With food as the largest vertical market represented at not only the largest PACK EXPO International in history but the world’s largest processing and packaging trade show in 2016, almost every aisle addressed the latest trends and innovations in food. Post-show analysis revealed that attendees at the Nov. 6–9 event at McCormick Place in Chicago came seeking solutions to consumer-driven demands including health and wellness, the need for single-serve or on-the-go packaging and the constant search for sustainable solutions.
The following are just a few examples ways PACK EXPO International offered remedies to these challenges.
Exhibitor ProAmpac targeted single serve as well as environmentally friendly packaging. Its E-Z Snackpak is a tetrahedron shaped pouch that transforms into a serving tray upon opening — providing a unique consumer experience while using 25 percent less packaging than current formats due to its unique seal method.
Sticking with single serve technology, Technical Help in Engineering and Marketing (T.H.E.M.) displayed its Snapsil semi-rigid pouches and blister packs feature a patented audible “snap-opening” function that allows consumers to open the package with one hand. With a comprehensive array of configurations, T.H.E.M offers Snapsil as a solution for single-serve and portion-specific products, including food, condiments, energy drinks and alcohol.
Anchor Packaging announced a new line of food containers that check off health and wellness, on the go and sustainability. The leak-proof SAFE PINCH design offers tamper-evident packaging for nuts, snack mixes and dried fruit while also working well for refrigerated fresh food applications, such as salads, deli meats and fresh-cut produce. The SAFE PINCH packages, made with FDA approved, post-consumer recycled PETE, are reusable and recyclable curbside.
Winpak displayed its patented three-side seal vertical packaging in the WP line of packaging machinery, which offers unique shelf presence while saving 15 to 25 percent of the material of similar four side seal packages.
Solutions to the latest packaging trends were not just found in exhibitor booths, but also during the 70-plus sessions at the largest Innovation Stage in PACK EXPO history. Rachel Gaultieri, director of marketing and sales for Sarong North America, offered Sarong’s answer to the question “Can Single Serve Packs Offer Sustainability?” She addressed the conundrum that the rise of single serve packs means regarding more waste and explored the overall pros and cons of single-serve packaging through to the end user.
Technology Container Corp. President Fred Dowd took a deeper dive into driving down costs while also reducing a company's environmental footprint. His presentation “Moving the Cost & Sustainability Needle with Reusable Distribution Packaging" outlined ways to balance cost reduction with increased margins in a way that maintains sustainable responsibilities.
Obviously, with over 2,500 exhibitors and four days of on the floor education, this is just a taste of what PACK EXPO International offered the food industry.
Those seeking a deeper dive into food, beverage and dairy processing, should make plans to attend ProFood Tech (April 4-6, 2017, McCormick Place, Chicago), the only event in North America focused exclusively on all food and beverage sectors, including baking and snack, meat/poultry/seafood, frozen/prepared foods, dairy and beverage. Registration for ProFood Tech is $30 for a limited time. The price will increase to an on-site fee of $100. Register online at www.profoodtech.com.
About PMMI
PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, represents the voice of more than 750 North American manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, components and materials as well as providers of related equipment and services to the packaging and processing industry. We work to advance a variety of industries by connecting consumer goods companies with manufacturing solutions through the world-class PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, leading trade media and a wide range of resources to empower our members. The PACK EXPO trade shows unite the world of processing and packaging to advance the industries they serve: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, Healthcare Packaging EXPO, PACK EXPO East, EXPO PACK México, EXPO PACK Guadalajara and ProFood Tech, launching in April 2017. PMMI Media Group connects manufacturers to the latest solutions, trends and innovations in processing and packaging year-round through brands including Packaging World, Automation World, Healthcare Packaging, Contract Packaging, ProFood World and Packaging + Processing OEM. PMMI Business Drivers assist members in pursuing operational excellence through workforce development initiatives, deliver actionable business intelligence on economic, market and industry trends to support members' growth strategies, and actively connect the supply chain throughout the year.
Learn more at PMMI.org and PACKEXPO.com and PMMIMediaGroup.com.
