Processing and packaging becoming closely integrated

Published: 1-Nov-2002


The purchasing and specification of processing machinery is becoming ever more closely integrated with that of packaging equipment, according to a survey carried out by Pira International into buying behaviour in the packaging and processing markets.

The research was conducted on behalf of Reed Exhibition Companies (REC), organiser of the new Total Processing & Packaging Exhibition to be launched in 2004, and showed that 72% of respondents believe that the processing and packaging purchasing functions will continue to merge. Three-quarters of those questioned said that the purchase and specification of processing and packaging machinery is linked to the future development of their businesses.

Quality and reliability were ranked top in the key criteria for machinery buyers, with price well down the list in fifth place, while 75% said that the opportunity to see the latest innovations in machinery technology was their main reason for visiting shows.

REC commissioned the research to help it understand better the key drivers and management philosophies behind the specification and purchase of processing and packaging machinery, as well as materials and containers. The survey confirmed that for machinery buyers exhibitions are the single most important way of identifying new suppliers, and an integrated format was placed high on the list of the top ten requirements of visitors.

'Importantly, the research seems to bear out our commitment to creating this type of event, with 81% of respondents within the processing and packaging machinery sector believing that bringing together all the relevant suppliers across a complete line at one exhibition would be "useful" or "very useful",' said show director Barbara Jackson.

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