Pack Expo Showcases Thousands of Packaging Solutions at Annual Chicago Convention
By 2008-12-2 17:34:02
Considered the most comprehensive packaging event in the Western Hemisphere, the Pack Expo International 2008 annual convention was held November 9 through 13 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. According to director of member communications Kate Achelpohl, the five-day program "showcased over 2,000 companies and covered 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space."
Groups involved in the show included the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), which was the host association representing equipment manufacturers, and the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) and Converting and Package Printing Association (CPP). In brief, this convention highlighted the entire range of packaging solutions from materials and process machinery to components and containers. For products that required containment and handling, be they aspirin tablets, potato chips or wine bottles, the event addressed it.
This year again focused on sustainability-oriented innovations such as bio-plastics, energy efficient machines, recycling and recycled content. While much of the show was dedicated to food process technology, the vast and impressive technology used for conveyor systems, case packers, palletizers and labeling demonstrated that any business with a production line could find new alternatives to old problems.
For those interested in robotics, the event presented a fascinating display of modern computer technology, with machines that filled, transferred and consolidated just about anything. Also featured were new levels of digital label design, bar-coding, inventory management and stretch wrapping materials.
Throughout the five-day show, on-going seminars and topics ranged from packaging efficiency and line training to trends and opportunities for labeling and mapping environmental impact. Keynote speakers represented all facets of the industry, with packaging experts from Wal-Mart and Sam's Club, sustainability directors from Nestlé and representatives from Deloitte Consulting and Dow Chemical plastics.
The Pack Expo alternates each year with a smaller convention at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The 2009 gathering will be about half as large and will be held October 5 through 7.
Whether sourcing equipment to increase production, reduce labor or alleviate workers compensation liability, the convention is a highly efficient way for wineries looking to upgrade their packaging needs and find suppliers.
Groups involved in the show included the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), which was the host association representing equipment manufacturers, and the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) and Converting and Package Printing Association (CPP). In brief, this convention highlighted the entire range of packaging solutions from materials and process machinery to components and containers. For products that required containment and handling, be they aspirin tablets, potato chips or wine bottles, the event addressed it.
This year again focused on sustainability-oriented innovations such as bio-plastics, energy efficient machines, recycling and recycled content. While much of the show was dedicated to food process technology, the vast and impressive technology used for conveyor systems, case packers, palletizers and labeling demonstrated that any business with a production line could find new alternatives to old problems.
For those interested in robotics, the event presented a fascinating display of modern computer technology, with machines that filled, transferred and consolidated just about anything. Also featured were new levels of digital label design, bar-coding, inventory management and stretch wrapping materials.
Throughout the five-day show, on-going seminars and topics ranged from packaging efficiency and line training to trends and opportunities for labeling and mapping environmental impact. Keynote speakers represented all facets of the industry, with packaging experts from Wal-Mart and Sam's Club, sustainability directors from Nestlé and representatives from Deloitte Consulting and Dow Chemical plastics.
The Pack Expo alternates each year with a smaller convention at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The 2009 gathering will be about half as large and will be held October 5 through 7.
Whether sourcing equipment to increase production, reduce labor or alleviate workers compensation liability, the convention is a highly efficient way for wineries looking to upgrade their packaging needs and find suppliers.
From wine business