interpack 2011

Sustainability, safety and convenience were just three themes in evidence throughout the 19 exhibition halls, and especially appealing was the choice of specialised topics and the novel ways in which they were presented.
Highly impressive was the Save Food campaign, designed to fight international food loss, organised by Messe Düsseldorf in co-operation with the Food
& Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.

A concurrent congress attracted over 300 delegates from around the world – representing all links in the food value chain, and bringing together stakeholders from the food and packaging industries, the retail sector, politicians, researchers and NGOs.
According to the FAO, Western consumers can play a key role by saving food. Here’s the gist of the argument: As food commodities are traded on an international market, waste in one part of the world affects prices elsewhere – ie when food is thrown away in rich countries, it affects availability in poor countries. And, since natural resources – such as land, water and energy – are limited, it’s more effective to reduce food losses than to increase production.

A special Save Food exhibit – set up in a pavilion in the open space between the halls – also reflected topics covered by the congress. The aim of the congress and the exhibit was to promote packaging as the way to reduce food losses.

As part of the expo, companies and trade associations presented innovative packaging solutions. And there was even a catering area – dubbed the Sustainable Food Court – showing responsible ways of handling food in everyday catering practice! In fact, this was the venue for a most enjoyable ‘Meet the press’ party, hosted by Messe Düsseldorf, at which exhibitors could rub shoulders with members of the Fourth Estate!
But the Save Food campaign wasn’t alone in evoking lively interest. Two other themes, Innovationparc Packaging and Metal Packaging Plaza, also proved popular.
Innovationparc Packaging, with its overall maxim ‘Quality of Life’, featured five different ‘shops’ on the themes of Health, Meaning, Aesthetics, Simplicity and Identity.
Developed specifically for the show, and bringing together companies from across the value chain,
best practices were presented at these ‘shops’.

The concept went down well with visitors and participating companies; they all agreed that it created an excellent forum for constructive talks and creative ideas.
Hosted by Empac (the European Metal Packaging industry body), the Metal Packaging Plaza was another new feature at this year’s interpack. Devoted to dialogue, key features were sustainability, innovation, safety and convenience, with some 30 companies presenting metal packaging solutions.

Acepak struts its stuff
We’ve seen a number of South African companies exhibiting at interpack over the years.
Back in 1984 (my first interpack!) there were two – Package Machine Designs and Bakke & Schröter.
During the next 15 years, South Africa’s dark days of isolation, there were none that I recall, but in 1999 five were on show (Abtech, Filmatic, Hulett Containers, HG Molenaar and Kohler Flexible). Abtech and Hulacon exhibited again in 2002, and in 2008 Hulacon was the sole South African exhibitor.

This year, it was Acepak’s turn to blaze a trail for South African machinery manufacturers intent on gaining export sales.
On the Acepak stand – in a light and airy corner of Hall 13 – were MD Dave Grobler, Michelle Grobler, Justin Tomsett and Hein Steyn, plus a bright and shining example of the company’s latest overwrapping technology, en route to a customer in the UK.

It was exciting to see a South African company among exhibitors; and Dave was really chuffed with response from both visitors and potential agents. ‘We’ve had excellent enquiries (even on Sunday!),’ he remarked happily. ‘We fulfil a particular niche – we’re not bottom end of the market, and we’re not top end – we fit in to the upper middle class,’ he quipped. ‘We’re up there with the big names when it comes to technology, quality and reliability, but at very competitive prices, even with the strong rand.’
Acepak, a R100-million/annum operation, already enjoys an estimated 85% market share in South Africa for end-of-line solutions: shrinkwrappers, case-packers and palletisers. Exports, while notable, are still a relatively small proportion of overall turnover. But Dave is adamant that huge opportunities beckon on export markets.

‘We’re already well known in South Africa and we’ve already expanded our business throughout Africa and the Middle East,’ Dave explained. ‘We’ve also done well in the UK, and have existing agents in Australia, New Zealand, Kenya and Dubai. Now we’re planning to play on a wider global stage and one objective of our interpack presence is to identify suitable agents to handle our international marketing.’
There were, he reported, some serious contenders for agencies in Poland, Turkey, Greece, Mexico, India and Sri Lanka.
However, Dave is insistent that he’s not interested in having representatives in dozens of different countries, each preparing one or two quotes a year. ‘We’d rather focus on countries where volumes are likely to be high – countries such as India and China,’ he added.

