ProSweets Cologne, the international supplier fair for the confectionery and snack industry, will once again demonstrate its clear profile as the central ordering and information platform for the innovative confectionery and snack industry in 2018. From 28 to 31 January 2018, over 300 companies from the manufacturing, packaging and ingredients sectors are once again expected to attend.
In addition to the leading suppliers in the supplier industry, numerous small and medium-sized companies are once again represented. These are indispensable, particularly with regard to specialised solutions within production processes. In addition, the upcoming event will emphasise the importance of the Packaging + Technology emphasise. Together with the Fraunhofer Institute and designers, Koelnmesse is realising the special show on the subject of „Packaging - design and functionality“, more in the short interview with Dietmar Eiden, Head of Koelnmesse's Trade Fair Management Division (see below).
The supporting programme has also taken shape. The „Speakers Corner“, the Newcomer Area and a special show on ingredients will once again be realised. Various topics from the packaging sector will also be covered by proven experts in the lecture programme. In addition, the „ISM Packaging Award powered by ProSweets Cologne“ will once again be presented as part of the ISM, the world's largest trade fair for confectionery and snacks, which is once again taking place at the same time.
On the trail of enjoyment
Packaging plays a crucial role in the production process of confectionery and snacks. Experts at the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Microsystems and Solid State Technologies (EMFT) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV have been working for several years on intelligent sensor systems and methods for recording the sensory properties and flavour value of food. They should show the consumer, but also the manufacturer, the degree of freshness and the optimum sensory condition of food „at a glance“.
One possible approach, for example, is the integration of Indicator dyes in the packaging which, by changing colour, indicate that a food is no longer edible or no longer meets the specific sensory requirements with regard to its enjoyment value. The basic principle of the work is to use sensor materials which, by changing their properties, indicate the presence of certain substances that are produced when food spoils or undergoes sensory changes that limit the enjoyment value of a food.
Current Fraunhofer development concepts relate to electrical data output and its digitalisation. This opens up new possibilities for food manufacturers and end customers to predict and track the condition of packaged food.
With the Special show Packaging „Function meets design“ will be a special centre of attraction for packaging at ProSweets Cologne 2018. Together with partners from research, industry and design, innovative materials will be combined with creative design ideas to create new inspiration for trade visitors from the confectionery and snack industry.
Preparations for the event included packaging journal Dietmar Eiden, Head of the Trade Fair Management Division at Koelnmesse.
pj: Mr Eiden, who is involved in the project?
Dietmar Eiden: With the Special Packaging Show „Function meets Design“, we offer companies from the packaging world the opportunity to present themselves under a central motto. As a central platform, the special show Overarching issues and, above all, the associated solutions from the world of confectionery and snack packaging. Both product groups pose particular challenges in terms of shelf life, flavour, appearance and hygiene. The participation of the Fraunhofer Institute with its current research results will provide pioneering impetus.
For visitors to ProSweets Cologne, the special show is an ideal place to go to get their Research on the topic of packaging to start. In fact, a large proportion of the demand is already on site at ProSweets Cologne due to the ISM, which is taking place at the same time with over 1,600 exhibitors. The current issues facing producers of confectionery and snacks are constantly bringing new dynamism to the topic of packaging. Keywords such as sustainability, product quality, reduction of breakage, cost calculation and others set the agenda.
pj: What attractive offers can packaging specialists expect on site?
Dietmar Eiden: In addition to the services, technologies and materials presented by the exhibitors either as part of the special show or as exhibitors at ProSweets Cologne, the event programme offers the opportunity to obtain information on various packaging topics. To this end, we are working together with the experts from Innova Market Insights, among others, who are organising the new packaging trends will be vividly presented - both in a special show and in lectures. Our partner DLG will also be taking part with contributions on current developments and their impact on the packaging process.
