Pack Expo International takes place Nov. 2-5, in Chicago at McCormick Place. The event, hosted by PMMI, Reston, Va., is expecting approximately 50,000 attendees and 2,000 exhibitors, with 1.15 million net square feet of exhibit space (combined) for Pack Expo and Pharma Expo, which it is co-locating this year for the first time.

Dairy processors can stay up-to-date on packaging trends and technology. Educational presentations are available throughout the show floor on the Innovation Stage, in the Food Safety Summit Resource Center, Reusables Learning Center and the Center for Trends & Technology. Hot topics this year include allergen control and sanitary equipment design.

The Center for Trends & Technology, sponsored by Rockwell Automation and its Partner Network, is new to Chicago this year. Presentations will feature experts from Rockwell Automation, Grantek Systems, Cisco, Interstates Control Systems, Microsoft, Stone Technology and AIOE on topics like:

• Machine Safety — how safety and productivity are complementary
• The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) — its impact on your supply chain operations
• Serialization — best practices in reducing risk
• Line Optimization/Performance — turning plant floor data into actionable information

To meet processors’ increasing demand for automation and robotics, PMMI announced the return of The Processing Zone to this year’s expo. The pavilion, located in Lakeside Upper Hall, will feature a wide range of processing technologies for the dairy and beverage industries.

The Processing Zone is just one of several features at the show that showcase packaging and processing innovations. Processors will also have access to a number of other resources at the show, including:

• The Food Safety Summit Resource Center. Here, dairy processors can learn about recent breakthroughs in food safety technologies and source solutions critical to food safety.
• The Confectionery Pavilion, located in the South Hall and sponsored by the National Confectioners Association (NCA), will connect attendees with equipment and materials to help maximize line flexibility and protect product freshness.
• Four Innovation Stage locations will offer convenient access to critical industry insights with free educational sessions.

Also new this year is the Active & Intelligent Packaging World Congress. Hosted by the Active & Intelligent Packaging Industry Association, it features programming designed for food and beverage manufacturers and retailers. The Congress will address the importance of:

• Managing complex supply chains
• Avoiding waste
• Stamping out counterfeits of your brand

Separate registration from Pack Expo is required to participate in this event. For information on the Congress event, and exhibitor and attendee information, travel arrangements, directions and to register for Pack Expo, visit www.packexpointernational.com. 

Pack gives Back presents Jay Leno

Pack gives Back presents Jay Leno, former host of The Tonight Show, live on Monday, November 3. The reception starts at 4:30 p.m., with the performance at 5:30 p.m. It takes place in the South Building Grand Ballroom at McCormick Place.

A portion of ticket proceeds will support K9s For Warriors, an organization dedicated to providing service dogs to military veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress as a result of conflicts and war following 9/11.

After a day on the show floor, attendees can unwind with drinks, hors d’oeuvres; friends — and a good laugh — while contributing to a great cause.

Attend the 2014 Packaging Hall of Fame ceremony 

The Packaging Hall of Fame is the packaging industry’s highest honor, one that recognizes a lifetime of innovation and achievement. The 2014 inductees will be celebrated during a reception on Tuesday, November 4, during the expo.

A preview of new technology from this year’s show 

Oystar’s new filling and sealing machine

Oystar USA will be showcasing its new M-FS 30 filling and sealing machine for pre-formed cups at Pack Expo in November. The machine features a chainless drive concept allowing for automated format changes in less than 20 minutes.  This significantly improves equipment availability for production and consequently the OEE, and makes it profitable to even produce variable packaging formats on the company’s cup filling machines.

www.oystar-group.com

Hudson-Sharp Machine Co. showcases advances to its wicketer product line

Hudson-Sharp Machine Co., designer and manufacturer of plastic bag making machinery, pouch making equipment and reclosable packaging solutions, is introducing new technology at Pack Expo in November. The company will be rolling out new advances to its wicketer product line, including the M275. The M275 has been redesigned with tool-less adjustments to the rope belt table, making changes quick and easy. Hudson-Sharp is a Thiele Technologies company.  

 www.hudsonsharp.com