Ceepackaging

Analysis

Glimpse of trends in packaging

Manufacturers are clearly endeavouring to reduce their products’ environmental impact, as can be seen in the latest packaging solutions for liquids and beverages, and there is also evidence of their second major concern: a growing respect for the consumer.So far more than 200 new products have already been registered by exhibitors. Below is a sneak preview of some key trends emerging in the packaging of liquids:

Containers offering higher levels of protection
Increasingly safe and practical, the two-in-one pack concept make it easy to combine liquids, while film for drinks packs offers the dual advantage of being both tough and easy to open. Measuring caps are becoming more efficient. The trend in primary packaging for liquids and beverages is for the space-saving cube form, but with the emphasis on ease-of-use for the consumer. And lastly, light-proof, encapsulated PET containers help preserve milk quality.

New containers for new markets
To satisfy consumers seeking modern, individual packaging, an increasingly wide range of materials such as PET and aluminium is being used for wine and spirits packaging. In tune with contemporary tastes and spearheading new trends, packaging is becoming more and more exciting and individualised.

Optimised production and environmental responsibility
Innovative marking systems will be making their world debut at the exhibition with fully mobile, portable coding systems and new thermal inkjet technology. Pallet-wrapping machines with a unique configuration system are able to handle batches of bottles of widely varying sizes, while small compact robots are taking over the end of the conditioning line.

Carbon footprint calculators are here! The 2008 World Packaging Exhibition will be highlighting the efforts of the entire supply chain to safeguard the environment. HACCP-compliant palettes are not only made of recycled polyethylene, but now have a modular form for optimal efficiency when being loaded onto containers and trucks, guaranteeing the complete safety of the products being transported. Plastic outer wrapping film is now OxoBiodegradable. Costs are coming down thanks to a range of equipment and processes that concretely make it possible to reduce energy consumption.

This focus on innovation will be reflected at EMBALLAGE, where 38% of exhibitors will be presenting equipment, packaging and containers designed for the liquid food products and beverage industry. There will also be a wealth of demonstrations and networking sessions. An entire cross-sector offer awaits visitors to EMBALLAGE 2008, where they will discover technology that is original and designed to meet their needs.
More specifically, the B&L sector, which brings together all the manufacturers of machinery for processing and packaging liquids under one roof in Hall 3, will offer buyers of liquid foods such as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (water, soft drinks, fruit juices, syrups and cordials, milk and milk drinks, beer, wine, cider, champagne and spirits) and soups, technological solutions that complement their processing systems. Strategically located at the centre of the “FOOD” event created by the rapprochement between IPA* and EMBALLAGE*, the B&L sector is the interface between the “processing” offer and packaging systems.

And lastly, in addition to the products on show, to enhance the visitor experience, EMBALLAGE is hosting Pack.Vision, the International Packaging Design Symposium which will decipher the trends and stimulate debate. Eco-design, measuring one’s carbon footprint, practical packaging, new materials… it is an ideal forum for addressing industry and marketing issues and identifying the key success factors driving the sector’s growth.