According to organisers ITEC, the 2005 Creative attracted 354 exhibitors, a figure that is expected to rise to 450 for this year's event, reflecting not only the importance of packaging to the industry, but also the interest cultivated by last year's event.
ITEC says that major packaging companies this year will include return exhibitors such as Rexam, Saint Gobain and Bormioli Rocco, together with newcomers that include Alcan, Emsar and Spinnler.This year Creative will include a wider and more detailed exhibition plan, which will see the event divided into five sectors: contract manufacturing, packaging, machines,design & style and point-of-sale promotion.
There will also be an emphasis on packaging innovation, with a creative centre dedicated to conceptualising and coordinating events and launches by packaging companies at the show, highlighting latest materials, designs and packaging functionality.
As well as highlighting packaging innovation, the Beyond Beauty Lab will highlight latest innovations from every aspect of the industry, including skincare and cosmetic ingredients, cosmetic dyes, fragrances and pigments.
The Lab aims to give manufacturers the chance to showcase their innovations and to demonstrate their roles in helping the industry to progress. Last year the Lab drew attention to innovations from the packaging players VG Emballage and HCT Emballage, as well as cosmetics players Strand, Quest and Sofia.
In conjunction with the Beyond Beauty Lab, a specific conference programme to highlight latest industry innovations and trends has also been established. The programme will cover five specific areas including packaging, regulations, new materials, manufacturing practices and cross-sectoring.