He also contends that this first showing at interpack is a journey not a destination. ‘To get results, we need to exhibit at interpack at least three times in a row,’ he told us. ‘This can’t be seen as a one-off event. This is the world’s premier packaging show, and if you want to get noticed on the world stage there’s no better place to be. We’ll be here again in 2014.’

Machine integration – the holy grail
Moving away from matters parochial, the first press conference on the first morning of interpack set the scene for the topic of packaging machine integration and intelligent communication.
Hosted by B&R Automation, whose market development manager, John Kowal, serves on the board of OMAC (Organization for Machine Automation & Control), it also featured speakers from Procter & Gamble (P&G) and Nestlé, who provided strong support for the concept of PackML (short for Packaging Machine Language).

PackML defines a common approach or machine language for automated machines. The primary goals are to encourage a common ‘look and feel’ across a plant floor and to encourage industry innovation.
And no, this isn’t a brand-new topic – it was under discussion at interpack back in 2002, when I recall attending a similar press conference – but it seems that some progress has been made in between.
Rob Aleksa, head of P&G’s corporate machine control section, confirmed that implementation has allowed for simplified trouble shooting, faster set-up times, operational consistency (especially not having continuously to retrain operators), and effective use of limited resources. And for OEMs, he maintained, it means faster development times, allowing for increased focus on innovation and heightened machine capabilities.
Similarly supportive remarks came from Nestlé’s global engineering manager, Bryan Griffen, who doubles up as chairman of OMAC’s Packaging Workgroup.

‘We need to move standardisation into the packaging industry,’ he told us. ‘We have found a solution that’s working for Nestlé, communicating intelligently from machine to machine, irrespective of the control technology used – whether B&R, Siemens, Rockwell, or any other.’
This means, Bryan amplified further, that Nestlé focuses less on one specific control provider for packaging equipment, but insists on implementation of standards and open technologies; and to do this is committed to using PackML guidelines.

Using PackML in conjunction with a standard communication protocol, Nestlé’s central packaging automation engineering team provides a clear specification for packaging equipment, which provides a common set-up for horizontal machine-to-machine communication and vertical integration for machine-
to-business systems.

The goal is to exchange all necessary information for easy packaging line integration, based on one global standard.
This makes a whole lot of sense. The programme is currently being driven by consumer goods manufacturers and automation suppliers, not by OEMs; but, says Bryan Griffen, OEMs are starting to catch on to the benefits. Perhaps by interpack 2014 further progress can be reported!

Software integrates marking, coding, labelling printers
Integration was also the topic under discussion on the Matthews Marking Products’ stand. Here Phillip Biggs, national sales & marketing manager for Matthews Australasia, was keen to introduce Matthews’ award-winning iDSnet software that integrates marking, coding and labelling devices with end-of-line packaging equipment to deliver true product traceability, creating a streamlined operation.

‘By providing centralised control, iDSnet ensures that the correct printed code (such as a barcode, date code or lot code) is always placed on the correct product at the correct time. By networking all coding and labelling devices back to a central database, product changes are affected down an entire production line with one simple operator action,’ Phillip explained.
iDSnet links multiple coders, or other production equipment, for a packaging line from one PC (away from the production floor) helping to improve packaging line performance through increased efficiency, reduced set-up time, streamlining product changeovers, and eliminating coding errors.

Matthews’ iDSnet – introduced at Pack Expo in Chicago last November and now launched to the global packaging community at interpack – provides a common method of operation regardless of the type of coder used. It’s now being promoted in South Africa by J-Pak.

Maintenance-free marking
Talking of J-Pak, and talking of coding, a key innovation on the Linx stand was the Linx CJ400’s Easi-Change Service Module, which can be changed in minutes using on-screen prompts.
Explaining the technology, J-Pak’s Tim Jordan, emphasised that this means scheduled maintenance is easily completed without the need for a trained technician or costly service calls – a major advantage for small customers or remote regions. Further self-maintenance features include on-screen trouble shooting, which can solve the majority of operating issues without the need to consult manuals or engineers. 
Low maintenance is further enhanced by extended printhead cleaning intervals, typically three months. Linx states that this represents a huge reduction in cleaning costs and downtime compared to other printheads on the market, some of which must be cleaned daily. Thanks to the Linx CJ400’s autoflush processes, there is also no need for printer or conduit flushing for shutdowns of up to four weeks, which means no wasted fluids and trouble-free startups after extended shutdown periods.

