Packaging and manufacturing technology showcased in Chicago IEFP/Pack Expo 2002 kicks off November 3

Dairy Foods, Oct, 2002 by David Phillips

The world's largest packaging show kicks off next month at its biennial Chicago location and there's plenty in store for dairy processors.

"Your Direct Route to Packaging Innovations" is the theme of Pack Expo International 2002, which along with the co-located International Exposition for Food Processors[R] 2002 will showcase 1600 of the most exciting, innovative packaging and processing exhibitors. Located at Chicago's McCormick Place, this year's Pack Expo is expected to draw 50,000 qualified attendees, including more than 6,000 international visitors from more than 60 countries.

Pack Expo International 2002 will be the showcase for packaging, attracting companies which represent every sector of the industry to exhibit the latest innovations in packaging machinery, converting machinery, materials, packages and containers, controls, software, components, fabrication, robotics and design systems.

Pack Expo International 2002 is sponsored by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute.

IEFP will focus on the newest developments in processing technology to meet the challenges faced by the industry's food and beverage manufacturers. IEFP exhibitors will demonstrate state-of-the-art equipment, supplies and services in the beverage, bakery, confectionery, fresh cut produce, prepared foods, can-making, meat, dairy and snack food industries. Decision-makers from the world's top food processing companies will come to see the latest in air and liquid handling, food and liquid processing equipment, engineering/architectural design, cooling/freezing equipment, instrumentation/controls, material handling, quality control, environmental solutions, plant sanitation and more.

International Exposition for Food Processors[R] 2002 will feature more than 350 companies utilizing over 90,000 net square feet of exhibit space.

Among those exhibiting at IEFP/Pack Expo will be dozens of companies with products and services specifically related to dairy processing.

Program Highlights

Three days of morning conferences (Nov. 4-6) will cover a diverse array of topics including packaging industry consolidation, advances in materials and machinery, design issues, keys to innovation and more. Below are a few examples of conference sessions that might appeal to dairy processors:

Nov. 4, 9 a.m.: Beyond the Brown Box: Understanding and Satisfying the Very Different Corrugated Case Demands of Club Stores/Mass Merchandisers and Drink Pouch Packagers.

Nov. 5, 9 a.m.: The Retortable Paperboard Carton Gets Ready to Enter the U.S. Market. Speaker: Steve Hellen-schmidt, General Manager, Tetra Recart for Tetra Pak, Inc.

Nov. 5, 9:45 a.m.: Strategies for Automating and Integrating Manufacturing and Packaging Lines.

Nov. 5, 10:45 a.m.: New Developments in Aseptic Bottling of Fruit Juices, Isotonics and Dairy-Based Drinks.

Nov. 6, 8:00 a.m.: Understanding and Meeting the Packaging Requirements of Mass Merchandisers and Club Stores.

Nov. 6, 9:45 a.m.: Hardening the Packaging Supply Chain Against Attack.

Nov. 6, 12:15 p.m.: Assessing the Latest Advances in Shrink Sleeve Label Films.