CHICAGO — Sustainability always has been part of the PACK EXPO experience. But this year, sustainability will be front-and-center at PACK EXPO International 2024, slated to take place in Chicago from Nov. 3 to 6 at McCormick Place. Debuting this year is Sustainability Central, a curated offering of new and expanded show resources and educational programs aimed at helping suppliers of packaging and processing equipment reduce energy consumption, minimize waste and reduce overall carbon footprint throughout their supply chains.
“With sustained consumer demand and rapidly changing domestic and international regulations, sustainability is a mainstay in packaging and processing today,” said Tom Egan, vice president, Industry Services for show organizer The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI). “Companies continue to integrate sustainability into many aspects of their operations to lower their carbon footprint. That integration can occur anywhere in the supply chain, from ingredients to sourcing to packaging and logistics.”
Session topics to be covered as part of Sustainability Central include:
- Catalyzing Circularity
- Towards Global Recyclability Design Guidance
- Sustainability in Biopharmaceutical Packaging
- Enabling Circularity with Smart Packaging
- Sustainable Innovation: Collaborations Drive Decarbonization
- Creating a Business Case to Drive Sustainability
- Design E-commerce Packaging to Enhance Customer Experience
“Sustainability Central will explore packaging sustainability and what it means to brands,” PMMI said of the enhanced programming. “This show floor destination will include expert speakers and a look at actionable, sustainable solutions in manufacturing, materials, recovery, logistics, analytics and design.”
PACK EXPO International breaks down industry silos by facilitating constructive dialog and collaboration among stakeholders. According to PMMI’s “2023 Moving to Sustainable Packaging — Closing the Innovation Gap” study, stakeholders in the packaging and processing industries need help to address challenges to the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions.
“Operational issues arising from the need to transition materials tend to fall into broad categories, including personnel, efficiency, supply chain, quality, consistency and testing, technological problems, cost, and planning,” Egan said. “One participant in the study highlighted that while some sustainable solutions are cost-prohibitive, a larger challenge for this company is the overwhelming number of companies offering different sustainable coatings and materials, making it difficult to stay updated with industry advancements. Scalability and supply security are crucial for customers and must be thoroughly vetted by suppliers.”
PMMI anticipates 45,000 attendees at this year’s expo, which will be a platform for 2,500 suppliers covering more than 1.3 million net square feet of exhibition space.
“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 Laura Thompson, vice president of Trade Shows at PMMI.
Skills development
Education and training are additional areas PMMI works to make a difference, as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting the addition of 3.1 million jobs in maintenance and repair occupations by 2031. With more jobs than skilled individuals to fill them, PACK EXPO International 2024 is set to play a pivotal role in addressing a critical skills shortage facing the manufacturing industry.
Recognizing the urgent need to attract and retain a skilled workforce, PMMI has developed a variety of activities aimed at introducing high school and college students to opportunities within the industry.
“These initiatives reflect our commitment to bridging the skills gap in the packaging and processing industries,” Thompson said of PMMI’s student outreach. “By connecting students with industry leaders and exposing them to real-world challenges and solutions at PACK EXPO International, we are not only addressing immediate workforce needs but also investing in the future of our industries.”
And PMMI is demonstrating that it’s never too soon to get younger generations active in sustainability initiatives. New to PACK EXPO International this year are events focused on Girl Scouts and a silent auction fundraiser to benefit the PMMI Foundation, which furthers packaging and processing education throughout North America.
The Girl Scout event prioritizes educational outreach to local Chicago Girl Scout Troops. The troops will receive credit for their Sustainable Packaging Patch. Scouts will meet in the Student Lounge on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 11 a.m. for a hands-on project focusing on sustainability. Lunch will be provided followed by a panel discussion and show floor tour from industry professionals.
The silent auction will take place Sunday through Wednesday with accommodations at premier Chicago-area hotels, including the Langham, Sheraton Grand Riverwalk, LondonHouse, Loews, and the InterContinental Magnificent Mile, and other notable items up for bid. All bidding will occur virtually, and items will be displayed on the Grand Concourse, Level 2.5.
Forging connections
PACK EXPO offers invaluable networking opportunities. The 2024 event will host a variety of activities designed to foster connections and inspire innovation across the industry.
On Monday, Nov. 4, this year’s PACK gives BACK event begins with a pre-show networking event at the Lakeside Center’s Arie Crown Theater. Comedian Nate Bargatze is the headline entertainment. Tickets are $95 each, with a special offer: buy nine, get one free. All proceeds will support the PMMI Foundation.
Immediately following PACK gives BACK is the Young Professionals Network reception at Flight Club Chicago.
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network Breakfast will feature Lisa Sun, founder and chief executive officer of retail brand and lifestyle company GRAVITAS.
Additional opportunities to connect include exhibitor and member lounges, industry-specific pavilions, the F4SS Fall Connect meeting and collaboration venues and special association events such as the Cold Pressure Council Annual Conference.
Keep up with industry events through our Event Tracker here.
