New manufacturing and converting processes enable the production of special films with versatile functions, allowing a wide use in different areas. Digitalisation and the trend for smart products and packaging solutions are driving a growing demand for special films. These are used in a variety of areas, such as medical technology, smartphone manufacturing, security technology, battery electrode manufacturing, healthcare products and construction technology.
“The diverse range of applications of special films offers an enormous business potential for the converting industry in completely new markets. Beside trends in paper, film and foil converting, such as increasing demand for customised and functionalised products as well as for bio-degradable materials, we are seeing an important driver for the industry in special films and film extrusion. We have, therefore, designed a unique section within the show, where providers of special films and manufacturers of machines and systems for the extrusion, production or converting of films will present their products and services. We are thus expanding our exhibition profile with an important technology sector for future growth,” explains Liljana Goszdziewski, Exhibition Director of ICE Europe, on behalf of the organisers, Mack Brooks Exhibitions.
As a specialised trade exhibition ICE Europe’s exhibition profile covers all areas of converting: Materials, Coating/Laminating, Drying/Curing, (Pre-)Treatment, Accessories, Slitting/Rewinding, Flexographic/Rotogravure Printing, Finishing, Factory Management/Waste Removal/Recycling, Retrofitting/Machine Upgrades, Toll Coating/Converting/Slitting, Control, Test & Measurement, Production Process Management, Services, Information & Communication as well as (Semi)finished products.
The ’Special Film & Extrusion Area’ comprises the category special films (battery films, biopolymeric films, high barrier films, optical films, weatherable films and other special films) as well as the area of extrusion (extrusion lines for blown films, extrusion lines for flat films and sheets, welding machines and calendars).
The economic situation of the converting industry is currently thoroughly positive, as products made from different web-based materials such as paper, film, foil and nonwovens are in high demand. Digitalisation and innovative coating and converting processes enable an increasingly cost-efficient and flexible production of high-quality and specialised products. The end products are being used in diverse industry sectors, such as packaging, plastics, printing, engineering, textiles, chemicals, automotive, food & drinks, electronics, pharmaceuticals, construction, aerospace, furniture and wipes.
In line with the positive outlook of the industry sector, stand bookings for ICE Europe 2019 have started early. More than a year ahead of the exhibition, some 90% of the total net exhibition space of the previous show has already been booked or reserved. At ICE Europe 2017 a total of 429 exhibitors from 28 countries presented their products and services to 6,850 trade visitors from 70 countries on a total net floor space of 11,000m2.
The exhibitor survey revealed that 93% of exhibiting companies achieved their aims: 82% of exhibitors received positive business enquiries. The visitor survey, once again, proved that ICE Europe’s visitors are highly qualified industry professionals: 80% of visitors at the previous show were involved in purchasing decisions. Every second visitor came with definite investment plans.
ICE Europe 2019 has a new website and a comprehensive brochure for companies interested in exhibiting at the world’s largest exhibition for the converting industry. The exhibition will, once again, take place at the Munich Trade Fair Centre in Germany, in halls A5 and A6, accessible via entrance East. CCE International 2019, the 4th International Exhibition for the Corrugated and Folding Carton Industry, will again be co-located to ICE Europe 2019, in hall B6.
www.ice-x.com/europe