I hope you have packed the comfortable shoes. If you have entered the industry within the last three years and have yet to experience an Interpack tradeshow, you will not quite be prepared for the vastness of it compared to other trade shows. The 2011 event had 2,700 exhibitors from 59 countries and 165,000 visitors — and the 2014 show promises to be bigger still. Have a look through key exhibitor displays in our show preview on page 17.

The main new additions for this years show are the inclusion of a whole new section – components for processing and packaging. Suppliers in this category can show off what they have to offer to the exhibitors at Interpack, just a short walk away at Düsseldorfs City Hall (Stadthalle). Exhibitors and visitors at Interpack and "components for processing and packaging" can visit both fairs without having to buy a separate ticket.

Second is the new theme for Innovationparc Packaging. This is a forum dedicated to packaging concepts for the future, and this year the focus in on "Save Food". The aim is for visitors and exhibitors to exchange creative and visionary ideas to develop sustainable packaging concepts that will reduce food loss around the world.

Our team will obviously be visiting Interpack to see all the latest and greatest in technology from around the world, and we will have a wrap up for you. We look forward to seeing you there. Make that trip to Germany – its a once every three years opportunity.