It’s January it must be Frankfurt and it is Paperworld where 1,591 exhibitors from 69 countries presented their products and innovations to the national and international trade markets.
In total Paperworld attracted 30,723 visitors from 141 countries to Frankfurt to see the numerous new products, unusual product presentations and a forward-looking supporting program. The slight decline in visitor numbers reflects the ongoing consolidation tendencies on the retail side but is primarily due to the overlap in time for the Chinese New Year.
61% of the Paperworld trade visitors play a decisive or contributory role in purchasing decisions. 95% of the Paperworld visitors achieved the objectives of their visit in terms of making new business connections, sourcing new products and customer support. The most influential visitor nations include Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Great Britain, the USA, France and Russia.
In the Remanexpo Hall 6.1, the coincidence of the start of the show and the beginning of the Chinese New Year did have an impact in the longer and narrower Hall 6.1 with around 30 fewer China bases exhibitors electing to skip exhibiting this year in favour of taking the Chinese New Year Holiday.
The Saturday and Sunday were two equally busty days around the hall, but the shows flatter footfall led to a quieter Monday afternoon and Tuesday. Concerns about the coronavirus were topical points of conversation in the show [Ed: a change from Brexit!], and the Wuhan based Hubei Dinglong Group took an early decision, well ahead of the event, for their team not to travel to the show. Ian Copsey, their European based General Manager, managed the booth single handed throughout the show.
With 51 firmware upgrades last year that impacted on the industry, firmware is an ongoing concern. Especially as each lockout upgrade can cost the industry up to €10 million for each lockout event. Clearly firmware will remain a topical concern across the industry.
Several Remanexpo visitors and exhibitors suggested to The Recycler that next year a theme and dedicated space or pavilion to promote more awareness and focus on reuse and sustainability in office products and consumables within the show.
ETIRA hosted an open forum for members and guests on Sunday where industry concerns were raised and discussed and who also suggested a focus on reuse and sustainability. Visitors and exhibitors alike see that the market is changing, and the challenge is to have new products and strategies to take to the market.
“We’re pleased to have another successful Paperworld finished! We look forward to attending this event every year because we know how important it is for both customers and the industry. We had plenty of insightful conversations with both clients and industry veterans. We enjoyed many of the seminars at The Recycler Live event, especially our own Elizabeth McKee, who provided an insightful wrap-up of current legal actions, along with the Firmware Forum earlier in the day. We can’t wait for next year!” said Static Control CEO, Ken Lalley.
The supporting seminar programme covered a wide range of topics and trends of social media, market insights and current trends. A look at the existing OEM brands and an in-depth conversation about the Xerox – HP deal or no deal takeover.
“There was a good turnout for The Recycler Live awards on the Sunday. Hearty congratulations to everyone who won or was nominated and special thanks to all those who voted.” Said Stefanie Unland, the editor and publisher of The Recycler.A full round up of the show will appear in the next edition of The Recycler.
Next year’s Paperworld / Remanexpo show will be on the 30 Jan – 2 Feb 2021.
