Close×

The most comprehensive packaging and processing event in North America this year, Pack Expo Las Vegas 2023, to be held on 11-13 September at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, is taking the lead in highlighting the importance of sustainability in the industry.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, show producer, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, its partners, vendors and exhibitors are working together to create actionable sustainable solutions in manufacturing, materials and design, as well as through improved processes on the show floor. 

The Australian Packaging & Processing Machinery Association will be attending Pack Expo in September, participating as part of the APPMA/PMMI association partnership. PKN will also be in attendance.

Debuting at Pack Expo Las Vegas this year, Sustainability Central will take an expansive look into packaging sustainability and what it means to brands, including expert speakers, interactive content, and a look at actionable sustainable solutions in manufacturing, materials, recovery, logistics, analytics and design.

At the Sustainability Stage, attendees will hear from industry experts on a range of packaging sustainability topics, and learn how to make their brands more sustainable.

Pack Expo Las Vegas will showcase over 2000 suppliers offering cutting-edge packaging and processing solutions and innovations for over 40 vertical markets. 

Exhibitors showcasing sustainable solutions via new materials, technology or strategies such as sustainable processes and machines, renewable and biodegradable packaging, source reduction and light weighting, recyclable and recycled-content materials, or innovations that reduce carbon footprint are easily identified with a Pack Expo Green icon - which also highlights educational sessions focused on sustainability.

Dow, the show’s Sustainability Partner, will contribute its expertise in promoting sustainable practices by speaking on the Sustainability Stage, participating in Sustainability Central, and sponsoring all the recycling on the show floor. 

Increasing the number of recycling bins on the show floor provides an opportunity to not only divert as much waste as possible from landfills, but also educate attendees and exhibitors on the importance of recycling. 

“Thanks to our partnership with Dow, PMMI is putting sustainability front and centre in our industry,” said Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI. 

“Our attendees will have a chance to interact like never before with leading companies and thought leaders on a topic that affects us all, and enables us to protect our environment through increased recycling efforts.

“Anyone committed to learning more about sustainable solutions in our industry will want to be at Pack Expo Las Vegas.” 

Partnering with industry leaders like Dow elevates the resources available to all Pack Expo attendees. 

“As Dow continues to collaborate on innovative solutions and investment opportunities to achieve our goal of Transforming the Waste, we’re proud to be the first ever official Sustainability Partner for Pack Expo,” said Victor Zapata, commercial vice-president, Packaging and Specialty Plastics North America at Dow.

“Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have, but a necessary part of any company’s business strategy and growth. Yet, no one company can do it alone. Enabling a circular economy requires all of us working together to advance collective solutions.” 

Additional Pack Expo Las Vegas highlights demonstrating the show’s commitment to sustainability include: 

The Reusable Packaging Association will once again sponsor the Reusable Packaging Pavilion featuring exhibitors offering reusable transport packaging to help attendees move their products efficiently, effectively and sustainably. 

The Reusable Packaging Learning Centre will feature presentations and panel discussions on a variety of topics related to sustainability and reuse.

Attendees will learn what to consider when deciding to invest in reusable packaging and best practice for incorporating reusables into the supply chain.

PMMI Media Group has created the Pack Expo Sustainability Solutions Finder, targeted curated list of sustainable solutions exhibitors will be displaying at the show. Click here to learn more.

Exhibitors can participate in a post-show donation program, benefiting local organisations in the Las Vegas area, by donating any unwanted food, electronics or booth materials. PMMI will also donate or recycle any remaining carpet after the show. 

For more information on all the show’s sustainability features, click here. For complete information on Pack Expo Las Vegas and to register. Click here.

Food & Drink Business

New Zealand-based peanut butter company, Fix & Fogg, has gone beyond “crossing the ditch” and aimed straight for the stars. The company was more than happy to satisfy a request for its nut butters from NASA astronauts for their six-month stay on the International Space Station.

A UNSW team has used ultrasonics to cut the time it takes to make cold brew coffee from 24 hours to three minutes. The trio attached their patented sound transmission system to a domestic espresso machine to make it happen.

This year’s pivotal event in the fight against food waste, the National Food Waste Summit, features an impressive line-up of international speakers and Australian experts passionate about addressing one of the most critical environmental challenges of our time.