Intelligence abounds
As always the Domino press conference was packed full of news, including additions to Domino’s i-Tech intelligent Technology range.
Currently rolling out globally (in South Africa through WH Rosenmeyer Coding & Marking), i-Tech products are designed to deliver maximum productivity and value, deploying an array of smart technologies to lower cost and bring down maintenance on production lines.

One highlight was the A320i continuous inkjet printer. By incorporating an array of i-Tech intelligent Technology features, Domino has delivered a printer that completely eliminates the need for planned servicing. Domino says it’s the first in the industry to do so, but (as can be seen on the previous page) Linx is making a similar claim!
Irrespective of which company won that particular race, the Domino printer delivers tangible environmental benefits, using 90% less system ink and 50% less ink solvent than its predecessor. It’s also 40% lighter and incorporates energy-saving software.

QuickStep, a simplified graphical user interface currently available on the A320i, provides effortless control and status reporting, eliminating complex menus and parameters in favour of simple, intuitive set-up routines requiring minimal operator involvement.
Also launched at the show, the D620i 60W scribing laser is a high-performance addition to the D-Series i-Tech line-up. Despite housing Domino’s most powerful laser yet, each component of the modular system is remarkably compact, making for easy integration on host machines. It offers RapidScan – a new high-speed option now available across the  D-Series i-Tech range – which allows users to achieve 20% greater throughput by increasing the space and time to scribe complex code information. In addition, higher energy density delivers the precision marking required for accurate reproduction of small 2D codes. Increased power and speed combined with an optional IP65-rated version, results in a system that is equal to the most demanding applications and environments – including high-speed beverage packaging.
Many of the benefits derive from i-Tech intelligent Technology ribbon drive, bringing Domino’s patented ribbon economy – which the company says can reduce usage by up to 60% compared with competing systems – to a wide range of potential applications.

Laser-activated labelling for film-wrapped packs
Outstanding abrasion resistance, no consumables needed and fewer production downtimes – thanks
to these three benefits, laser-activated labelling is gaining in popularity. At interpack, self-adhesive specialist Herma showcased its solution for
film-wrapped products. Prior to the show, the system went into industrial operation at Staedtler, one of the world’s leading manufacturers, to label
film-wrapped packs of pencils with varying information, such as contents, article number and EAN barcode. Despite mechanical stresses during palletisation, there’s practically no risk of abrasion to the labels – unlike thermal transfer technology. This is because the laser system, developed jointly by KBA-Metronic and Herma, produces smudge- and scratch-proof images.

Another crucial argument is the economic benefit, as the system doesn’t require thermal transfer ribbons or print heads.
At interpack, Herma exhibited a model almost identical to the system installed at Staedtler.
The system uses Herma 002-type laser-activated labels. Their special finish enables the KBA-Metronic K-1000 CO2 laser to apply black inscriptions in designated areas. The printed image is extremely sharp – whether it contains plain text, a graphic and/or a code. As the laser doesn’t use an ablative process, no particles are created to smudge or damage the label; and there’s no need to remove residue or waste by suction. According to Herma, and confirmed by a customer such as Staedtler, laser-activated labelling offers outstanding reliability in every respect. Because the printing system does not require any consumables or readjustment and operates without wear, production breaks are minimised and efficiency improved.
Herma products are available in South Africa through Packaging Plant & Consumables, and through Jonuva Packaging Systems.

Visitors challenged to ‘think the impossible’
On the Avery Dennison stand, visitors were enticed to ‘think the impossible’, to go beyond current boundaries in labelling and packaging creativity. They were shown innovations that integrate eye-catching design with sustainable source reduction.

In attendance was David Vines, regional marketing communications manager for roll materials, based in Australia. He was happy to show off these innovations – including a number of South African examples.
Particularly impressive were the Avery Dennison Curve Appeal system and Fasson Curvy film labels designed to embrace complex curved surfaces, creating opportunities for packaging designers to pursue a whole new range of bottle shapes and sizes to promote shelf appeal and brand differentiation, especially for home and personal care products.
However, aside from labelling materials, of special interest on this stand were the Flexis functional packaging solutions to control air, steam and oxygen to extend product life and enhance product performance for a variety of food and beverage, pharmaceutical and perishable goods.

