Impressions from the first day of interpack 2017, with a plethora of product launches, press conferences and innovation everywhere. Two themes stood out among all the detail: the growing importance of serious collaboration and the emerging realisation of the Internet of Things.

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Dow revealed the snowballing effect of its now established collaboration model, with multiple innovations developed in conjunction with value chain partners, including the new ADCOTE L86-500 barrier adhesive which enables the replacement of PET, metallised and aluminium-based packaging structures with an all-polyolefin solution which is easily recyclable in existing processes. The new adhesive helps converters maximise resource efficiency, favourably influence packaging cost, enhance recyclability and optimise the shelf-life of food packaging.

Meanwhile, the VDMA’s special exhibit on Industry 4.0 illustrated the power of smart technologies in mass customisation with a fully traceable miniature supply chain, from online order to product delivery, shadowed all the way by ‘digital twins’.

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Zip Pak show innovation in reclosable technology, with fragrance releasing zips, audio effects and child-proof innovations that make pouches possible for sensitive products.

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RPC’s stand was replete with innovations, including this ingenious feta package that drains the liquid keeping consumer fingers dry.

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After ten hours, three video interviews, hundreds of conversations and many kilometres, Packaging Europe’s day ends at Rockwell Automation’s Best Future Awards ceremony - fittingly ending the day as we began celebrating the fruits of collaboration. Cama scooped the overall prize - managing director Daniele Bellante emphasises that now the IoT mindset has been adopted there is no looking back. “We discovered the wheel but it’s still square.”

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