easyFairs show has packaging wrapped up

Production line cost savings to survive the economic downturn is the focus of Februarys easyFairs PACKTECH show at the NEC.

The two-day show February 11 & 12 will feature around 100 exhibitors, all offering solutions to help companies package products quicker, more efficiently and, ultimately, more cheaply. There will also be the latest advances enabling simple storage, faster logistics, and product traceability. 

And as the event is co-located with easyFairs sister shows dedicated to primary packaging, sustainable packaging and outsourcing, it provides a comprehensive platform for visitors wanting to check out new pack design and trends, eco-sensitive concepts, and the machinery and equipment needed to deliver them.

easyFairs UK Managing Director, Peter Heath, said: In a tough trading environment, plant managers are being forced to investigate in-house cost savings to improve their bottom line. easyFairs PACKTECH brings together some of the UK and Europes most innovative solutions providers, from small, niche firms and multi-nationals alike.

Several exhibitors have chosen easyFairs PACKTECH to debut new print, converting, automation, and labelling products.

They include machinery manufacturer CDI Worldwide, which is to unveil an innovative in-box shrink-wrap solution that eliminates the need for void fill. The technology sees boxes lined with a special material which, when peeled down over items and passed through a shrink tunnel, firmly secures the contents inside. Already making waves in the US, the technology will be given its UK launch at the show.

Pillar Technologies launches its advanced induction sealing system the I-Foiler. The new model features unique slot-in coils for no-hassle, tool-free coil changes, performs in wet environments, can be supplied rated to IP65, previously unavailable on forced air-cooled induction sealing systems.

Markem-Imaje is using the expo to launch its new SmartDate 5 128 thermal transfer coder, which can print large amounts of complex information at 300dpi print quality onto flexible packaging films. A key benefit of the new SmartDate is its extended print area; up to 128mm by 75mm on intermittent machines and 200mm by 75mm in continuous mode.

Espera Scales new ES 1000 labelling machine range will also be demonstrated for the first time at a UK exhibition. The range is equipped with a high-speed stepper motor drive for labelling heads, frequency-controlled conveyor drives, and a convenient touch screen interface for operators. Espera will showcase its fully automatic ES1220 top and bottom labeling system and the ES1510 automatic wrap-around labelling system.

More cutting-edge machinery comes from Advanced Labelling Systems in the form of their Auto Splice Dual Unwinder. The continuous feed unit designed to eliminate downtime during label roll changeovers features speeds of up to 110 metres per minute and comes equipped with dual 500mm unwinds.

Print developments on show come from Sauven Marking and Xact Packaging. Sauvens new 1000 series printers allows up to four independent print heads to be connected to one controller, whilst Xact tackles downtime issues with its C84 continuous inkjet printer (320m/min) which features a self-cleaning head and automatic viscosity control.

Total Colour Management will be showing how, using a system that gives bespoke colours their own fingerprint ID, brands can maintain colour consistency across all packaging and promotional applications.

And colour change print pioneers Datalase will be display their thermochromic capabilities and laser marking solutions for product identification and anti-counterfeiting.

Polystyrene Pallets!

Food processors looking for new transit packaging concepts are also well catered for at easyFairs Packtech.

One intriguing exhibitor is Berlin-based Arpack a new name to the UK market which brings its high-density polystyrene pallets to the event.

Weighing less than 4kg, and so affording significant fuel and carbon savings during transport, the pallets can carry up to a tonne on the move and more than three tonnes when static. Another added benefit for exporters is that the poly-pallets dont require any treatment against pests and insects, unlike wooden versions, and means less customs red tape.

Go Plastic Pallets also introduces its new 1200mm x 1000mm offering, with full perimeter base and perforated top deck, whilst Laser Pack hopes its pallet protection product Stak Stop will appeal to company bosses whose products have been damaged by top stacking forklift drivers.

Elsewhere, up-to-the-minute electron beam and gamma irradiation technology used to recover contaminated packaging is provided by sterilisation frontrunners Isotron. Its devices are able to treat packaging such as plastic containers, bag-in-box liners, caps, closures, and film thus reducing the need for disposal, remanufacture, or the risk of market recalls due to microbial contamination.

Dutch firm Fluortech exhibits its range of heat sealing and zone tapes; product bagging experts APP (UK) will showcase various machine lines; and Cyklop promotes its new Twinpack system that combines both stretch wrapping and strapping.

Other leading exhibitors include Herma Labelling, Fanuc Robotics, Abb Robotics, Chesapeake, Label Graphics, PAGO, and Automated Packaging Systems.

Visit www.easyfairs.com/packtechuk for more information and to register for free. Alternatively, contact David Fergus on 020 8622 4417 or (david.fergus@easyfairs.com)