For instance, Flexis Steam valves control the release of steam from food packaging during cooking. The valves allow home-heated packaged foods to cook with greater consistency, more thoroughly and faster than foods in conventional steam release packages.
Flexis Air two-way valve technology designed for dry and perishable goods delivers safety and logistics benefits to pet food, chemicals and granular materials. The valve technology allows for the flow of air in and out of the package, reducing trapped air which can cause irregular packaging sizes, wasted space or ruptured packaging.

HP’s ‘Digital Supermarket’
HP’s 400m2 ‘Digital Supermarket’ themed pavilion – located in the courtyard outside Hall 15 – underlined business opportunities provided by digitally-printed packaging, using HP digital solutions, including the HP Indigo WS6000 digital press.

Featuring supermarket shelves stacked with retail items including wine, food, pharmaceuticals/nutraceuticals, health and beauty, industrial and household products, HP showcased branded products that utilise the power of digital print to create innovative and high-quality packaging and marketing materials.

‘Today’s brand managers are looking for ways to add value and differentiate their brands,’ Alon Bar-Shany, vice president and general manager, Indigo Division, HP, told us at a press conference. ‘HP Indigo digital printing, with print quality as good as or better than flexo, enables brands to be quickly and easily refreshed and labels and packaging adapted quickly for seasonal promotions, special events or even language versions. Many brand managers have also discovered the benefits of using digital printing for prototyping and market trials, where cost-effective test products may be produced on final substrates.’
Other benefits to packaging and label buyers made possible by digital printing are fast response times, shorter supply chains, faster time-to-market and reduction of inventories and waste.

Converting solutions for digital print
Sharing space with HP was AB Graphic International, exhibiting an Omega Digicon, Series 2 label converting line for digitally-printed webs. It was shown in operation with an Omega RTS sheeting unit.
The Series 2 system offers converting solutions for most digital requirements. Its modular design allows hot and cold foiling, flat bed applications, screen and flexo stations, laminating and 100% print face inspection. It also enables existing machine specifications to be extended as and when job portfolios increase and facilitate entry into new market sectors. The system combines semi-rotary technology with accurate re-registration modules to allow a wide variety of converting applications.
Designed to run both inline or off-line with a converting line or printing press, the RTS achieves speeds up to 40m/min for A4 sheets, producing150 labels/min with a cutting tolerance of 0,15mm.

Heidelberg enters digital arena
Staying on the topic of digital printing, Heidelberg took advantage of interpack to introduce Linoprint – a digital printing portfolio designed for cost-effective production of short-print runs and individualised print products.
According to market surveys, sales of digitally-printed folding cartons, flexible packaging and labels amounted to €2,5-billion in 2009. This figure is expected to increase with annual growth rates of around 17% until 2015.
‘UV inkjet printing is rapidly gaining importance thanks to its versatility in the choice of substrates and the fact that it can be directly integrated into packaging production lines,’ Stephan Plenz, member of the Heidelberg Management Board, told us. ‘Together with our recently-established partnership with Ricoh, this Linoprint portfolio represents a second stronghold in our range of digital printing solutions. Linoprint gives our customers the flexibility they need to cost-effectively manufacture high-quality small and variable lot sizes in the packaging production.’
Heidelberg showed how folding cartons produced in offset can be individualised using UV inkjet technology. Consumer goods, packaging and bottling companies can all benefit from solutions that enable individual branding and labelling with a choice of substrate options.

Getting it all from ULMA
Visitors to ULMA’s stand learnt that the company’s key strength is being able to offer a wide array of machines, allowing products to be packed using flow wrapping, vertical fill-form-seal (VFFS), tray sealing, stretch wrapping or side sealing technologies.

Eddie Rademan, MD of ULMA Packaging Systems (SA), was on hand to meet South African visitors and was happy to point out the virtues of the various ULMA machines on show.
He particularly highlighted the UMLA VTI 700 continuous VFFS machine, shown in combination with a Marel multihead weigher, packing up to 140 packs/min, including a three-side seal on the pack’s perimeter. ‘This allows full print on both front and back of the pack, without the intrusion of a rear seal,’ he explained.
Also on show were three complete flow wrapping lines – including an ULMA Atlanta handling chocolate bars at 500 packs/min, complete with a boxing and loading machine that automatically stacks bars into a carton and seals it; and an ULMA Arctic producing gas-flushed laminated resealable packs.

ULMA displayed three versions of its new ultra-hygienic TFS range  of thermoformers. The TFS 700 is a rigid thermoformer for packing sliced meat, with loading and unloading carried out automatically by two ULMA robots installed over the loading area; the TFS 400 is an entry-level machine that packs product and forms a material ‘skin’ over the product to enhance appearance; and the TFS 300 hygienic design was demonstrated for a medical application using specialised material.

