A conference in Daventry, Northamptonshire next month (February) on the challenges facing the carton converting sector is shaping up well, with new sponsors on board and a past BBC arts and media correspondent set to act as chairman and summariser.
Jointly organised by Pro Carton, the British Printing Industry Federation's folding carton arm, BPIF Cartons, and magazine and events company Angel Business Communications, the Carton Conference takes place from February 27-28 at Daventry's Staverton Park Conference Centre.
Bobst UK and Pro Carton are the latest joining an impressive sponsor list, which also includes such big industry names as Flint Schmidt, Mayr Melnhof UK and Korsnas. Packaging Today and sister publication Converting Today are key media sponsors.
Keeping things running smoothly will be well-known BBC journalist and presenter Nick Higham.
The conference sessions will encompass both "realistic, factual" presentations on global developments and 'the sober reality of making a living in the carton packaging industry" and "more optimistic views".
Topics being covered include "Brand owners: the difficulties they create for Western European converters"; "The evolving market: who's doing what?"; "Dynamics of the end use markets"; "The current state of the UK carton industry – including a look at "the reality of prices and profitability" and "Are there any worthwhile niche areas remaining?"; "Challenges from a customer viewpoint (presented by a Unilever speaker); "Is cardboard here to stay?"; and "The interface between cartons and plastic".
