Pro2Pac returns with innovation at its forefront

Food and drink packaging event Pro2Pac 2017 will return to Excel, London later this month (20-22 March) featuring new debate topics and design concepts.

Together with Waste Works, the only waste and sustainability event dedicated to the food and drink industry, Pro2Pac will run alongside IFE, the UK’s largest food and drink trade event, and deliver a host of new packaging technology and concepts from leading name exhibitors.

Global names include Tetra Pak, Rapid Action Packaging, Henkelman UK and Coveris, which will be showcasing its new Grab Box packaging concept for the food to go sector. A line up of high profile speakers is also promised, with many well known industry experts providing discussion from the unique ‘Outside the Box’ stage built entirely of recyclable cardboard.

Speakers include Inder Poonaji, sustainability director at Nestle, who will talk about how big brands must now change their business models in order to meet consumer expectations, and Benjamin Punchard, global packaging insights director at Mintel, who will examine the next generation of consumer needs and brand challenges and look at the innovations set to transform the packaging industry this year.

“The Pro2Pac speaker programme features many high profile names from the packaging sector, brand owners and manufacturers from across the globe who are ready to tackle head on the latest challenges affecting our industry,” comments event manager, Nick Piper. “There promises to be some very lively debate.

“At a time when issues such as sustainability, food safety and food waste are all under the spotlight, Pro2Pac and Waste Works provide a unique forum for visitors to see and experience new products, innovations and solutions all under one roof,” he adds.

The latest in confectionery packaging innovation will also be on show, including a first from JJA Pack, who will be exhibiting its technology in form of the FoodJet Printing System which enable tailor made and edible decorations to be digitally printed directly on to mass produced food products.

Other exhibitors with a confectionery interest include leading manufacturer of cardboard packaging in Europe Offset Group, it will be displaying examples of its work with The Naked Marshmallow to produce packaging for the premium marshmallow products. This includes metallic base folding boxes with matte lamination and spot UV varnishing effects for the new Raspberry & Prosecco, Elderflower and Gin and Espresso Martini flavours.

Manufacturer of of ready-made and bespoke tins Tinware Direct believes that shelf presence and multi-sensory appeal are key to attracting customers.