On the tray sealing front, Eddie reported that ULMA Packaging Systems (SA) had recently been awarded the Mondini agency in South Africa. ‘ULMA and Mondini have worked closely together throughout the world, collaborating in different projects,’ he explained.
And finally for the printing industry, the ULMA SC305 side-seal machine is perfect for packing magazines, offering additional strength when promotional items are inserted. Operating at around 60 packs/min, it features an automatic card feeder, forming a double seal for added strength, and includes a header card above the magazine.

A more than satisfactory result
interpack proved to be an important event for the Marchesini Group, allowing customers and potential customers to take a close look at the company’s innovative solutions for all their packaging requirements. So commented CEO, Maurizio Marchesini.
Over interpack’s seven-day run, several thousand visitors from across the globe – notably Europe, Russia, North America, Latin America, the Middle East, the Far East and India – visited the stand.
Among the lines most appreciated by visitors were the complete blister packaging line MB460 FAST, said to be the fastest ever to be produced by Marchesini, capable of delivering 720 blisters/min. It was displayed alongside the robotic blister packaging line Integra200, capable of integrating two thermoforming and carton packaging operations in one single machine.

Also popular was a line was that for packaging pre-filled syringes, from assembly through to wrapping, as well as a line for packaging vials in a sterile environment, consisting of a Steril 400 filler inline with a Depyr600 depyrogenation tunnel. These products underline Marchesini’s intention of making major investments in the sterile packaging sector.
Another eye-catcher was Romeo, the wireless controller developed by Marchesini to simplify and speed-up size changeover, line control and management.

From a commercial point of view, the show was more than positive, as confirmed by sales director, Piero Tomasi. ‘At our stand, visitors could see six complete lines, as well as 12 stand-alone machines, and they were able to check out the cutting-edge solutions manufactured by Marchesini for packaging pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Marchesini’s added value is offering innovation and efficiency. While on one hand our machines are increasingly sophisticated, on the other hand they’re simpler to manage,’ he points out.
The Pakmatic team was on hand to welcome South African visitors.

Bottling lines from A-Z
The Sidel group demonstrated its capabilities as a leading supplier of complete bottling lines. For each step of the process, Sidel showed state-of-the-art technology, from high-tech packaging machinery and line engineering to beverage protection, packaging design and technical training.
Key to Sidel’s approach is the ability to offer upgrades and innovative options for the installed base as well as complete turnkey solutions. For the end of the production line, for example, Sidel demonstrated its new SP 1000 HS palletiser – improved machinery with intelligent software to increase productivity. Whereas high-level palletisers work with stationary layers and pallet moving, the new SP 1000 low-level palletisers maintain steady pallets and the layers in movement. By enhancing existing machines and processes, Sidel brings the same level of dependable, high-speed performance of its high-level palletisers to low-level palletising.

The SP 1000 HS palletiser marks a technology breakthrough, with two core functions, layer preparation and palletisation, working together more effectively than before. During layer formation the machine rotates and positions the packs into a perfectly shaped layer to be transferred on to the pallet. In the next phase, the layers are picked up and safely and precisely stacked on to the pallet. Sidel has managed to increase the speed of this process by improving the way the two steps of the process interact.

Sidel’s new patent-pending ‘pusher’ guides the layers alternatively to the right or to the left while optimising ‘return stroke’ time, which, in the traditional approach, is substantially an ‘empty’ movement.
The process is supported by Sidel’s new software program called PLACE, which is short for Pallet & Layer Automated Configuration Editor. This software creates and manages diverse pattern configurations before the layer-formation phase – particularly useful for short-batch runs that require constant switching between formats and packaging types.

Ampet and the environment
There was much to interest brand owners on the Faerchplast stand in terms of novel uses for the company’s Ampet packaging, specially developed for shelf-stable products. Using less and cheaper material, environmental impact is reduced, and direct savings come from decreased costs as Ampet packaging takes up considerably less space than jars or cans in transit and in storage.
For the right players it’s a lucrative market with huge potential. The question, comments local agent, Amotz Golan of AGQPE, is which producers will be the first to break free of the pack and differentiate themselves with shape and colour?

