Messe Düsseldorf, the organiser of interpack, has postponed the international trade fair which was meant to take place from 7 to 13 May 2020 in Germany as the number of coronavirus cases increases on a global level.

The event is now scheduled to take place from 25 February to 3 March 2021.

Messe Düsseldorf said it is following the recommendation of the crisis management team of the German Federal Government to assess the risk of major events and the recent significant increase in the number of people infected with the new coronavirus), including in Europe.

In addition, a general ruling issued by the city of Düsseldorf on 11 March 2020 has prohibited major events with more than 1,000 participants present at the same time.

Messe Düsseldorf chairman of the board of management Werner M. Dornscheidt said the organisation reassessed the situation in close consultation with its advisory board and sponsoring associations.

He added that it also reflects the wishes of individual industries.

“As their partner, we are currently doing everything in our power to reduce the economic losses suffered by our exhibitors,” he said.

“The city of Düsseldorf is following the instructions of the state government. Our aim is to slow down the spread of the corona virus so that the health system can continue to function properly,” Düsseldorf lord mayor of the state capital and chairman of the supervisory board of the Düsseldorf trade fair company, Thomas Geisel, said.

interpack’s industry partners have supported the decision to postpone the fair.

“interpack is the absolute top event for the international packaging industry and related processing industries,” interpack 2020 president and Multivac managing director and group president Christian Traumann said.

“The trade fair thrives on personal encounters and direct exchange between people from all over the world. This is only possible if there are no health risks involved.

“Therefore, the postponement is responsible and right. We are looking forward to next year’s event to discuss the issues that are defining the industry, such as sustainability, and to present appropriate solutions.”

As a supporting association of interpack, VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association managing director Richard Clemens said the possible and currently unforeseeable effects of the pathogen with an incalculable risk of infection, the threat of quarantine for returnees, general travel restrictions in some countries, but also considerable travel restrictions on the part of many companies unfortunately make it impossible to successfully hold the interpack in May.

“The VDMA, as a supporting association of interpack, welcomes a postponement under the given exceptional circumstances. The new date now ensures reliability in planning,” he added.

Messe Düsseldorf has also postponed drupa to April 20 to 31, 2021 as the coronavirus continues to spread with significant increases in Europe.