Packaging innovation for brand success

Arlington, Va.—The current economic downturn has many consumers rethinking their spending habits, leading consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies and private label manufacturers to reconsider their marketing strategies, including their approaches to packaging.

At PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2009 (October 5-7; Las Vegas Convention Center), brand owners will discover the innovation they need to build stronger brands, enhance production efficiencies, meet sustainability requirements and reduce total systems costs. With more than 1,200 exhibitors occupying over 600,000 net square feet, the show will highlight innovation across the packaging supply chain, including advanced packaging and processing machinery, components, materials and containers.

“Innovation is critical, especially during challenging times,” says Charles D.Yuska, president and CEO of PMMI, sponsor and producer of PACK EXPO. “From ideation to manufacturing and getting the product onto the retail shelf, PACK EXPO delivers the tools brand owners need to create attractive, functional packaging that enhances production efficiencies and meets bottom line economic demands.”

Shaping Winning Brands
To help brand owners maximize success on the retail shelf, PMMI is introducing The Brand Zone at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2009. Covering more than 60,000 net square feet, The Brand Zone will spotlight packaging technologies that can help “Open Innovation” executives, brand managers, marketers and package designers launch new products, refresh existing brands and improve sustainability scores.

Visitors will find innovative materials and containers to increase visual impact, enhance convenience, maximize shelf life and add functionality. They’ll also be able to explore business resources that can help attendees gain a competitive edge.

The Showcase of Packaging Innovations® will be housed within The Brand Zone. Sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company, this special feature celebrates innovative packaging by featuring hundreds of award-winning designs from internationally recognized organizations. Packages nominated for the annual PACK EXPO Selects™ program, which recognizes best-in-class consumer packaging, will also reside here.

Adding Business Value
With industry professionals facing tighter restrictions on travel, PMMI is collaborating with several industry groups to facilitate new value-added programming that coincides with PACK EXPO.

The Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC) will hold its 2009 Annual Meeting and 14th International Package Design Competition in conjunction with the show. Taking place the same days as PACK EXPO, the meeting’s agenda includes a series of eye openers, general sessions and networking events built around the theme of “Survive and Thrive through Packaging Diversification.”

In addition, the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) will hold its 2009 Convention and Tabletop Trade Show around PACK EXPO. Taking place Oct. 5-9 at the Las Vegas Hilton, the event will feature an extensive seminar program, exhibits and special networking opportunities to help bottled water companies succeed and meet the challenges of today and the future.

Attendees at both events will receive complimentary admission to PACK EXPO Las Vegas exhibits.

Adding further value are the co-locations of PROCESS EXPO and Converting and Package Printing (CPP) EXPO.

Sponsored and produced by Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA), PROCESS EXPO focuses on the newest developments in processing technology. PROCESS EXPO exhibitors will demonstrate state-of-the-art equipment in the fruit and vegetable, beverage, environmental, instrumentation, prepared foods, can making, meat, dairy and snack food industries.

CPP EXPO will focus on the market synergies of the package printing, converting, finishing machinery and supplies industries. Attendees will find the latest technologies for package printing, coating, slitting and other state-of-the-art finishing processes to streamline operations and improve quality.

“By collaborating with relevant industry groups and associations, we’re creating ways for packaging professionals to connect with different facets of the industry cost-effectively and efficiently,” says Yuska.

To learn more about PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2009, visit www.packexpo.com or contact PMMI’s Show Department at 703.243.8555 or expo@pmmi.org.