After interpack 2008: exhibitors and visitors extremely satisfied

And it wasn`t just the exhibitors who declared the event a resounding success. Of the visitors surveyed, 97 percent - an almost unanimous vote - gave interpack 2008 top marks. - We have been able to harness the upbeat mood in the run-up to the event and translate it into a basis for closing physical business deals. This proves that our concept is right on target for the market. What better validation could you ask for than satisfied customers - said Wilhelm Niedergöker, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, summing up the response from exhibitors and visitors.

A large proportion - 78 percent - of visitors were interested in process technologies and machinery for packaging as well as packaging production. The second largest segment at interpack PROCESSES AND PACKAGING 2008 - packaging materials and packaging - also drew plenty of attention. This segment was a main attraction for 50 percent of visitors. Machinery and process technology for confectionery and bakery goods were on the agenda for 14 percent of visitors. All three segments mentioned had expanded in terms of floor space compared to interpack 2005.

Droves of attendees were also to be found thronging Hall 7a where the two special presentations "Bioplastics in Packaging" and the "INNOVATIONPARC PACKAGING" were located. The concept based on competence centers with various links in the value chain thematically grouped also triggered lively and fruitful exchanges between exhibitors and visitors. The partner organisations involved, the EHI, ProCarton and PDA, were also delighted with the concept and its execution. Praise expressed by the 45 participating companies, many of them first-time exhibitors, at times bordered on the ecstatic: Their enthusiasm for the number of contacts forged and the fact that these originated from every link in the value chain spanning design agencies to branded goods manufacturers was overwhelming. Traffic in the halls was accordingly high. Chairs and standing room in the forum were constantly filled to capacity when the talks on offer were underway.

The 40 participating companies representing all bioplastics classes were no less enthusiastic about the reception visitors gave the "Bioplastics in Packaging" special presentation. Visitor interest in sustainable plastic materials as a complement to established materials was enormous and promises a further growth spurt in this segment.

The next edition of interpack in Düsseldorf has already been scheduled for 12 to 18 May 2011.