Drupa, the four-yearly exhibition for the world of printing and graphics, was held from May 6th to 19th, at the Messe, Dusseldorf’s exhibition centre. The 17 pavilions of the Messe hosted for 14 days 1862 exhibitors and more than 394,000 visitors from 122 countries; such figures testify to the worldwide importance of this event.
Perini Journal
The results of this fair were very positive and exceeded expectations, considering the current international economic situation.
Much attention was paid to the event by foreign visitors, who represented 55% of the total number, while in the 2000 edition they only accounted for 47%. A remarkable figure is that relative to European visitors, 127,655, and Asian visitors, which accounted for 20% of the total while in the previous edition they only represented 9%.
Drupa 2004 offered two weeks of innovation and technology; the companies presented the latest in paper and cardboard converting, covering the entire process, from raw materials to finished products.
Packaging is the most successful sector in this 13th Drupa edition, becoming the key element in the economic upturn of the world of graphics.
The offset innovations for packaging and flexible films production have been much appreciated by visitors and specialists of this field. All innovations demonstrated during the fair were highly technological: digital technology, advanced control and process integration systems are the most recent innovations for the companies operating in the field of paper converting.
The conferences organised by the trade association were attended by more than 500 people during 11 days and presented the latest innovations on the market.
The success of Drupa 2004 indicates that the market of printing and graphics is very active and ready to face future challenges! Preparations for Drupa 2008 have already begun because “after Drupa, is before Drupa”. •