A 'total' show

This month sees the start of the event that combines four shows into one. Pakex, PPMA, Eurochem and Interphex have joined forces to create a one-stop show. The event will address the requirements of both specialists and broad based all-rounders across all aspects of processing, packaging and production to create a unique business-to-business exhibition. The main theme of Total 2004 is the global packaging and processing supply chain, encompassing all areas from materials to converting, pharmaceuticals through to the impact of packaging and processing on the retailer and consumer. The demands of food and pharmaceutical manufacturers have many similarities. Both sectors are going through a period of significant change. Change means challenge and this is leading to a growing understanding that the cross-fertilisation of technologies will be beneficial to both sectors. The food industry, having been the subject of increasing regulation both from the European Union and from the UK Food Standards Agency, is moving towards a similar regulatory control structure to that of the pharmaceutical sector. Many techniques, particularly in the area of hygienic equipment design and sterilisation techniques, use common sciences. At Total Processing & Packaging 2004 a purpose-built lecture feature within the Total Pharma Centre of Excellence will house a seminar programme that will examine the synergies between food and pharmaceutical manufacture. Roger Trew, ISPE's European development advisor, explains: "Let's address the common issues and seek solutions that have already been developed rather than re-inventing the wheel." The seminar series, Pharma and Food — Convergence and the Opportunity to Learn, will focus on the areas of common interest associated with processing and packaging, and utilise the theme of cross-industry learning to deliver and discuss where each industry might learn from the other. Run by the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) and supported by M.Y. Healthcare, the PPMA, Manufacturing Chemist and Cleanroom Technology, notable papers to be presented include:

1. Effective Laboratory Design – Mark Rowlands, AMEC 2. Disposable Manufacturing Concept Facility – Miriam Monge, Stedim 3. Excellence in CIP Design — Keeping it Simple – Brian Richards, Entegris 4. Innovations in Pack Seal Integrity Testing – Miguel Galan, Telstar 5. EHEDG — Hygienic Design Standards for the Food and Pharmaceutical Industries – Roland Coker, Coker Consulting