published on 08/09/08
Now in its twentieth year, The PPMA Show, the UK’s annual showcase for processing and packaging machinery, will take place at the NEC Birmingham from 30th September to 2nd October. The event will be officially opened by Sir Digby Jones, now Lord Jones of Birmingham.
This year’s exhibition has over 300 suppliers catering for the diverse needs of the food and drink market.
“The show always delivers high calibre exhibitors keen to show off their latest developments. Each time, visitors will find machines that are faster, more accurate and more efficient than the time before, reflecting customer demands to improve production and minimise cost” comments Liz Finlay, PPMA Show Exhibition Director.
Typical issues driving new product development in many markets include convenience, easy opening, use of ease, maximising shelf life, and product and pack safety and security.
Processing and packaging equipment manufacturers have to take these issues into account in the development of new machinery. As a result, integration has emerged as a strong theme in recent years, with manufacturers developing complementary ranges of equipment or forming working partnerships with other companies further up the line to deliver a turnkey processing and packaging solution for end users and contract engineers who install and maintain the equipment.
New pack designs and materials, the lightweighting of many packs, and changes in pack material selection such as from plastic to board trays or glass to plastic containers, have all presented new challenges and led to the introduction of new equipment.
“The PPMA Show is the perfect opportunity this Autumn to view what’s new, speak directly with major suppliers, and source new machinery and equipment,” concluded Liz Finlay. “we look forward to welcoming visitors at the end of September.”

Read the full article at Food & Drink International