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?

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). (more…)

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The late sportscaster Howard Cosell would often refer to well seasoned athletes as “veterans of many campaigns”. I guess except for the athletic part, that description could easily apply to guys like me who will soon be attending our 17th PACK EXPO show on November 9th through 13th.

This year’s PACK EXPO is expected to feature 2,000 exhibitors and over 45,000 attendees. (The show is held every other year, in Chicago’s McCormick Place.) It is a chance for many of us to catch up with old friends we rarely get to see, as well as a unique opportunity to review the newest innovations in packaging products and especially packaging equipment.

I personally am very excited to attend this year because it promises to be the greenest PACK EXPO ever. For those unable to be there, we plan to provide you with show updates on this blog featuring the newest and hottest green packaging products.

For those able to attend, especially for those new to the show, I offer some basic, practical advice to make PACK EXPO as productive and enjoyable as possible. (more…)

Our marketing director, Brad Shorr, and I are very different in many ways but one thing we have in common is a good appreciation of humor. With all the confusion, contradictions and misinformation in sustainable packaging, it is not always easy to find the humor in it but we work at it.

With the help of a very talented illustrator, Mark Hill, Brad and I created “Eco Ed”, a cartoon series about the guy we can all relate to, who wants to do the right thing for the environment but is often not sure what the right thing is. We showed the concept to Joe Angel of Summit Publishing and he immediately decided he wanted to make it a regular feature in their Packaging World magazine, beginning last April. (more…)

Here’s a comprehensive look at sustainable packaging from a marketing perspective, by Jackie DeLise at Sustainable is Good. Her lexicon of sustainable terms is concise and very useful.

From the Packaging Network, a sustainable rundown on PACK EXPO, confirming Joe Angel’s (VP and Publisher of Packaging World) interview comments that 2008 will be the greenest PACK EXPO ever.

The Green Routine explains that most plastic bags are made from natural gas, not oil. The author is not a fan of plastic bags, but observes that natural gas, much of which we produce domestically, is better than oil, which is mainly imported. (more…)

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PACK EXPO will be taking place at McCormick Place in Chicago November 9-13. Sustainable packaging will be high on the list of feature themes.

Sustainability is a fitting theme for Chicago, a city which, thanks to Mayor Daley’s leadership, has been extremely active in promoting green, eco-friendly living. For example, The Green Bungalow Initiative was instituted to make existing homes more eco friendly. Chicago is planning an ambitious new harborside green space, to go along with our well known green roof program.

Green Chicago Hotels
The Green Hotels Association lists four member hotels in Chicago proper. They are –

• The Peninusla
• City Suites Hotel
• Majestic Hotel
• The Willows Hotel

The Peninsula is close to the convention action. The other choices are further out but in very interesting neighborhoods. Rezhub ranks a few other Chicago hotels for green, including some in close proximity to McCormick Place. (more…)

PACK EXPO International 2008 will be November 9-13, at McCormick Place in Chicago. We recently asked Joe Angel, Vice President and Publisher of Packaging World, about the show, especially in terms of sustainable packaging. This year’s show promises to be as good as ever, with green packaging perhaps topping the list as a key theme.

How is Pack Expo shaping up in terms of exhibitors and attendance?
From what I hear from PMMI, they are ahead of 2006 PEI pre-registrations. This is a good sign, particularly with the economy the way it is now. Bu it’s also a function of more total internet registrations, so only time will tell. The one consistent take-away I hear when speaking with consumer packaged goods companies (CPG’s) is that they feel they cannot afford to significantly reduce R&D…developing new or improved products, thus new packaging. PACK EXPO is a great place to see a lot of packaging ideas. While it is no secret companies are sending less people to events these days, the key people still attend and those that cannot attend will send someone or a buying team to the show or conference. (more…)