This year’s interpack, the world’s largest trade show for packaging, stretching over a whole week from 4 to 10 May 2017, attracted over 170,000 visitors from 168 countries to the Messe Duesseldorf, Germany.
Besides the latest developments in world-class machinery and technology for the production and of packaging materials, three major themes dominated this year’s interpack: material innovation, resource efficiency, and sustainability.
More than 30 bioplastics companies, including many members of European Bioplastics, presented their products and new innovative bio-based and/or biodegradable materials at the trade fair. Moreover, many other packaging companies that specialise in conventional packaging also offered bio-based or biodegradable options or alternatives to their packaging solutions. This clearly shows that bioplastic packaging is not a “nice to have” but strongly demanded by clients, brands, retailers, and consumers alike.
EUBP booth at interpack 2017 (c) European Bioplasitcs
The interest by visitors in the latest developments in the field of bioplastics was very high, much higher than in previous years, with a preceptible increase in knowledge about the nature and benefits of bio-based plastic materials and applications. Compostable plastic packaging solutions, and in particular home compostable materials, were met with growing interest, due to the recent French legislation on home compostable shopping bags. Many EUBP members underlined the increased number and high quality of new business contacts and were very satisfied with the outcomes of this year’s interpack.
Many visitors came to the booth of European Bioplastics (EUBP), which served as a hub for everyone interested in bioplastics, offered more information on the many benefits of bioplastic packaging, and assisted visitors in finding the right company amonst the exhibitors.
Watch the interview with Constance Ißbrücker, Head of Environmental Affairs at EUBP, during interpack to hear more about the expanding market for bioplastics.
On the first three mornings of the interpack, our media partner bioplastics MAGAZINE hosted the 2nd edition of bio!PAC, an on-site conference on packaging made from bio-based materials. Over 100 participants listened to experts presenting the latest developments in bio-based materials for packaging.
bio!PAC conference 2017 (c) bioplastics Magazine (MT)