On the coattails of a successful Graphics Canada we are preparing for our visit to Interpack this month. Interpack is the largest packaging industry tradeshow in the world, taking over Messe Düsseldorf (the same location as drupa). By the time you read this article, I will likely already be on location trying not to burn out the soles of my shoes as I light my Fitbit on fire (definitely winning that weekly challenge). While this is my first time attending, my mind is already blown by the amount of technology and innovation in one place. There are no less than three halls dedicated to bakery equipment! As always I will be hunting for trends and innovations that can have an impact in the graphic arts, both long and short term. There are always unexpected twists and turns – especially in consumer packaging. For example, did you know that there is growth in PET wine packaging?
Aligned with Interpack, our lead article is a rather unusual one for us at GAM. Andrew Wong (once again) tackles packaging and legislation. This time his article has a new focus on an area of growth and opportunity – cannabis. With the legalization of marijuana in Canada at the federal level, we will see a completely new category join the packaging market. This is not something that happens often.
This month’s issue also ties up Diana Varma’s Click Here to Unsubscribe series with a review of ways to try to reduce the need for email altogether. Wouldn’t that be a dream! We also have a great review of print-on-demand by Nilanjan Sur who is working on business development in this area at Webcom. For some added context, Webcom was the first company in Canada to install the HP T300 (a webfed, inkjet device).
I am so excited for you to read this issue, full of new areas of opportunity and I hope to absorb some more of the same at Interpack so I can bring it back to our readers. If you are attending the show tweet me (@nlumby).