Just one example gleaned at interpack was pet food packaging. Generally packed in cans or bags, in either wet or dry form, the various packs basically resemble one another, only distinguished by a label. At the same time, portion servings are a clear favourite with pet owners while top quality food is non-negotiable. Additionally, products need a long shelf-life. All of this increases demands on suppliers to differentiate products through shape, colour and content.

Some 18-billion cans and pouches of cat and dog food are sold annually worldwide – and this number is growing. This corresponds to a staggering
€30-billion of retail sales, and pet owners are willing to spend more and more on their animal friends.
The market is served by large international players such as Mars, Nestlé, Colgate and P&G as well as a number of small private labels and regional manufacturers.
The secret for these producers is to stand out from all the endless rows of standardised cans and bags. The numerous possibilities offered by thermoformed plastic packaging in terms of shape and colour represent an obvious opportunity for product positioning and one that is proving popular with producers worldwide.

Intermittent-motion cartoning
CAM presented PVX, a new intermittent-motion cartoner with the performance of a continuous machine. With an extremely compact layout and representing a modest investment, the machine is designed to reach a production capacity up to 200 cartons/min, guaranteeing absolute integrity of the final products.
CAM’s new LL was also on display, a linear filling machine completely redesigned to comply with the design philosophy shared by all of the latest-generation CAM filling and capping machines, including the TA capping machine, the LA filling and capping monobloc for liquid, and the DA filling and capping monobloc for powders.
According to CAM’s South African representative, Andew Conti of Pakmax, great interest was generated by the Siebler Goring four-side sealing/pouching machine 5000/360. This German company was recently acquired by CAM, allowing a widening of CAM’s product range with complete strip and sachet packaging lines for pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic products.

Gluing goes energy-efficient
Robatech, a specialist in glue application technology, used interpack to promote its innovative products and services for energy- and cost-efficient adhesive application.
Among highlights on the stand, where Dominique Schlenk represented the South African subsidiary, was the SpeedStar electromechanically-driven hotmelt applicator head which boasts extremely fast switching cycles in combination with high wear resistance.

According to Dominique, the new generation of electronics in the Concept Diamond hotmelt applicators offers high network suitability which allows operation by means of the RobaVis touch screen in standard execution. Users appreciate the visualised and simple operation.
The automatic feeding system RobaFeed with exhaust air filter and the perfect interface to the Concept appliances ensures direct filling of the melting tank with granulate from a separate container. A complete hotmelt nozzle applicator system, LabelStar, with a reduced glue consumption is available for the right-round-labelling of bottles and containers. 
A complete service package under the name of RobaPlus comprising all extra performances rounded out the spectrum of Robatech’s innovative products.

Spotlight on sustainable production
How can you manufacture efficiently, while doing business responsibly and developing cutting-edge technology? This is what strapping technology leader Gerd Mosca was demonstrating at interpack.
On the stand to meet South African visitors were the father and son team of Bevan and Clyde Challenor of Goldpack, Mosca’s South African agents.
There was lots to explore including the revolutionary KCK 131-26 high-speed version  pallet packing press. According to Mosca, this is the first time ever that speeds up to 200 pallets/hour can be attained. It also features outstanding environmental performance.

In addition, as a fitting tribute to the company’s 45th anniversary, Mosca exhibited its 100 000th machine – a corrosion-free SoniXs TR-P-VA.
Another Mosca first was the successor to the company’s popular automatic strapping machine RO-M which, in addition to its affordable price, reflects Mosca’s renowned quality.
The company also presented its new ‘GET inside’ green and blue label, used to distinguish Mosca’s top products. (GET inside is short for Green Efficiency Technology inside.)
This new concept is an expression of Mosca’s commitment to sustainable production which, at Mosca, is called ‘responsible production’ and now represents a cornerstone of the company’s corporate philosophy.

A truly great show
Yes, as always, our interpack week was chock-full of interesting encounters with many people and exciting glimpses of new technologies and new products; and this brief report merely scratches the surface.
In fact, these few sentences from Gerhard Schubert, CEO of Schubert (Germany), who has attended every single interpack since 1958, really sum up the general feeling: ‘interpack was just terrific. I’ve never experienced a better interpack than this. It’s the No 1 and I’m sure it always will be. It’s the place to be for international packaging machine manufacturers. We have real innovations to present at interpack – and that’s precisely what makes it so attractive. The mood was good and visitor quality was outstanding. I’m really sad that interpack 2011 is over. The only consolation is being able to look forward to the next one in three years’ time!’