easyFairs reveals new program

Packaging Innovations will continue to focus on the latest trends and innovations in packaging materials and concepts, with Ecopack and Contract Pack remaining as important components of the show with dedicated floor areas.

Label&Print will cover offset printing, converting machinery and labeling equipment will now sit under one major show concept Label&Print. The inclusion of Label&Print as one of the four areas of focus underscores easyFairs’ vision to invest in and expand this aspect of its portfolio.

Empack will focus is on packaging technology, with all easyFairs packaging technology-focused trade shows, including Verpackung in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Pack & Emballage in Sweden and and Packtech in the UK will be transitioned to the Empack brand.

easyFairs said the development will accelerate show expansion in these key areas of the 100 billion EUR European packaging industry, and provide a clear consistency of branding across the packaging shows that easyFairs now hosts.

‘Building from our first shows in 2004, the easyFairs portfolio has moved on to become Europe’s fastest growing network of events for packaging communities, with 27 trade shows in 11 countries attracting 35,000 visitors and 2,500 exhibitors,’ said easyFairs head of product development Eric Préat.

‘Packaging markets are a constantly changing environment and we have refreshed the brands in our portfolio to reflect recent trends and developments, which are driven by innovations in technology, marketing and packaging processes.

‘We have also taken the opportunity to harmonize our brands across all the markets where we do business, thereby simplifying our offer to companies and industry thought leaders who increasingly participate at our shows in more than one country.’

For easyFairs’ UK flagship event at the NEC, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2015, the show will feature Packaging Innovations, Empack and Label&Print. Packaging Innovations, Empack and Label&Print will take place at Birmingham’s NEC on February 25-26, 2015.

The next UK packaging event in 2014, at the Business Design Centre in London on September 30 and October 1, will focus on Packaging Innovations and Luxury Packaging.

Alison Church, event director for easyFairs’ UK packaging events, said: ‘Having a strong Label&Print concept as part of our portfolio is central to the development of our Birmingham show in particular, as we have seen so many technological and digital developments in these areas leading innovations in packaging. It will highlight these technologies to brands and retailers, and help the packaging fraternity to understand how they can be implemented to best effect.’

Church added: ‘These are exciting times for our packaging shows, and focusing on these concepts will take us into our next stage in growth – firstly to build leading shows that communicate effectively with our markets, and then secondly to expand our portfolio globally.’