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 Gum tape still benefits from call for sustainable packaging

Fipago held its 55th Annual meeting on May 26-27 -2011 in Bologna, Italy

Economic and Market review

Participants to the Fipago congress gathered at Bologna, Italy and met in a friendly atmosphere. During the meeting views were exchanged on both, the general economy and the situation on the different gummed tape markets. The economic situation in Europe differs from country to country, especially Spain is still suffering  with an unemployment rate above 20%. In general the economy continues recovering from the recession period. However it is expected that growth will weaken in 2012.

Participants agreed, that the gummed tape markets are rather stable. Like last year, prices of raw materials are still rising, except in Switzerland. To get these increases recovered is still a challenging process.

Communication

Emphasis was put on keeping spread the positive messages on gummed tape as the favorite modern and efficient sealing method for closing boxes. Strong usp's are: sustainable, made from renewable resources and 100% recyclable, tamper evident, a starch based adhesive and finally, as an integral closure method adding strength to the box.

As a special guest, Mr. Alexander Houben participated in the meeting. He introduced his firm JHT (Jacobs Houben Technology GmbH) and illustrated the special business segments: service in plant engineering, project management for the converting industry, development of innovative coating and laminating components and machines, distribution of coating components and plants.

As a traditional event, an excursion was organized as well. After a sightseeing trip across the city of Bologna with its characteristic arcaded pavements, the second day Mr. Alessandro Zucchelli invited the group to his plant. He showed the Cyklop case sealing equipment for gummed tape and supplied very interesting information on product development including the latest innovations. Many questions were asked and answered in a very satisfactory way. After this visit, a tour was made to Cesenatico  at the Adriatic coast. The variety of fish on the menu tasted wonderful.

Picture of participants

The 2012 congress will be held on May 24-25 in Sevilla, Spain. The congress is open to non-members as well.

 

 Economic recovery and cost increasing

Fipago held its 54th Annual meeting on May 27-28 -2010 in Dublin Ireland.

Economic and Market review

Worldwide the industry suffered from the recession that started in 2008. However, congress members noticed a slight recovery from the bad situation in 2009. During the first quarter of 2010 the economies in general are growing again. The gum tape market is recovering as well. A special development now is the strong increase of prices of paper as the most important raw material. The pace at which this happens is experienced as absolutely unique. In some cases there is a real scarcity. As there is no other choice, this means that firm efforts will have to be made in order to recover these costs in customer prices.

Renewable and recyclable
Despite the economic situation it is still felt that, supported by the advantages of gummed tape as a natural product combined with the overall expressed need of sustainable developments, our products will be kept competitive to plastic adhesives. Participants were convinced that renewable and recyclable products will enjoy a good future, if the excellent current functionalities keep fulfilling the requirements. It is expected that next year Fipago standards will be adjusted after the German DIN standards concerning tapes will be published.

Informal contacts were not forgotten. During the second day people enjoyed a scenic tour in the Dublin area by travelling into the Wicklow Mountains and over the bogland and Sally's Gap. The Irish whisky accompanied with the Gaelic "slanté" was quite an experience.

 The 2011 congress will be held on 26-27 May. The congress is open to non-members as well.

 Natural Gummed Tape

 GUM TAPE BENEFITS FROM GLOBAL ATTENTION FOR SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

 

Fipago held its 53rd Annual meeting on 18-19 June 2009 in the beautiful area of Castelmola

near Taormina on Sicily. Of course it was noticed that the international phenomena of a firm demand fall hit the gummed tape producers, converters and suppliers heavily. Especially the bad situation of producers and customers serving the non-food industry was felt as a major concern. Less production means less packaging.

Members  made the observation that while the recession is deep, governments internationally stimulate the economies more than before issuing investments in sustainable developments.  In that respect, participants of the Congress were optimistic in the sense that gummed tape being a natural product will benefit from the given support to sustainability. Gummed tape originates from renewable resources and is fully recyclable. In addition,  the used adhesive is starch based and water activated. At the same time, like before, functionality fulfills all the necessary requirements for closing packaging.

It was unanimously agreed upon, that Fipago as an association should keep spreading these messages to all relevant parties on a continuous basis. Especially customer's customers should be made aware of the positive properties of gummed tape as the appropriate environmentally friendly closing product. Therefore retailers, influencing their suppliers, must be kept informed about the positive aspects of gummed tape.

It was observed as well that the current international consolidation within the industry leads to economies of scale and cost effectiveness, these benefiting the customer.

During the second day there was much room for informal contacts. These were stimulated by a trip to the Etna mountain. People enjoyed  tasting local products as well.

The 2010 congress will be held on 27-28 May.
  		 

 Announcement: 2012 Congress on 24-25 May

The next congress will be organized on 24-25 May 2012 in Sevilla, Spain. Details will be announced later on. It is an excellent occasion to meet your colleagues in the gummed tape industry.

Do you have any connections with the Gum Tape industry (worldwide), then this event really is an opportunity! Contact Fipago on more detailed information: info@fipago.org