At Interpack 2005, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is expected to be a dominant theme as real-world applications grow throughout the global supply chain.

To be held April 21–27, 2005, at the Fairgrounds in Dusseldorf, Germany, Interpack is the year's largest packaging machinery and materials trade fair. About 2,300 exhibitors from 58 different countries are forecasted to fill 1.7 million sq ft of display space in 18 halls.

Following the fall 2004 decision of METRO, the world's third largest retail group, to introduce RFID, the technology is bound to be used (like it or not) across the entire retail industry. Converters and their end-user packaging customers must now familiarize themselves with the technology in anticipation of offering such RFID tag/label manufacturing services.

At Interpack, potential applications will be the focus of a special presentation dedicated to RFID. Technical demonstrations of the delivery and sale of goods will allow visitors to watch the technology at work in various contexts. The RFID presentation will be conducted via short talks by exhibitors and associations, including the European Retail Institute (EHI).

More info: 312/781-5180, www.mdna.com