By Dr. Bernhard Reichenbach

In various areas, “exemplary student” Germany is anything but a role model for other countries. For example, significantly more packaging waste is ­produced here than the European average. In 2016, more than 220 kg per capita were incurred, while the European average of around 167 kg was significantly lower.

If packaging, then at least as sustainable as possible. Therefore, it is not ­surprising that sustainability is one of the main topics of trade fair FachPack 2018 in Nuremberg, about which we report in this issue in advance. At the ­leading European trade fair for packaging, processes and technology, about 1,500 exhibitors will be presenting their new and further developments to more than 40,000 expected visitors.

Another trade fair to take place in Bavaria also casts its shadow: the iba in Munich. With the wide offer of more than 1,300 exhibitors, the world‘s leading exhibition for bakery, pastry and snacks covers the entire spectrum of bakery products.

In addition to packaging technology, the topic area ”Ingredients” is another focus of this issue. Among other things, we report on the annual meeting of the Chocolate Technology Working Group of the Industrial Association for Food Technology and Packaging (IVLV), which was recently held for the 54th time. In addition to fat bloom development, the focus here was on the use of spices and nuts in chocolate production.