The Institute of Packaging and the Processing and Packaging Machinery Association have signed a milestone agreement under which the PPMA will manage and organise IoP events awarded sponsorship from SESA/UKTI (UK Trade and Investment), the DTI’s export arm.

“The programme for 2004/5 now includes six events which we will co-ordinate fully,” says PPMA overseas events manager John Cowdrey. “We will be working with the IoP to ensure all sections of the industry are aware of the opportunities available to UK SMEs who can claim grants of up to £2500. Potentially there is £150 000 available to the UK packaging sector from SESA funds secured by this agreement.”

Upcoming 2004 events awarded SESA/UKTI sponsorship include Sinopack (Guangzhou, China – March), ProPak Asia (June – Bangkok), ProPak China (July – Shanghai), Taropak (September – Poznan, Poland), Pack Expo International (November – Chicago) and Emballage (November – Paris).

The two organisations have also agreed to jointly organise the UK Pavilion at next year’s Interpack, the largest ever for the UK packaging industry, and will bid for SESA support. In 2002 over 60 companies were represented.

Companies interested in either initiative should contact John Cowdrey on +44 (0)208 773 8111.