IN THE NEWS

Packaging Summit Expo to Emphasize Package Design

With a strong emphasis on packaging design and innovation, the Packaging Summit Expo and Conference runs May 15-17, 2007 in Rosemont, Illinois, near Chicago O'Hare Airport. The scheduled speakers comprise a three-day program that focuses on innovation, sustainable packaging, global packaging, and outsourcing as drivers of packaging today. One highlight is a presentation by Wal-Mart on its Sustainability Scorecard along with a demonstration of the scorecard's software.

Designers and innovators on the program include:

• Nathan Hendricks, of LPK, and Krista Schwartz, of P&G, detail how design helped reshape P&G's Herbal Essences megabrand.
• Ronald deVlam, of Webb Scarlett de Vlam, talks on using shape with global brands.
• D'Juana Ballard of the Packaging Science Center, explores how shelf audits can have a positive impact on packaging design.
• Mark Vanover, of Esko-Graphics, examines how the electronic workflow binds global packaging graphics together.

Keeping scorecard

Wal-Mart's Matt Kistler, v.p. packaging and product development, will offer insight into Wal-Mart's Sustainability Scorecard initiative and provide an in-depth examination of this detailed metric of sustainable packaging, including the nine weighted parameters of the Scorecard. Immediately following Kistler's presentation, The Packaging Summit will feature a live demo of the Wal-Mart Scorecard and Virtual Trade Show on the show floor.

From an active terminal with displays on multiple monitors, attendees will see how "what if" factors affect a package's rating on the scorecard and be able to adjust vendors, processes, and solutions that impact a package's rating on the scorecard. Kistler's presentation, live demo, and lunch are included with conference registration. The event is sponsored by the Institute of Packaging Professionals (www.iopp.org/summitconf). Registration and additional information is available at www.pkgsummit.com.