food Marketing - Technology 2/2023

Packaging
The Pinnacle of Food Packaging
Welcome Home: interpack, May 4-10, is Simply Unique
In just a few weeks, the global
processing and packaging industry
will finally meet again in Düsseldorf,
Germany. At interpack, the industry’s
hot topics meet the latest technologies
and innovations. Thomas Dohse,
Director of interpack found time to talk
with Ian Healey about this year’s event
and what to expect next month.
IDH: How are you feeling Thomas,
just a few weeks to go to interpack?
Thomas Dohse: We are ready. All our
exhibitors and partners are ready to go
and we look forward to providing the
industry with another great trade fair.
What is the difference to 2020 and
2021?
Thomas Dohse: We were ready then as
well. All the preparations were made
and the decision to postpone and then
cancel the show was not taken easily.
You have been responsible for
interpack since the beginning of
2020? You have had to wait a long
time for the start.
TD: Yes, that’s true, but it makes it
all the more special. I have been part
of the interpack team for many years
before that, so I know the show and the
exhibitors very well. Virtually my first
decision was to accept the decision to
postpone the 2020 interpack. Around
70% of our visitors come from outside
Germany. The Corona pandemic left us
with no alternative. In such a case, the
priority has always to be the safety of
the visitors and exhibitors.
The second decision to also cancel the
2021 edition and return to the regular
schedule of the fair in 2023 was also
made bearing the industrial sector
in mind. In springtime 2021 there
were still too many uncertainties to
guarantee a completely trouble-free
show. In addition to this was the bigger
picture since other events had also
been postponed. We felt it best to stay
with our original three year rhythm
and wait until 2023 and avoid even
more chaos to the Trade Fair calendar.
Our exhibitors have understood
and applauded this plan and the
expectations for this year are high.
Will previous visitors find a lot of
changes since 2017?
TD: Six years is a long time in this
industry. You and I know the show
well, but there is a new generation
ready to take part for the first time.
We have new topics and new ideas
and we have refreshed the hall
structures.
interpack is an important building
block in the innovation cycle of
the packaging and related process
industries. After a six-year break,
numerous innovations for all user
areas will be on display: Food,
beverage, confectionery and
bakery products, pharmaceuticals,
cosmetics, non-food and industrial
goods. Even petfood is a growing area
for the packaging and processing
industry as a whole. Requirements
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food Marketing & Technology • April 2023