Countdown to PACK EXPO

All-New Pavilions at PACK EXPO 2004 Will Feature RFID Technology, Security, Confectionery, and “Showcase” of Design

Package design professionals can get the inside scoop on the latest trends and technologies that impact their operations by attending Pack Expo International, slated to be held November 7-11 at the McCormick Place convention center in Chicago. The show’s sponsor and producer, the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), recently announced the addition of four new technology pavilions to this important event: the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Pavilion, Package Security Resource Center, Showcase of Packaging Innovations, and Confectionery Pavilion. Each pavilion, in addition to all other exhibits for the entire five-day exposition, can be accessed with a single badge.

“Pack Expo International has a long history of focusing on the technologies and trends that matter most to the operations of packaging professionals,” says PMMI president Charles D. Yuska. “RFID technology and package security are key concerns for package designers across the globe, and the confectionery industry has been an integral part of packaging shows as evidenced by their prominent role in major European trade fairs. We’ve incorporated these new pavilions to allow package designers to expand their knowledge in these areas while spending time in one convenient location.”
Many of these topics also will carry over to the Conference at Pack Expo, a three-day series of international and educational programs held in conjunction with the exhibition.

Place for track-and-trace

RFID is driving basic changes in packaging, from freeing identification from line-of-sight constraints to adding new dimensions to packaging’s track-and-trace role and redefining how packaging lines will operate. But RFID’s new problem-solving capabilities also bring new choices and challenges. The new RFID Pavilion will bring together all of the technology information that package designers need to implement RFID-package coding, including advances for case and pallet tagging and verification as well as the upgrading of conventional lines. Attendees will also learn about and see first-hand the tools they need for enabling RFID-driven printing and writing for validating electronic product code (EPC) tags. “Smart” packaging machinery that uses RFID to adjust operational settings also will be showcased.

Also making its debut at the show is the Packaging Security Resource Center, which is designed to focus on protecting packaging operations against the threats of bio-terrorism, counterfeiting, and product adulteration. From active to passive technologies, a range of safety measures and protection solutions will be featured. Package designers will have the opportunity to visit tabletop exhibits and technology displays from a select group of package-security technology companies, service providers, and government stakeholders.

“Innovations” sponsored by Package Design

The year’s most innovative and award-winning package designs can be viewed at The Showcase of Packaging Innovations, sponsored by Package Design. Designs to be featured include winners of the Glass Packaging Institute’s Clear Choice Awards, the Institute of Packaging Professionals’ AmeriStar Awards, and the National Paperboard Packaging Competition, sponsored by the Paperboard Packaging Council.

Finally, the show’s new Confectionery Pavilion will be part of the co-located Food Processing Machinery Expo (formerly IEFP), sponsored and produced by the Food Processing Machinery Association (FPMA). This special pavilion will provide opportunities for viewing and evaluating the latest processing and packaging technologies in operation.

Package designers can save 50 percent off registration fees and avoid long lines by registering at the show’s official Web site, www.packexpo.com. Registrations received on or before October 15 will cost $25 per person. Attendees registering at McCormick Place or on line after October 15 will be charged the full admission rate of $50. To register, or for more information about Pack Expo International 2004, visit www.packexpo.com or contact PMMI at 4350 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22203; telephone (703) 243-8555; fax: (703) 243-8556; e-mail: expo@pmmi.org.

PMMI sponsors and produces Pack Expo shows. Held every two years, Pack Expo International features more than 1,600 exhibitors and covers more than 1.2 million net square feet of floor space. Pack Expo Las Vegas 2005 will be held September 26-28, 2005 at the Las Vegas Convention center in Las Vegas. PMMI also co-produces Expo Pack Mexico, the largest packaging show in Mexico, slated to be held June 22-25, 2004 at Expo Sante Fe, Mexico City, Mexico.