Thomas Dohse, Director of Interpack trade fair explains Packaging MEA on why this event has something for everyone
No other industry trade fair can compare when it comes to representing the global packaging market in its entire variety and scope. This year, Interpack will again offer the biggest international overview of the market.
Around 2,700 companies from around the world will meet in Messe’ Düsseldorf, Germany on May 4-10 to present cutting-edge technologies and packaging trends from along the entire value chain.
Ahead of this spectacular event, PackagingMEA caught up with Interpack Director Thomas Dohse to learn why it’s so popular, so important – and so unique.
Ben Daniel (BD): Tell us a little about Interpack’s catchphrase, “Simply Unique”.
Thomas Dohse (TD): We thought we had to tell our customers what Interpack is all about. It has packaging machinery from all over the world, and visitors from across the globe. So, what’s unique about this? There is no other packaging show in the world with so many technologies showcased and so many global visitors. There is no other show where you can see so much machinery working and in production. So, this is indeed Simply Unique, and our visitors would surely agree.
This is not just another packaging trade show but it is ‘the’ trade show for the packaging industry.
BD: In terms of circular economy, there are sustainable solutions available with raw materials suppliers and machine manufacturers, but from country to country there is slow progress from a brand owner standpoint. In this regard, what value does Interpack offer?
TD: There are several approaches to the same topic. At Interpack, we are building or delivering a platform for the industry where all those ideas should be seen, discussed and proven. Everyone in the industry knows sustainability is key for the future. When we see the rising demand for food, pharma and the rising production of packaging materials, then all the stakeholders need to think of the impact on the environment and solutions to preserve it. We are offering a platform for experts to discuss this here.
BD: Who are the big names that will showcase digitisation at Interpack?
TD: The whole industry has to decide how to use algorithms and how to use opportunities in digitisation. They need to simply organise the processes correctly. They need to be on target and not waste opportunities. The IoT is on the rise. I think companies not making up their mind about implementing IoT may face problems soon. All the major market leaders will be bringing their solutions to Interpack.
BD: We see localisation and backward integration quite a bit around the world, especially post-pandemic. Previously, it was globalised and centralised, but now due to supply chain issues it is more localised. What is the trend in this regard for packaging machinery manufacturers and suppliers? Do you think localisation is a temporary phase or something that is going to rise?
TD: This is hard to judge just yet. For example, in Europe, we see how difficult it gets depending only on one supplier. I think diversification is an important issue for the industry and for countries, but we cannot avoid globalisation. I think the trend to export technology to fulfil the rising demand for food and pharma will continue. Hence, I do not think this trend will stop soon.
BD: How important is ‘Digital Print for Packaging’ for Interpack? By and large, Interpack is more to do with packaging and its fulfilment with machinery for FFS, End of Line and tertiary packaging. So how do you put this value chain together, and why print?
TDs: Packaging print is getting more important for us because printing companies are looking for more challenges and opportunities in the packaging space, and we’d like to give those companies a home at Interpack. This is an important new focus in our show.
BD: What message would you like to give to our readers?
TD: There is nothing better than face-to-face contact. Digital tools help, but they cannot replace direct contact, especially when it comes to technical complex processes like machinery or packaging, material that has to be explained and seen in production. As I said, Interpack is “Simply Unique” – you have to come and see it.