Steady demand despite challenging conditions

interplastica and UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA 2015, the two leading Russian trade fairs for plastics and rubber and for packaging and processing technology, are experiencing steady demand from international exhibitors: From January 27 to 30, nearly 1,000 companies will present their new products and services on a net exhibition space of around 16,000 square meters. Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, Chairman of the Management Board of Messe Düsseldorf, assesses the market opportunities with cautious optimism despite tense trade relations with Russia and economic difficulties, including those caused by the weak ruble: "Even if the current situation is not easy, I am convinced that the prospects for the plastics and packaging industries in the Russian market are positive in the long term. We have been organizing trade fairs in Russia since 1963, and there have always been ups and downs. And past crises have shown us that those who maintained a presence in the market during tough times were among the winners when business picked up again." The Messe Düsseldorf, together with its subsidiary Messe Düsseldorf Moscow OOO, organizes the two trade fairs, with UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA in cooperation with the Italian organizer Centrexpo.

The exhibitors who have registered so far for interplastica and UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA come from over 20 nations. Among them are major players in the plastics and packaging industry as well as small specialists, long-standing participants, and notably many new exhibitors. Particularly well represented at both trade fairs are exhibitors from Germany, Italy, France, and the host country Russia. In addition, Austria, Portugal, Turkey, and Taiwan are represented at interplastica with many companies; for UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA, there is a first joint participation of Swiss exhibitors. The chances are good that around 20,000 trade visitors will again come to Moscow for the upcoming trade duo. Werner M. Dornscheidt: "The fact that foreign visitors find it more difficult to attend trade fairs abroad benefits the events held within the country."

The topic of recycling is particularly emphasized at both trade fairs. At interplastica, this is done within the framework of the "Meeting Point Raw Materials." In the special exhibition with open exhibitor seminars in Hall 1, innovative developments in raw material production, application, and recycling are presented.

The focus of the accompanying program for UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA is the special exhibition "Future Forum – Trends for the Russian Market." In this trend showcase, selected exhibitors will present their technological innovations and explain them in detail. One day will focus on the topics of disposal and recycling of packaging and packaging materials. Industry visitors can discuss market needs and solutions directly with the providers here.

The hall occupancy at the Moscow EXPOCENTRE in Krasnaya Presnya continues the successful concept from 2014: interplastica will be held in Halls 1, 3, 8, and the Forum. Hall 3 again serves as the centerpiece of the heavy machinery offerings, where numerous innovative plants will attract the attention of industry visitors. UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA again fills Halls 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3, thus being located in immediate proximity.