No need for an identity crisis

1 September 2006

Originally dubbed the “machinery only show” the PPMA exhibition is now broadening its scope “to reflect the changing state of the market it serves”. While remaining fundamentally the UK's premier showcase for processing and packaging machinery, the organisers have recognised the broadening of responsibilities of many buyers, who now have to think in terms of production lines rather than just individual machines. Increasingly sophisticated machinery, products, materials and pack design (and function) make for a more complicated mix of variables and thus interactions.

It therefore makes sense for the PPMA to loosen its “machinery only” grip a little where appropriate. As such, this year's event - under the new banner of “the complete production line event” - will offer the opportunity for “appropriate and complementary tool and materials suppliers to exhibit”.

The danger, of course, is that over time the event loses its uniqueness and evolves from “machinery only” to machinery and…which would be a pity. The PPMA show has a distinct identity and this needs to be preserved; indeed, its ongoing success illustrates there is a demand for such a format ¬- and faith in that format is being shown again this year with, at the time of writing, almost all the available space being sold out.

Visitors to the exhibition can meet representatives of Packaging Today and sister magazines such as Converting Today, RFID Solutions and Manufacturing Chemist on Stand C20.

Run by the IOP: The Packaging Society, Starpack has long been recognised as the UK's premier awards programme for the packaging industry. It is also the only awards scheme that commits its resources to building a sustainable future through the Student and Schools Award programme. As such, the Wilmington Group, publisher of Packaging Today and several other relevant titles, is delighted and honoured to be invited to run the awards in partnership with the IOP (see News section of this site). Starpack is synonymous with success and innovation in the UK and the kudos and publicity gained from participation cannot be overemphasised - don't miss out!

Gerry Duggin




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