Pro2Pac 2019 show preview

Packaging and processing innovation are making their way back to London Docklands with the return of Pro2Pac from 18–20 March, alongside the International Food & Drink Event.

The biennial gathering of producers, manufacturers, technologists and design specialists promises to play host to the latest trends in the industry across its three-day stay at ExCeL London. 

The event will feature 120 exhibitors from around the world, with the likes of Tetra Pak, Adpak Machinery Systems, Ilpra Systems UK and Ravenwood Packaging descending on the venue to display the latest innovations in packing and processing machinery.

“We are proud that Pro2Pac is seen as a thought-leading event within the food and drink processing and packaging sector,”​ said Charlotte Brown, event manager for Pro2Pac. “However, we are deeply aware that we must continue to drive innovation to make sure suppliers, equipment providers, packaging managers and engineers alike feel it is an invaluable experience, both in 2019 and onwards.​

Evolution​

“We’re working closely with our ambassadors to strive for relevant developments to ensure the event continues to evolve appropriately.”​

As part of that evolution, for the first time Pro2Pac is partnering with campaign group A Plastic Planet, which will highlight new and novel plastic-free packaging in its own dedicated area on the show floor. The group will also participate in a number of debates and talks throughout the show.

At a time of political unrest and uncertainty for the food and drink industry, manufacturers can seek advice from a wide variety of speakers at the Outside the Box stage. Topics covered include – but are not limited to – Brexit, plastics, sustainability and recycling. This year’s line-up features Confederation of Paper Industries director general Andrew Large and Dick Searle, chief executive of The Packaging Federation.

Also returning is Pro2Pac’s Student Design Challenge. Jointly co-ordinated by event organiser Fresh Montgomery and the Packaging Collective, the competition gives participating students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working in packaging design and allows the industry a glimpse of what the future may hold for up-and-coming packaging talent.

Excellence awards​

This year’s exhibitors are in the running for the Pro2Pac Excellence Awards, with the finalists showcased in an interactive on-site display and the winner announced at the event. The awards are intended to shine a spotlight on some of the most innovative and ground-breaking products on display at this year’s show.

And, of course, much of that innovation will be available to view on the floor of the exhibition hall. Here, we take a look at some of the exhibitors to watch out for at this show, from the latest innovations in colour label printing, to ‘ultra-hygienic’ flooring.

AstroNova (stand N811) will be bringing a plethora of bench-top colour label printers and entry-level label presses to this year’s show. The Kiaro! D Extra-Durable Inkjet Colour Label Printer leads the charge, able to print durable labels that can withstand everything from moisture and dirt to exposure to UV rays and chemicals. Also on display will be its Trojan T3-OP Digital Professional Packaging & Converting Overprinting System, capable of reaching print speeds of 12 inches per second.

What’s on​

Resin flooring specialist Flowcrete UK (N1142)​ will be showcasing its antibacterial polyurethane slip-resistant flooring range, Flowfresh, which incorporates the silver-ion additive Polygiene, claimed to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria. HACCP-certified, the product comes in a variety of colours and can be applied quickly – even in difficult-to-reach sections of factories.

Keymac Packaging Systems (N1260)​ will be bringing six lines to Pro2Pac, leading with its first automated machine, the K101 Automatic Sleever. Also in its line-up are the KCF & KCFG Carton Former, the Special & Custom Equip Conveyor and a KCCR & KCCS Carton Closer.

Attendees looking for bespoke packaging can view Schur Star Systems’ (N1242)​ range of bags and boxes, tailored for both fresh and ambient food. Products include pre-filled piping bags, and resealable jar-styled bags. Schur also offers complete packaging lines to machines for transport packaging.

If you’re looking at how digitisation can benefit your business, IT specialist CSB-System (N1312) ​will be on hand to highlight its range of products designed to help in automation, instrumentation, food safety and quality control.

Ravenwood Packaging (N1040)​ will be bringing its flagship linerless label applicator, the Nobac 500T, to Pro2Pac 2019. The versatile range is able to sleeve fixed-weight products out of the box, but there is the option of linking them to weigh scales from a range of manufacturers for variable-weight products, as well as check weighing. Also at this year’s show is Ravenwood’s VXR X-Ray inspection system, an automated machine to identify and reject labelling errors.