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appointments  packaging - design 
It’s that time again for packagers around the world to make the tri-annual pilgrimage to Düsseldorf, Germany, for the mecca of packaging, interpack. Every three years, packaging aficionados descend on the hallowed halls of Messe Düsseldorf in Germany for one of the industry’s premier packaging events, interpack. A veritable bevy of packaging machines and appliances, packaging materials and packaging aids, confectionery machines and services for the packaging industry and for the confectionery industry are at the fingertips of visitors during the weeklong event (April 21-27, 2005).

The packaging industry is a significant economic factor with a global production volume of about EUR400bn. As one of the most comprehensive trade fairs for packaging machinery, packaging and confectionery machinery, interpack is among the most important meeting places for the international packaging industry this year.

Wilhelm Niedergöker, interpack fair director, says, “In spite of the communication facilities that are available nowadays, interpack is still the best possible way to obtain complete information about the industry. There is no alternative to an established trade fair.”

Niedergöker believes that such an event is the only place where there is a personal opportunity to hold detailed discussions, meet experts and find individual solutions for packaging problems. Not only is the fair the ideal place to get a closer look at the latest packaging technologies, it is also an optimum platform to obtain more information about the latest market data and trends.

The 17th incarnation of this event will be the biggest one yet, a testament to the growing value of packaging in the modern world. Following the comprehensive alterations and expansion of the Düsseldorf Trade Fair Center, a net exhibition space of 160,000sqm, spread across 18 halls, which include the completely new Hall 8, will be available to interpack 2005. The entire complex has been fully booked by more than 2200 exhibitors from 56 countries. Some 170,000 visitors – processors, packers, wholesalers and distributors of products as well as packaging designers and developers – are once again expected to gather at the fairgrounds on the Rhine to gain new insights and open up
their wallets.

Packaging machinery suppliers, packaging producing companies, will be housed in Halls 4-6, 8 and 11-17. Packaging manufacturers will occupy Halls 7 and 9-11, while confectionery producers will set up shop in Halls 1-3 and parts of Hall 4. Market heavyweights such as Marchesini Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH, SCAMI Imola S.C.R.L., Cam A.M.R.P. Handels AG and Ilapak Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH will show their wares in the new 13,500sqm Hall 8, which is within the immediate proximity of the main entrance area to the north of the fairgrounds and the new urban
rail station.

Among the Australian companies making the journey to interpack are C.M.E Pty Ltd, Heat and Control Pty. Ltd, NID Pty. Ltd, and Plantic Technologies, Ltd. C.M.E are specialist in confectionery machinery and plants, while Heat and Control design, engineer and build the machinery that creates and packages prepared meats, poultry and seafood, french fries, baked and fried snacks, and other quality foods, and are well-known across the globe. NID are specialists in design and manufacture of integrated starch moulding production lines, while Plantic Technologies is the creator of the Plantic biodegradable plastics.

Made of corn starch, Plantic material is environmentally sustainable packaging that doesn’t compromise on the versatility and strength of traditional plastics. Plantic is suitable for rigid thermoformed products for dry goods packaging including biscuit and confectionery trays, blister packaging and trays for electronic components. Regardless of how indestructible Plantic materials seem in a dry situation, they will break down to stable and safe carbon dioxide and water in virtually any outdoor environment. C.M.E, Heat and Control, and NID will all be housed in Hall 3, while Plantic Technologies will set up shop in Hall 7.

Daily Admission costs only EUR55 (EUR35 if booked in advance), or for the more ardent packaging manufacturer, a three-day pass will set you back EUR120 (EUR80 booked in advance). Students and trainees get in for as little as EUR12. Doors open between 10am and 6pm daily.

For Australians, Ambassador Travel Services are running packaged tours to the event from Melbourne and can be contacted on 03 9820 4422 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For Sydneysiders, Landmark Travel is your best option, and they are contactable on 02 9977 7100 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . New Zealnders can get information on travel arrangements from Messe Reps. & Travel on 09 625 2300 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .