FTA Voices at drupa

DÜSSELDORF, Germany—Eighteen halls… 1.5 million+ sq ft of exhibit space… 11 days… 1,600+ exhibitors…. and some 200,000 attendees—drupa’s drawing power dropped May 28 and continues through June 7. Numbers like that attest to the size, scope and reach of the global package printing and converting industry. The event put it all into perspective, simply by decreeing, “We create the future!”

Show planners offered, “From renowned global players to aspiring newcomers the list of registered exhibitors is a who-is-who of the printing and packaging industry.”

Flexographic Technical Association’s footprint itself, stood as significant, with nearly 100 FTA members, supporters and their affiliates displaying their wares. And while the number is less concrete, a strong contingent of FTA printer converter members, most notably flexible packaging, corrugated and carton converters was seen on site as well.

The exhibitors came to debut innovative technologies, address calls for sustainability, automation, efficiency, waste reduction, energy conservation, digitalization, hybridization, connectivity and intelligent production floors; as well as the influence of automated intelligence and the pressures of fast turns and tight labor markets. Converters came to learn all they can, and especially to identify smart investments for the immediate and long-term future. Networking went on for days on end.

FTA related companies engaging in the conversation opportunities listed out as follows: