The processes and packaging trade fair “interpack” (www.interpack.com), being held in Düsseldorf / Germany from 4-10 May 2017, said it has recorded the biggest demand from exhibitors in its history of more than 55 years. By the official registration closing date of 29 February 2016, companies had booked about 20% more space than was available at the exhibition centre. The organisers said that the “components” event, which takes place at the same time and showcases offerings from packaging technology suppliers, was likely to be fully booked as well, even though the hall is twice as big as its debut in 2014.

The spotlight in 2017 will be on Industry 4.0 – or the fourth industrial revolution – which is being staged in cooperation with the German Engineering Federation (VDMA, Frankfurt am Main; www.vdma.com). At its stand, the VDMA is presenting a show giving examples of applications in the packaging machine and process technology sector that open up new opportunities relating to safety, traceability, copy and piracy protection as well as individualised packaging.

The theme of “Save Food” will once again be prominent at “interpack” 2017. The “innovationparc” show will be devoted to strategies and solutions related to saving food and cutting waste.

The show will include the winners of national competitions for the World Packaging Organisation’s (WPO) “Save Food Packaging” awards which recognise products that stand out in their ability to cut food loss and wastage, for instance by prolonging shelf life or with intelligent concepts for portioning or protecting the contents once the package has been opened. It is also important that production is resource-efficient and the package uses as little material as possible. Associations from more than 15 countries are participating, including some from Africa and the Middle East.

The winners, selected in advance of “interpack”, will compete in the WorldStar awards which WPO has extended to include the “Save Food” category. The awards will be presented at a ceremony during the fair. The national winners will also exhibit at “innovationparc”. In addition, there is an integrated lecture forum, which companies can use to present their packaging solutions and strategies.

On the first day of the fair, the third international “Save Food Congress” will take place, with the participation of partner institutions as the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).