FuturePack is a new event format that puts start-ups in the spotlight. On 22 September – just before the official start of FACHPACK – the event will showcase young thought leaders, sustainable technologies and fresh ideas for the packaging world. From bio-based materials and circular business models to smart recycling solutions, FuturePack shows what is driving the industry – and how start-ups can respond to current challenges.
The idea to host FuturePackbefore and during FACHPACK in Nuremberg arose from an open dialogue between the start-up platform Futury, EIT Food and NürnbergMesse. They are all united by the goal of strengthening sustainable momentum in the packaging industry and raising the profile of future-oriented topics. The partners agree that FACHPACK, as one of Europe's leading packaging trade fairs, offers the ideal setting for this.
FuturePack sees itself as a meeting place for everyone who is shaping the packaging world of tomorrow. ‘We want to create a platform where innovation is not only presented, but also thought through in concrete terms and translated into partnerships with the aim of actively shaping the transformation of the packaging industry,’ explains Annika Schoofs, Head of Education, Science & Transfer at Futury, adding: ‘FuturePack aims to provide inspiring insights into the world of innovation, from the initial idea in science to its application in the market.’
FuturePack focuses on groundbreaking ideas and sustainable technologies – presented in a compact conference format with start-up pitches, panel discussions, exhibition space and an award ceremony. On the first day of FACHPACK, the INNOVATIONBOX serves as both a stage and a bridge: start-ups that have already presented their solutions the day before at the summit have the opportunity to showcase their ideas to an even wider audience of experts and engage in direct dialogue with trade fair visitors. ‘This extension was important to us because we don't want to discuss innovation behind closed doors, but where it should have an impact: in the midst of the industry's reality. The trade fair is the perfect place for this,’ says Annika Schoofs.
The application and selection process for participating start-ups will run until mid-August. The selection will be made on several levels. On the one hand, it is based on an open European call for proposals, which specifically sought solutions along the entire value chain. From alternative materials and circular business models to digital solutions, the young companies cover all topics that drive the packaging world today and in the future. On the other hand, start-ups whose approaches address specific innovation gaps that were previously identified together with industry partners are specifically targeted. In addition to the degree of innovation and market relevance, the team structure and maturity of the solutions also play a decisive role – with the aim of promoting viable and long-term cooperation with industry. ‘What unites all start-ups is the entrepreneurial will to leverage real change for greater sustainability, not as a distant vision, but in the form of concrete applications,’ emphasises Annika Schoofs.
There is already considerable interest in FuturePack and new approaches from promising teams: the start-up pavilion in Hall 7 (Stand 7-606) is fully booked. Whether innovative materials, smart solutions or circular business models – the range of projects on display promises exciting insights and concrete approaches for industry.
FuturePack is a new format that not only makes innovations visible, but also builds bridges between research and practice, start-up dynamics and industrial implementation. For anyone interested in the future of packaging, 22 September is a date not to be missed.
The venue is the ‘Brüssel’ hall and the adjacent foyer at NürnbergMesse.
Author: Alexander Stark
