FDBusiness.com

With the sustainable packaging market set to reach £111 billion within five years, it’s not surprising that ECOPACK, the UK’s only exhibition dedicated to sustainable packaging solutions, is attracting the UK’s most innovative suppliers. They’re using the two-day show at the NEC as the launch-pad for major new sustainable technologies and services.

AB Packaging Group (stand E26) is launching its much anticipated paper bag for life. Mike Gibson, UK Sales Manager at AB Packaging Group, remarks: “We are delighted to work in partnership with ECOPACK to launch our new innovative 100% biodegradable carrier bag. We have put two years R&D into this product and we know the high street and supermarkets will be very excited when we launch in February.”

Recoup (stand E15) is launching ‘Recyclability by Design’, which will provide plastic packaging designers with a better understanding of the environmental implications of their design decisions.

First time exhibitor Bettix (stand E19), which manufactures blow and injection mouldings, will be showcasing a range of single and twin neck dispensers as well as a brand new concept in multi-use trigger sprays, which is already having success in the USA.

Nicholl Food Packaging (stand E22) is launching a number of new lines into its portfolio, which includes smoothwall and wrinklewall foil trays, compostable and ovenable board variants and lidding films.

“Ecopack provides a very effective spotlight on the hugely important topic of sustainability,” comments exhibitor Paul Ogiliev, Head of Sales for Nicholl Food Packaging. “We know sustainability remains high on our customers’ agendas so we expect the 2013 show to be as busy as ever.”

Kairos One (stand F32) is using the show to demonstrate its two services: Eco-Design and Pre-media Support. Eco-Design helps brand owners and packaging manufacturers re-engineer a design in order to minimise its impact by reducing materials and weight, optimising shape, structure and size, and improving efficiency throughout the supply chain. Pre-media Support helps packaging manufacturers reduce cost and improve efficiency at the prepress stage.

Manuplastics (stand D17) is focusing on its growing standard jar/lid range including new matt and gloss surface finish options across selected product styles.

ECOPACK doesn’t just provide a forum for new products and services; it also provides visitors with a fresh outlook on the latest industry developments and issues. For instance The BIG Packaging Debate, taking place on the first day of the show will discuss whether sustainable packaging really affects consumer buying behaviour.

Matt Benyon, Managing Director of easyFairs UK Ltd, says: “The environmental arguments for sustainable packaging have been covered on many occasions. We want to move the debate on and explore what happens in the consumer’s mind at the point of sale.  Does sustainable packaging drive customer choice or are consumers colour blind when it comes to greener packaging? I am sure the topic will create a heated debate.”

ECOPACK will take place on 27 & 28 February 2013, and is co-located with PACKAGING INNOVATIONS, PRINT INNOVATIONS, PACKTECH, CONTRACT PACK and the new LABELLING INNOVATIONS show.

Further information on visiting and how to register for the show can be found at www.easyFairs.com/PIUK. Companies interested in exhibiting at the event can find out more about booking a stand by calling Marc Benoit on +44 (0)20 8843 8821 or email marc.benoit@easyFairs.com.