(Herndon, Va. — March 13, 2024 — PMMI Release) — PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, will bring PACK EXPO East (March 18–20, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia) back to the city of brotherly love for its sixth iteration — and largest show to date. The event represents the most comprehensive showcase of packaging and processing technologies on the East Coast.
"Philadelphia is a critical innovation hub at the crossroads of some of the world’s biggest brands and many emerging companies,” says Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI. “PACK EXPO East brings cutting-edge technologies to the backyards of those engineers, plant managers, package designers, and other busy brand professionals so they can see up close and in person the solutions that stand to transform their operations.”
More than 7,000 professionals are expected to attend, representing a wide range of manufacturing sectors, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, household, industrial and agricultural chemicals, and personal care, toiletries, and cosmetics.
Mirroring a series of PMMI Business Intelligence industry-focused reports, PMMI projects the top trends to see are sustainability, automation and remote services.
Sustainability remains central in packaging and processing, driven by increasing government regulations on environmental impact. Companies are not only complying with these laws but also implementing internal strategies to enhance sustainability in their operations and packaging, according to Sustainability and Technology – the Future of Packaging and Processing.
Labor shortages are prompting consumer packaged goods companies to invest in warehouse automation, as the report, Packaging and Automation in the Warehouses of the Future, highlights. In addition, e-commerce growth and direct-to-consumer demands are making warehousing more complex, increasing the need for diverse pallet solutions.
Use of remote services by end-users has risen sharply in recent years, driven in part by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and skills shortages within the industry, according to Trends in Remote Services & Monitoring. Many end users saw the benefits remote services can provide to their operations during the pandemic and have continued to request remote assistance from their suppliers.
“Key trends such as sustainability, automation, and remote services are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the solutions found at PACK EXPO East,” says Laura Thompson, vice president, trade shows, PMMI. “We’re the only show in the region offering the depth and breadth of solutions for more than 40 vertical markets, allowing attendees access to crossover innovations from other industries that can address any packaging and processing challenges.”
Representatives from industry giants to emerging brands from over 40 vertical markets plan to attend PACK EXPO East. This diverse mix highlights the event's appeal for networking and innovation. Established firms aim to bolster market presence, while newcomers seek visibility and partnerships. This creates a dynamic environment ripe for collaboration and growth in the consumer-packaged goods and life sciences sectors.
Companies seeking to explore new technologies, meet key partners, and see innovation in action, should make their way to Philadelphia. The largest PACK EXPO East to date will feature 500 exhibitors in more than 100,000 net square feet of exhibit space, offering crossover solutions to many of today’s biggest manufacturing needs.
As a central feature of the show, attendees can explore innovations in key technologies during many on-floor educational opportunities. New to PACK EXPO East, experts from the PACK EXPO Partner Program will present on the Industry Speaks Stage (Booth 1653). Presentations covering multiple industry verticals will address hot topics and industry trends such as sustainability, remote access, supply chain solutions, augmented reality, and operational efficiency. The Innovation Stage (Booth 1153) also offers free, 30-minute presentations given throughout the day by exhibitors focused on breakthrough technologies, innovative applications, and proven approaches.
The Reusable Packaging Pavilion, sponsored by the Reusable Packaging Association, displays reusable transport packaging products and services and innovative reuse solutions, which can help reduce waste, cut costs, and boost supply chain efficiency.
Located centrally for many companies, PACK EXPO East provides a convenient and easy-to-access venue for bringing teams to assess the latest technologies, learn from leading industry experts, and make valuable connections to meet current or upcoming projects. For more information and to register, go to packexpoeast.com.
