Packaging World’s Joe Angel Looks Back at PACK EXPO

by: Brad Shorr

8 Jan

Joe Angel, Vice President and Publisher of Packaging World, was closely involved with PACK EXPO 2008. Here is what he had to say about the show, from a sustainable packaging perspective.

How did PACK EXPO turn out versus your expectations? Do you think this year’s show was a success?

Joe Angel

Given today’s economic downturn, I was pleasantly surprised at the attendance of the show. While PACK EXPO was down in attendance as expected, it seemed that overall the exhibitors expressed satisfaction at the quality of leads they received. I had the opportunity to talk with with several CPG companies at the show, and there continue to be significant projects in play. Smart companies cannot afford to be stagnant and must invest in R&D. That said, CPG’s are putting a growing spotlight on operational efficiency: total cost of ownership and OEE are more critical than ever with their machinery purchases. Smarter packaging automation and smaller footprints (not just carbon) ruled the show. On the materials side, some interesting new packages, many will be profiled in a follow up report from PTIS and Packaging World, “Top Trends and Insights at PACK EXPO 2008″ (our report can be ordered here).

Did you learn anything new about sustainable packaging? What sustainable packaging themes will be important in 2009?

I guess I am always learning…this is the beauty of a show like this. Most of the new things I learned were on the materials side. There are some new films and containers that are true sustainable solutions. I also learned that while most are “walking the walk” there are some that are making sustainable claims, but not backing them up. As a supplier, you need to be real careful in promotion of any sustainable claims. CPGs and the retailers are getting smarter and more educated regarding this area. I also learned that there are more equipment manufacturers than I thought that have some real sustainable solutions. This was primarily in the area of configuring a new package to use less material, quicker changeover and the application of new controls to monitor overall efficiency/data acquisition. This extends to more energy efficient machines as well. As sustainable packaging continues to be a vital part of the packaging business process, we will continue to cover this extensively in the pages of Packaging World and via our new network, GreenerPackage. For more on this new free knowledge exchange and how to join, click here. The important thing is to get involved and do something.

How do you think our weak economy will impact the sustainable packaging movement?

Packaging is a function of manufacturing, and while not recession-proof, it certainly is recession-resistant. Packaging weathers the storm better than many vertical industries. The fact that food is less likely to be outsourced and that there is growth of more pharmaceuticals and medical devices, will enable sustainable packaging innovation to thrive, even in a recession. People have to eat and don’t stop needing medical attention. With this thought, a “weak economy” will not necessarily impact sustainable packaging. If anything, I think it will cause CPG’s and suppliers to be smarter in their sustainable approach. To quote Dennis Salazar of Salazar Packaging in his column in the Nov/Dec issue of Contract Packaging: “You have probably spent the last several years saving energy, reducing material consumption, and minimizing waste, but your motives were likely to reduce costs rather than to address sustainability issues. The original motive or driving force is not important; it is the end result that really matters.” Couldn’t have said it better myself!