ProSweets Cologne 2021 confectionery tradeshow to go ahead

The annual ProSweets Cologne 2021 tradeshow is set to go ahead from 31 January to 2 February in Cologne, Germany.

The supplier trade fair for the snacks and sweets industry will exhibit companies with their latest innovations and progress regarding sustainable and digital packing concepts.

One of the themes the international industry event will focus on is the need for sustainable packing concepts and completely recyclable (mono) material.

Packing manufacturers that trade in Europe will find the issue particularly pertinent as the European Council has approved the EU plastic tax from 1 January 2021 onwards.

The plan foresees a duty of 80 cents per kilogram of non-reusable plastic packing waste, which is to be paid into the EU budget by the member states.

Besides the issue of legality, it has also been found that sustainability has a positive influence on brand perception at the point of sale.

According to market research institute Ipsos in 2019, three-quarters of the consumers questioned worldwide prefer companies that pay attention to their products’ sustainability.

Packing is the basis of many sustainable strategies within the sweets industry, which will be reflected by a high number of innovative solutions at the Cologne fairgrounds.

Peter Désilets, Executive Director of packaging design company Pacoon, said the best packing waste is one that doesn’t exist.

With its partner Koelnmesse, the company will be hosting a special event called ‘PACKAGING — Function meets Design’ at the fair showcasing its Reuse Strategy.

Désilets said the innovation aims to standardise the packing, but at the same time, design it for different purposes.

Another discussion topic will be digitalisation, which offers companies new possibilities for advertising, communications and brand loyalty.

Executive Creative Director of Syndicate Design AG Daniel Graf said the company aims to make digitalisation more experienceable.

“The development towards more environmentally friendly packaging in all sections will permanently change our perception of what premium is,” Graf said.

“Packaging that communicates with the customers will soon belong to everyday life.”

The company said there are innovative options in the form of new printing and packing processes, and in individualisation or personalisation.

If implemented correctly, digital applications can turn buying into a special experience and ensure a positive image transfer.

Syndicate Design will host a Breakfast Meeting at the fairgrounds.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/S_E