FACHPACK 2024: trailblazer and driving force for the industry

FACHPACK is set to be the key gathering in Europe this year for the packaging industry and its users. When it takes place in Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from 24 to 26 September, the long-standing trade fair will once again provide a compact yet comprehensive insight into all relevant issues in the packaging industry, in keeping with its theme “Transition in Packaging”. In 11 exhibition halls, around 1,400 exhibitors will showcase innovative packaging solutions for industrial and consumer goods from a wide range of segments. The most pressing and simultaneously most interesting topic for the industry is the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWR) that was adopted at the end of April. Here too, FACHPACK will provide answers to questions about issues like recyclability, reusability and the use of recycled materials. Reason enough to start planning your trade fair visit now so that you can be part of the action at the end of September.

Heike Slotta, Executive Director Exhibitions at NürnbergMesse, explains: “In the packaging industry, there’s simply no getting around FACHPACK. It’s simply the must-do event! As the most important European trade fair of its kind, it brings together German and international packaging professionals and seekers of ideas with renowned market leaders, established SMEs and recent start-ups in no less than 11 exhibition halls. But it’s not just packaging, packaging materials, accessories, packaging machines and packaging technology that are on display. The key processes associated with automation, marking and labelling, packaging printing and finishing, and intra-logistics can also be seen in action at the venue in Nuremberg.”

Exhibitors will be presenting the latest technologies and packaging solutions of day-to-day relevance for numerous sectors like food, luxury foods and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, healthcare, non-food, pet food and other consumer goods. Visitors from segments like automotive, technical articles, medical technology and other industrial goods will also flock to Nuremberg in September.

A special feature of FACHPACK is that it is a “working” trade fair with a hands-on mindset. The aim is for the community to tackle the issues together. In Nuremberg, ideas for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions and concrete approaches are developed when people listen to forum presentations, discuss things with their peers, network with one another and think outside the box. This is the very essence of FACHPACK and in keeping with its motto “We create the future”.

 

FACHPACK 2024: Sustainability and the PPWR define the discourse

To provide orientation and new impetus for the key issues and changes in the packaging industry, FACHPACK 2024 will focus on the powerful trends that are currently affecting the sector and reflect the event theme “Transition in Packaging”. Sustainability is at the forefront, and in this context, of course, the recently adopted EU Packaging Directive PPWR.

This regulation’s ambitious goal is to reduce waste and lower environmental pollution. Companies are being urged to invest in new and more environmentally compatible solutions. Greater transparency for consumers through improved labelling requirements is now also mandatory. So far, so good. However, considerable criticisms about the legislation have also been raised by various industry players, for example regarding the practical feasibility of the required recyclability and use of recyclates, particularly in food contact applications. The burden on SMEs is another criticism. The PPWR is therefore a balancing act between ecological responsibility and economic viability that will largely set the course for future European environmental and economic policy. At FACHPACK, this topic will be much discussed and hotly debated.

 

FACHPACK: guaranteed orientation and new inspiration

At FACHPACK, there is therefore a clear focus on sustainability and the future viability of the sector, not just at the exhibition stands but also in the diverse supporting programme with its interesting presentations and discussions in the PACKBOX, INNOVATIONBOX and SOLPACK (powered by pacoon) forums, inspiring special shows and awards ceremonies. The topics covered include the circular economy, managing the PPWR requirements, brands and consumer behaviours, automation and AI, man and machine, alternative packaging solutions, new fibre raw materials, and innovations and technological developments. Scientific projects and potential solutions for various industry issues will also be explored. The programme offers a wealth of topics that no packaging professional can afford to miss out on.

When it comes to travel, FACHPACK is also focusing on sustainability. For an environmentally friendly journey with Deutsche Bahn (DB), we recommend the DB event ticket, which is valid in conjunction with your trade fair ticket and offers good discounts for rail travel. If you are driving an electric car, the Nuremberg exhibition grounds has a well-developed charging infrastructure with currently 19 charging stations. For overnight stays, you’ll find information on a host of partner hotels on the NürnbergMesse website: sustainable accommodation is highlighted accordingly.