When PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, assembles companies and innovators operating at the forefront of the industry this fall at Pack Expo International, the tradeshow’s focus on the future will zoom in on sustainability solutions.
The event’s organizers said the four-day schedule (Nov. 3-6) at Chicago’s McCormick Place will be packed with new and expanded resources to give attendees the details companies need as they strive to cut back on energy consumption, minimize waste and reduce their carbon footprints.
Among Pack Expo’s debut features, Sustainability Central will get its own spot on the show floor. Providing avenues for the industry to help the environment with sustainable packaging practices, the space will offer expert speakers, who are there to weigh in on actionable manufacturing solutions, materials, recovery, logistics, analytics and design.
The agenda calls for 20-plus sustainability education sessions, with topics covered by industry leaders from companies such as Amazon, Conagra, Clorox, Dow and Nestlé.
“We’ve intentionally partnered with companies, exhibitors and vendors to integrate sustainability into every component of Pack Expo International, including educational programming, show features, and how we do business as the largest packaging and processing event this year,” said PMMI vice president of trade shows Laura Thompson.
To that end, the trade association shared that it expanded event resources for attendees, with approximately 45,000 people expected and 2,500 suppliers exhibiting. PMMI said its online Sustainability Solutions Finder gives Pack Expo attendees a tool for finding all the exhibitors boasting environmentally friendly products and machinery. PMMI said the searchable tool was professionally vetted, and Sustainability Central will have a Sustainability Solutions Finder kiosk, as well.
Even while out exploring the show floor, attendees can spot a special Pack Expo Green icon to know suppliers and sessions are offering sustainability solutions. Plus, Pack Expo Green exhibitors are listed in the online exhibitor directory.
The overarching theme won’t be limited to the Sustainability Central space either. Some of the educational sessions scheduled for the show’s Innovation Stage, Processing Innovation Stage and Industry Speaks space also will focus on sustainability.
Elsewhere, the Reusable Packaging Pavilion will be the spot to check out packaging solutions that were developed to reduce waste, cut costs and lead to a more efficient supply chain. Pack Expo organizers said attendees will be able to see reusable transport packaging products and services, as well as innovative reuse solutions.
Further opportunities will be available at the Containers and Materials Pavilion, where the event’s Showcase of Packaging Innovations shines a spotlight on award-winning packaging from all corners of the globe.
New features
PMMI also created a space called Emerging Brands Central, which organizers said serves as a resource for rising brands that plan to expand and scale their operations. The educational space was developed to provide attendees with easy access to experts who can weigh in on product development, packaging innovation and strategies.
At the Logistics Pavilion, attendees will find a space PMMI said it made four times larger than it was in 2022, after finding the feature to be in high demand. The association said the boom in e-commerce made Logistics Pavilion popular, and it will provide solutions for distribution, warehousing, transportation, material handling, docking and inventory management.
Pavilions aplenty
Pack Expo describes its various pavilions as shows within a show, making it simpler to locate specific solutions for different areas of operations.
The event’s Processing Zone highlights food and beverage processing equipment, while other spaces include the Containers and Materials Pavilion, PACKage Printing Pavilion, Healthcare Packaging Pavilion, Confectionery Pavilion, Association Partner Pavilion and Workforce Pavilion.
“We’re thrilled to be back in Chicago, offering an event to spotlight numerous solutions for an expanding market, complete with its distinct challenges,” said PMMI president and chief executive officer Jim Pittas. “Every aspect showcased at our event is grounded in thorough research and listening to our members, ensuring we remain attuned to the evolving needs of our industry both now and in the future.”
