"I am delighted with the dynamism and creativity that could be felt in the exhibition halls over the last three days. You can tell that the packaging industry is in a state of upheaval," says Cornelia Fehlner, Event Director of FachPack. "In addition to technical challenges, the industry is primarily concerned with the question of What clever packaging solutions are there for complex requirements that simultaneously serve the environment and consumers and keep the entire cycle in mind? It's all about the packaging of tomorrow. And we will be reflecting this topic at FachPack 2019."

Exhibitors: 38 percent international

The core of FachPack this year was once again the powerful German packaging industry with 1,023 exhibitors. "However, the trend towards Europeanization is noticeably increasing," Fehlner is pleased to report. The proportion of international exhibitors was 38 percent. Neighboring European countries were particularly well represented, above all Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Turkey. According to the results of a survey conducted by an independent institute, 98 percent of visitors were satisfied with what FachPack had to offer.

Professional audience: 90 percent decision-makers

The trade visitors came primarily from the food and beverage, pharmaceutical and medical technology, cosmetics, chemical and automotive industries. Around 90 percent of trade visitors stated that they were involved in purchasing and procurement decisions in their companies. Around one in two trade visitors is in a managerial position, one in five even in management.

Trade fair range covers the packaging process chain

FachPack once again showcased a comprehensive range of exhibits along the packaging process chain: from packaging materials and packaging machines to packaging printing and finishing to logistics systems and services. The largest trade fair area was packaging materials (e.g. paper, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, glass) and packaging aids (e.g. labels, closures) with a total of 780 exhibitors. The packaging technology side - i.e. machines for producing and processing packaging, labeling and marking technology, as well as equipment for checking, testing or recycling - was presented by 560 exhibiting companies. In addition, there were 297 companies with a logistics-related offering, i.e. solutions for storing, loading, picking and transporting packaged goods. 224 exhibitors presented the possibilities for printing and finishing packaging.

Supporting program well received

Numerous forums and special shows invited visitors to further their education and deepen their knowledge of the various aspects of packaging. The two forums PackBox and TechBox were co-organized by 19 industry partners. An audience of 7,500 listened to a total of 100 presentations by 120 speakers and discussion participants. The newly occupied Hall 8 with the topics of packaging printing and finishing and the centrally located special show Premium Packaging was immediately well received. Here, around 40 exhibits were on show, which stood out due to their design or innovative materials. The pharmaceutical, medical and cosmetics area in Hall 3A and the corresponding theme park "Packaging in medical technology and pharmaceuticals" were also of particular importance.

Trade fair advisory board constituted

The constituent meeting of the new Exhibition Advisory Board took place on the third day of the exhibition, September 27. The committee, which meets regularly, has the task of advising NürnbergMesse on all important issues relating to the industry and thus actively participating in the strategic development of FachPack. The Exhibition Advisory Board consists of nine representatives of companies from important fields in the packaging market. The members of the trade fair advisory board are Oliver Bruns (Edelmann Group), Dr. Thomas Cord (Loesch Verpackungstechnik GmbH), Sandra Englich (Verpa Folie Weidhausen GmbH), Sabine Gauger (OPTIMA packaging group GmbH), Valeska Haux (MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmüller SE & Co. KG), Andreas Koch (Bluhm Systeme GmbH), Steffen Prodinger (PRODINGER KG), Toni Sciacca (Knüppel Verpackung GmbH & Co. KG) and Frank Würthner (Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG).

Save the date: The next FachPack will take place from September 24 to 26, 2019 at the Exhibition Center Nuremberg.