REKLAMA POLYGRAF, one of the best known Czech trade fairs, in connection with the OBALY (PACKAGING) Trade Fair, celebrated already 25 years from its foundation in May this year. It was evaluated by both exhibitors and visitor as extremely successful. It was possible to see attractive expositions, interesting accompanying programmes, workshops (including popular car wrapping) or competitions. A matter of interest consisted of a range of premieres not only on the Czech marker, but even on the European stage.
This year’s edition was attended by 228 exhibitors from 10 countries of the world. In comparison to the previous edition in 2017, the trade fair registered an increase in the gross area sold (12,480 m2), as well as in terms of the number of visitors (8,852 visitors).
The high potential of interconnection of the Print&Packaging sectors attracts both exhibitors and visitors
An interesting shift which has, however, been known for several last years, is a greater rate of perception of interconnection of printing (especially in this year’s edition this trend concerns mainly digital technologies) with the world of packages. Interesting solutions, not only for “pure” polygraphy, but in particular for packaging experts, were offered virtually in all halls of the mutually interconnected trade fairs. Some leading producers of digital technologies or suppliers of materials not only changed their place if compared to previous editions, but they often extended their exhibition areas in a significant way as well, so that they can better demonstrate their sophisticated technologies. Among the largest and at the same time frequently visited expositions, very popular with visitors, it is necessary to mention presentation of well-known brands, such as Konica Minolta, Ricoh, Spandex, Xerox, DataLine Technology (representing especially HP Indigo in the Czech Republic) or Nanotec.
A number of premieres especially from the field of digital print applications
It was for the first time in the Czech Republic when Canon presented its large-format roll-to-roll printer OCÉ Coloredo 1640, whose patented ink type Canon UV gel features virtually immediate adhesion to the print substrate surface. Also the unique HP Indigo 12000 (exposition of DataLine Technology) machine had its Czech premiere. The break-through digital high-end printing technology “Xerox Iridesse Production Press” was presented for the first time in Europe just at the Prague Exhibition Centre.
Naturally, it was possible to see a lot of news from the world of advertising print applications as well. Many innovations of this type were presented by Ricoh in the form of direct prints of textiles.
Interesting accompanying programmes
The accompanying programmes were not missing at the exhibition centre either. The competition known as Calendar 2018, where altogether 91 registered calendars were assessed, was traditionally held there as well. Ceremonial handover of al prizes of the 15th edition of the competition for the best signmaking implementation for the Czech and Slovak markets, known as “Rainbow Beam” took place at the PVA EXPO Prague in the Congress Hall. Another interesting event was the expert discussion meeting known as “one Hundred Years of Advertising (1918 – 2018)”.
Also this year the OBALY (PACKAGING) Trade Fair was organised under the expert auspices of the SYBA Packaging Institute, which acted there at the same time also as a sponsor of a number of events and programmes, including the conference entitled “Packaging Design Specialities”. An innovation which the Packaging Institute “brought” to the Exhibition Centre was presentation and evaluation of exhibits of the prestigious certified national competition known as “Package of the Year” award.