Siegwerk Hosts INKday Conferences

The new international conference series “INKday” by Siegwerk presents to date ink technology for hi-tech packaging solutions as pieces of original artwork. In extraordinary and creative surroundings expert presentations and discussions give a deep insight in the innovative solutions of Siegwerk’s business unit Flexible Packaging.

The events started on Sept. 20, 2007 in Paris and will take place in all major European markets until April 2008. The event highlights several innovative Siegwerk packaging solutions, including two component ink and lacquer systems, ink series for retortable stand-up pouches, cold seal and shrink sleeve applications. Additionally, the conference addresses such subjects as odor and solvent retention as well as environmental aspects.

“Our INKday events are highly frequented by our international customers as well as interested guests,” said Ralf Hildenbrand, Siegwerk board member and president Flexible Packaging. “They embrace the opportunity to experience our solutions in new ways and to meet the people behind them.”

One pre-condition for innovation is creativity. This is why each INKday takes place in a spectacular site with unique creative and artful charisma, such as a gallery in Paris, a former factory in Milan, which is now home of a remarkable art collection, and a house designed by legendary architect Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona.

“We want to offer our customers very special experiences like their products are special and unique,” said Thomas Bastian, director marketing Flexible Packaging. Paintings of selected flexible packaging ink solutions will accompany the INKday series through Europe. In them, elements of familiar brands are shown in unusual dimensions and presented in photorealism style.

The day always kicks off with a presentation by renowned consultant Thomas Reiner, who speaks about trends in the packaging industry.

“Packaging can do a lot to make a product unique,” Mr. Reiner stressed, pointing to several successful examples such as Danone’s positioning of Actimel yogurt as a health product, and the diversification of the Oreo Cookies brand through nearly a dozen different types of packaging for different target groups and situations. In the afternoon, customers have the opportunity to exchange know-how and ideas in the discussion groups called “INKtalk,” which are moderated by Siegwerk experts.