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…)

From Eco Ed and everyone at Salazar Packaging

Merry Christmas!

(Cartoon by Dennis Salazar and Brad Shorr, from the December 2008 issue of Packaging World magazine.)

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…)

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…)