shelves as it is in fashionable clothing for people. Intelligent, high-tech materials will be featured along with aspects of transport and production just as environmental protection and sustainability will share the spotlight with aesthetic and design concerns. The K 2007 special presentation is being organised by the German plastics industry spearheaded by PlasticsEurope Deutschland e.V. and Messe Düsseldorf.