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Fipago held its 54^th Annual meeting on 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.

Fipago held its 53^rd 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.