Packaging applications will be a strong feature among the nearly 2ę·” exhibitors scheduled to participate in K'98, the 14th International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber. Held at the Messe Fairgrounds in Dusseldorf, Germany, October 22 through 29, the show is open from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day.
Typically, the K show is strongest in exhibits of machinery and accessories. At the most recent K exhibition in '95, more than half the 2ę´Ś-plus exhibitors displayed machinery; another 900 exhibits covered finished or semi-finished plastic parts or raw materials. At K'98, nearly 60% of the exhibiting companies are coming from outside Germany, including 114 from the U.S. Nearly half of the U.S. companies are exhibiting at two U.S. pavilions. As of May, the exhibitors had reserved about 1.5 million sq' of space in the 15 halls at the Messe fairgrounds.
For the first time, K'98 will permit visitors to register, either in advance or at the fairgrounds. Previously, like most European exhibitions, anyone purchasing a pass could attend the show. To promote registration, all registrants can enter a raffle for a luxury vacation for two to one of four "dream destinations." Registration can be made by mail or via the Internet at www.k-online.de.
This year, the K show emphasizes Plastics in Medical Technology. This will include a special program of lectures and workshops along with special exhibits. Included in these exhibits will be companies showing multicomponent molding systems that produce packaging with integral seals, new high-barrier cyclic polyolefin engineering resins for vials and film and metallocene-based olefins and thermoplastic elastomers for tubing, fluid bags and other container applications.
Among the medical program, one major part is devoted to polymeric materials. Although part of this will cover plastics in medical device manufacturing, sterilization and packaging issues will be covered as well.
Following is a list of exhibiting companies from the U.S., or those with U.S. representation. Some new products to debut at K'98 are reviewed on p. 100.
