Packagers Eye Efficiency as Pack Expo Opens
By Jennifer Hooker and Mike Botta, IEN Staff
November 10,2008 – Not surprisingly, the theme for this year’s packaging industry has become efficiency and cost-effectiveness. That according to James Anderson, CEO of Marlen Research Corp. and chairman of the PMMI, organizers of the big Pack Expo trade show that got under way Sunday at McCormick Place in Chicago.
“The stock market is all over the news; nations around the world are bailing out banks; consumer packaged goods companies are laying off workers, and the word ‘recession’ is being used more often than any of us would like,” Anderson told an opening day press gathering.
But, he said, it hasn’t stopped the consumer packaged goods sector from coming to the show “looking for value and solutions” adding “they’re here to find ways to make their businesses run better, more efficiently and more cost-effectively.”
Following the press conference, Anderson told Industrial Equipment News that he believes the economic turmoil will continue through 2009 and into 2010. One likely trend going forward, he said, would be a continued downsizing of packaging as the industry strives for increased cost effectiveness.
Anderson said that high-end food stores will suffer somewhat as consumers tighten purse strings and head for the big box stores instead of the more chic organic food merchants. But, people still need to eat so they will continue to buy food, he said.
Meanwhile, overseas Anderson sees severe weakening of the economic and business climate, pointing to Germany where two months ago it was pretty much business as usual. Since then, he said, business has gone into a steep dive as the economic picture in Europe continues to worsen.
Expressing some optimism over the election of a new president here in the U.S. and a fresh start for a new administration in Washington next year, Anderson admitted that 2009 is still too difficult to predict for the packaging sector at this point.
Packaging Green
Like many recent trade shows, Pack Expo 2008 is taking part in a green theme, highlighting booths with environmentally friendly products. The show is also encouraging attendees to “go green” by offering free METRA commuter rail passes, recycling badge holders, and proving recycling bins for paper. Pack Expo’s directory guide also shed a few pounds with a pocket-sized guide. Those of us combing the show floor at the massive McCormick Center, accumulating press releases and product information greatly appreciate the more compact book.
The show will also focus its conference and keynotes sessions around the idea of sustainability covering topics including innovation in packaging, safety, and the green benefits provided by packaging. They also will discuss ways to improve sustainability in all levels manufacturing; providing quick tips and longer term actions toward a more eco-conscious operation.
The show, co-located with Processing Expo this year, will continue through Thursday, November 13. IEN will provide show updates from the floor at McCormick place throughout the week.