Pack Expo’s 2021 conference will highlight the ways more than 1,500 expected exhibitors can brings solutions to customers around the world, but the event that runs from Sept. 27-29 in Las Vegas also will showcase some key issues facing the industry as a whole.
The PACK to the Future Stage in the North Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center will take a look at the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence and solutions such as sustainable products and smart packaging. There also is a PACK to the Future exhibit in the North Hall.
The future of packaging technology also will depend on a different workforce. Emerson has sponsored The Amazing Packaging Race, will challenge college teams to complete tasks at the booths of participating exhibitors. In addition, there is the Workforce Development Pavilion in the North Hall to provide resources for training and strengthening the existing packaging industry workforce.
A number of other pavilions at Pack Expo will focus on a wide array of issues and potential solutions for the estimated 20,000 attendees at this year’s event. They include:
- The PACKage Printing Pavilion (North Hall), which will focus on digital printing.
- The Containers and Materials Pavilion (North Hall), which looks at advancements in packaging materials such as paperboard, glass, metal and plastic, and flexible and resealable packaging, as well as containers and materials.
- The Reusable Packaging Pavilion, sponsored by the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA; South Upper Hall), will highlight sustainable packaging solutions.
Robotics on the Agenda
The packaging industry long has seen robotics as a natural fit for its operations. From efficient pallet movement to addressing safety concerns, robots have been a strong asset for packagers worldwide.
An infographic produced by PMMI, the host organization for Pack Expo, looks at the benefits of robotics. Among the data:
- 54% of robots in the packaging industry are shipped to automotive manufacturers or suppliers
- The use of robotics in the consumer packaged goods industry increased 47.6% from 2017-2018.
- Robots are seen as improving product throughput, ending repetitive tasks and addressing issues such as a shortage of skilled workers.
The full infographic can be found here.