Biggest ever show for Interpack

The German packaging exhibition opened yesterday. Dramatic increases in uptime and efficiency from Sidel, a new in-mould labelling FFS thermoforming system from Illig and evidence of the growing acceptance of NatureWorks PLA packaging were among the highlights when Interpack opened its doors yesterday.

The show, which runs until 27 April, is the biggest event ever staged at the Messe Dьsseldorf home of the K, according to managing director Wilhelm Niedergoker. At 164,000 sq metres, it is 16,000 bigger than the last Interpack show three years ago. France’s Sidel, now owned by Tetra Laval, is claiming 20% improvements in both throughput and efficiency on its latest series of SBO Universal blow moulders at the show. The company says that PET bottle blowing costs are cut by 20% while changeover time has been cut by a similar margin as a result of a E25m investment and input from 60 engineers.

NatureWorks launched its first retail product at the show three years ago; now, the company is able to show a range of applications in fresh produce, salad items, pasta, tableware and beer as well as “no label”-look labelling.