Reston, VA (May 28, 2008) - Plans are underway for the debut of PackPrint - a new package printing, folding carton, flexo and label-focused tradeshow to be held in the North American market.  PackPrint launches at the globally recognized PRINT 09 tradeshow to be held September 11-16, 2009 in Chicago's McCormick Place.

Produced by the Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC) in partnership with the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), PackPrint has attracted interest from all segments of the package printing industry.  This event offers exhibitors exposure to buyers from the top package printers and converting companies with direct access to PRINT attendees who are seeking to expand their services into the realm of package printing.

"Based on what we have learned from package printing equipment manufacturers and hearing their current support, we are convinced the timing is right to meet the needs of the growing package printing industry by co-locating PackPrint with PRINT 09.  And, with our partners and supporters, we will offer a comprehensive and effective buying and selling experience for exhibitors and attendees," states Ralph Nappi, president of GASC.

With over 20,000 net square feet of PackPrint exhibit space already contracted, even before the general sales cycle began, the exhibitor list continues to grow with current commitments from such forward-thinking companies as Bobst, Brausse, Drent Goebel, Korber Paper Link, Carton Kraft and others.  Additional companies who will exhibit at PackPrint  include: DGM Machinery, Rollem, PRISCO, CP Bourg, and Brandten & Kluge.

Interest in this show by package printing equipment manufacturers is keen, based on a package printing market study conducted for PRIMIR (Print Industries Market Information and Research organization) in 2005 by State Street Consultants, "Package Printing and Converting:  An Industry Assessment 2004-2009," which revealed:

. 60% of label producers are considering a new press
. 50% of folding carton producers plan to buy a new press
. 45% of flexible packaging producers are considering buying a new press
. 36% package printers plan to implement Computer-to-Plate systems
. 21% of package producers plan to buy a digital press

According to a 2007 survey by Package Printing Magazine of` readers' attendance at package printing tradeshows, GRAPH EXPO earned the top spot at 53%, 10 points ahead of its closest competitor, confirming that GRAPH EXPO and the also GASC-produced PRINT show, are viewed by industry buyers as the most important package printing events in the hemisphere.  Based on these results, industry interest, and the more expansive and inclusive nature of PRINT, it was determined that the 2009 show would be the ideal time and place to launch PackPrint.

Manufacturers agree that PackPrint represents the most cost effective way for them to reach this key buying audience.

"Drent Goebel recognizes that PRINT draws a large international audience with many package printing attendees, even more with the addition of PackPrint," says John Brown, Project Manager Sales, Drent Goebel North America Inc.

Christopher Raney, vice president of folding cartons states, "Because the PRINT show effectively draws thousands of global buyers Bobst is excited to be an anchor exhibitor in the new PackPrint."

Market data has shown a need for a full-spectrum approach to reaching large, diverse audiences in the graphic communications community - and PackPrint in conjunction with PRINT 09 will deliver buyers with these needs to McCormick Place in September, 2009.

For more information visit: www.gasc.org.