One of these experiences came in the shape of Krones’ brilliantly organised after-party. The packaging and bottling machine manufacturer held a complimentary three-course feast for hundreds of guests and enlisted a very lively band to lead the night’s entertainment.
Before the puddings hit the tables, a 300-metre-long conga line had formed and the artists on stage had resorted to using instruments made from jerry cans, car horns and other automotive cast-offs!
Pneumatic and electrical technology giants Festo also managed to leave an impression on my Drinktec introduction with its electronic jellyfish display. According to some very clever people at the German firm, this arresting follow-on to the company’s smartbird creation moves almost identically to a real life jellyfish and is clever enough to know not to crash into any other artificial jellyfish in close proximity. It was designed to showcase what Festo can do with its technology and really brought in a huge array of visitors throughout the whole day.
A lot of other exciting innovations were on display on the second day of Drinktec, too. Veolia was exhibiting its new Actiflo compact process system, which uses microsand to aid surface water clarification, industrial process water production, wastewater treatment and storm flow water settlement, and US company EJ Beverage was displaying its new selection of PVC-free tubing.
EJ Beverage started life in the medical industry but quickly realised its unique blend of PVC-free tubing lends itself to the beverage field. Now the company provides tubing solutions which it claims to be 100% effective against the top four beverage spoiling bacteria! Not only that, these new tubing products are also manufactured using environmentally friendly methods with no harmful emissions or by-products and offer exceptional barrier properties to prevent cross-contamination of flavours and aromas.
Another interesting stand at Drinktec was occupied by bottle testing company Somex. The Irish innovators made at least 75% of Drinktec visitors jump in fright thanks to the sound of its bottle-crunching Delta Hi-E PET testing machine, and the Irish chocolates the kind staff were handing out gave me just the quick burst of energy I needed to traverse the insanely enormous halls Drinktec has to offer.
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