PACK EXPO 2009 Demonstrates Industry’s Confidence

ARLINGTON, Va.—Consumer goods companies expressed confidence in the future of the economy by turning out for PACK EXPO Las Vegas in near-record levels, reports PMMI, which produces and sponsors the PACK EXPO trade shows. The attendees were in search of packaging and processing innovations.

PACK EXPO Las Vegas attracted 22,721 packaging and processing professionals, making it the second-largest PACK EXPO Las Vegas since PMMI launched the show in 1995.

“Given the economy this year, we are extremely pleased with the turnout,” says Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO of PMMI. “Trade shows mirror the industries they serve, and the strong attendance may indicate an economic recovery as consumer goods companies leverage the show for their capital equipment investments and packaging innovation efforts.”

In addition, the Food Processing Suppliers Association’s (FPSA) PROCESS EXPO and Converting and Package Printing Expo (CPP EXPO) were co-located with PACK EXPO Las Vegas. Together, the three shows featured 1,523 exhibitors and 656,692 net square feet of space. Within those figures, PROCESS EXPO contributed 306 exhibitors and 116,000 net square feet, while CPP EXPO added 77 exhibitors and 19,545 net square feet.

In addition to 160 containers and materials suppliers, the 59,592 net square foot Brand Zone housed the Showcase of Packaging Innovation™, sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company, and PACK EXPO Selects.

“With the Brand Zone, PACK EXPO gave brand managers a place to go to find the latest solutions for meeting customer demands for convenience, portability, recyclability and portion control and access to all the technologies necessary to make those ideas a reality,” Yuska says.

Sustainability, which has rapidly evolved from trend to market driver, was another area of attention for PACK EXPO. More than 200 exhibitors displayed the PACK EXPO Green icon on site and in their Packexpo.com listing, letting attendees know at a glance that their companies offer a sustainability-related solution.

Also on the show floor, the Sustainability Information Center brought in representatives from government agencies, non-government organizations, universities and sustainability consultants, offering guidance on conservation and replenishment strategies, plus tactics and techniques for the processing and packaging supply chains.