On-line registration has now opened for Total Processing and Packaging 2007. With over 700 exhibitors from 25 countries taking part in the exhibition, visitors are sure to meet one of the key objectives for attending as identified in pre-show visitor research - 'to find better ways of doing things'. The research has been carried out by Total Processing and Packaging organisers Reed Exhibitions and the PPMA in order to assess visitor needs and intentions and also gauge opinions on the current business climate.

The survey was carried out in late 2006 among visitors to the inaugural 2004 exhibition.

Important themes identified for 2007 include sustainability, packaging minimisation, implications of packaging-related legislation, energy efficiencies and conservation, and functional packaging.

As with most trade shows, there was a constant demand for innovation and in the packaging sector in particular an interest in green issues.

Most respondents were confident of the future of their own company, with 58% experiencing growth.

49% said they were likely to make major investments in the UK within the next three years.

The research findings also revealed an enormous amount of crossover among visitors between the different supply chain areas.

In no area were less than 50% involved in processing or less than 68% involved in packaging.

On average, each responded was involved in approximately three areas of the supply chain.

Exhibition Director Ian Crawford says that this type of visitor profile underlines the appropriateness of Total Processing and Packaging.

'The breadth of coverage of the supply chain that our exhibition offers is unique and it will help visitors to seek out complete solutions to their packaging and processing requirements.

'In highly competitive world markets, UK industry can survive and prosper by focusing on ideas and innovation and underlining the extent of its knowledge and expertise.

With exhibitors demonstrating their capabilities over a wide range of disciplines and market sectors, Total Processing and Packaging will play an important role in this process'.

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