Packaging Digest

Meeting sustainability goals takes time. It also often requires new equipment, materials and processes. For manufacturers involved in the sustainability journey, PACK EXPO International 2012 (October 28-31; McCormick Place, Chicago) is a dynamic resource for all three.

"In just a few years, sustainability has transformed from a buzzword to the new normal in manufacturing," said Charles D. Yuska, president & CEO, PMMI. "But implanting sustainability initiatives is a marathon, not a sprint. That's why we are committed to making PACK EXPO a comprehensive resource for the innovation and insights manufactures need to drive these initiatives, year after year, advance after advance."

Exhibitors featuring sustainability-enhancing solutions, ranging from environmentally-friendly materials to energy efficient equipment, will be easily identified both on www.packexpo.com and the show floor with a PACK EXPO Green logo.

Visitors to the show website searching for technologies to reduce material, waste, energy or water usage need only look for the green icon next to exhibitor names, or input "green" into a keyword search. On site, PACK EXPO Green logos will be posted on special signage in exhibitor booths and the exhibitor directory.

Conference at PACK EXPO Addresses Sustainability

To complement the technologies seen on the show floor, The Conference at PACK EXPO, sponsored by DuPont, will feature a Sustainability track focusing exclusively on initiatives, challenges and solutions across the supply chain. Industry partners organizing the content include The Alliance for Innovation & Operational Excellence (AIOE), The Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP), PAC NEXT (The Packaging Association of Canada) and The Reusable Packaging Association (RPA).

Sessions on the Sustainability Track include "A Journey to Sustainability Excellence", featuring Don Adams, vice president, Sustainability at Keystone Foods, Jarod Cook, director, Environmental Services, Del Monte Foods and Shankar Raman, director, Business Development, Siemens as they discuss the critical factors in overcoming obstacles to meet sustainability-related goals (Monday October 29; 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.). Anne Roulin, head of packaging, Nestlé, will also present ways in which the company's Packaging Impact Quick Evaluation Tool (PIQET) have helped it enhance the sustainability of its packaging in the session entitled "Packaging Sustainability and the Food Value Chain" (Tuesday, October 30; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

For the full conference schedule, visit www.packexpo.com.

Registration for The Conference at PACK EXPO is available at www.packexpo.com at a cost of $99 per session through October 8, 2012, when tickets increase to $125 per session. Ticket price includes admission to the PACK EXPO show floor.

In addition to regular conference programming, the PACK EXPO Lecture Series will feature a spirited discussion between nationally renowned commentator and comedian Dennis Miller, and James Carville, political consultant and former advisor to President Bill Clinton. The two speakers will provide their views on the 2012 Elections and respond to audience questions on Sunday, October 28 at 5:15 p.m. Tickets for this special event will be sold separately from Conference session tickets or general registration, at a cost of $125 or $1,000 for a package of 10.

Minimizing the Show's Footprint

Together, PMMI and McCormick Place are helping to eliminate the environmental impact of PACK EXPO International 2012 by:
• Eliminating badge holders - and keeping many pounds of plastic out of landfills;
• Working with catering partner, SAVOR...Chicago, which uses biodegradable flatware, straws, serving dishes and cups throughout the food court;
• Fulfilling 10 percent of annual electricity needs with renewable sources;
• Using 100 percent recycled paper products in facility restrooms