PackExpo set to open in Chicago

PackExpo International 2002, which runs from 3 to 7 November, will be showcasing all the latest from the packaging industry, when it opens its doors in Chicago, US.

This year the show has attracted companies which represent every sector of the industry to exhibit the latest innovations in packaging machinery, converting machinery, materials, packages and containers, controls, software, components, fabrication, robotics and design systems. Indeed, somewhere in the region of 1,600 companies are expected to be exhibiting in halls that provide 1 million square feet of space.

PackExpo International is a biennial event providing a platform for the industry, disseminating important information on the industry itself as well as new product technology. This year's event is sponsored by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), the non-profit packaging association in the US.

PMMI claims that PackExpo attendees will include decision-makers from tens of thousands of companies from the US and over 60 countries representing multi-billion dollar industries. Corporate managers, engineers, manufacturers, quality controllers, purchasers, production supervisors, research/development, sales and marketing, represent 85 per cent of the PackExpo International attendees in a broad range of food and beverage industries, which will include dairy/meat, seafood, wineries, confectionery, bakery and snack food.

The food industry itself is individually represented by the International Exposition for Food Processors (IEFP). IEFP will be co-located within PackExpo on the Lobby Level of Lakeside Center at McCormick Place. The focus of the IEFP show will be on the newest developments in processing technology to meet the challenges faced by the industry's food and beverage manufacturers. IEFP exhibitors will demonstrate state-of-the-art equipment in the fruit and vegetable, beverage, canning/freezing, environmental, instrumentation, prepared foods and can making sectors.

The event will also carry a number of seminars and conferences on subjects including quick changeover, strategies for automating and integrating manufacturing and packaging lines, PET beverage and food container performance, product safety and security, pouch technology as well as advancements in closures and x-ray inspection.

As well as the conference programme, a large number of new technologies will be showcased at the event. Over the course of the next week the FoodProductionDaily.com​ team will be bringing you some of the highlights of the events, including interesting snippets from presentations, as well as some of the more innovative products on offer.