One of the key highlight topics at drupa 2016, No. 1 for print and crossmedia solutions, will be packaging production. Paper with unique sensory appeal combined with excellent finishing techniques turns packaging into first class advertising media. Electronic displays and sensors make packaging intelligent; digital printing allows personalization and versioning. According to current forecasts, the packaging market will increase to Euro 975 billion by 2018. The Packaging Touchpoint special show during drupa 2016 will reflect this market significance. “Our aim is to use the visionary Touchpoint to identify potential in packaging design and production and address important vertical markets,” said Sabine Geldermann, Director of drupa. Packaging Touchpoint is geared towards brands, packaging designers and service providers already operating in the packaging sector or planning to enter this sector. 

This special forum in Hall 12 is designed and implemented in close collaboration with the European Packaging Design Association (epda), Europe's leading association of brands and packaging agencies. “We will cover the entire spectrum of the packaging world: from technical/functional requirements, cultural and ethical considerations, cost-effectiveness and efficiency to the wide range of substrates and the technologies used,” explained Claudia Josephs, Project Manager at epda. In order to fulfill the special needs of the various user industries better, Packaging Touchpoint will be divided into four “future labs”: “food & beverage”, “non-food”, “pharma" and “cosmetics”. Successful practical examples as well as potential future production solutions will inspire the visitors. A special program within the forum will cover very specific topics.

The Packaging Touchpoint gives companies from the packaging design and production sector the opportunity to present their innovative technologies, inspiring solutions and visionary concepts. Participation is free of charge for drupa 2016 exhibitors. Since the number of partners is very limited, immediate registration via epda is required. epda contact: Claudia Josephs, Tel. + 49 (2102) 102-9940; [email protected]

For further information on visiting or exhibiting at drupa 2016, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America, 150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2920, Chicago, IL 60601. Telephone: (312) 781-5180; Fax: (312) 781-5188; E-mail: [email protected]; Visit our web site http://www.mdna.com; Subscribe to our blog at http://blog.mdna.com; Follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/Printing_MDNA