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Finalists for the Technology Excellence Awards at Pack Expo International 2024 have been revealed by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. The awards, which recognise innovations in packaging and processing being shown for the first time at the event, are divided into four categories: food and beverage, general packaging and processing, personal care and pharma, and sustainability.

Among the shortlisted technologies in the general packaging and processing category are Fogg’s PF Series Pressure Filler, which aims to enhance hygiene and efficiency with fixed stainless-steel plumbing; Amcor’s Revolution Sortable Barrier APET Solution, designed to reduce the need for virgin materials by separating PE from PET during recycling; and Syntegon’s Cookie Tray Loading System, which automates high-speed cookie packaging with precision.

In the food and beverage category, Antares Vision Group's Food Safety Solution and Oxipital AI’s visual AI technology are among the innovations being showcased. Amcor also features in the personal care and pharma category with its Opening Feature, designed for ease of use in healthcare packaging.

The sustainability category includes Smurfit Westrock's EnduraGrip Omada, which automates the application of paper-based handles at scale, and Plastipak Packaging’s PPK Natura, a PET resin made from waste carbon, marking an advance in circular sustainability efforts.

PMMI Vice President of Trade Shows, Laura Thompson commented on the significance of the awards: "The Technology Excellence Awards at PACK EXPO International are a testament to the incredible innovations shaping the future of the packaging and processing industries. These finalists represent the forefront of technology, driving advancements in sustainability, efficiency, and safety across multiple sectors. We are excited to give attendees the opportunity to engage with these trailblazing solutions and vote for their favourites both online and in person."

Voting for the awards will begin online on 28 October and will continue onsite during the event, which runs from 3 to 6 November at McCormick Place, Chicago. Attendees can cast their votes through the official show app or online, with winners announced on 5 November.

For more information on the finalists and to register for PACK EXPO International, visit the event’s official website.

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