Pack Expo 2023: US Congress urged to strengthen food security as new packaging tech hits market

28 Aug 2023 --- This year’s Pack Expo trade show in Las Vegas, US, is gearing up to launch the “largest show since its inception” next month (September 11-13) with over 2,000 global exhibitors set to showcase the industry’s most “in demand” technologies.

The show will feature innovations for more than 40 vertical markets, spanning nearly 1 million square feet of exhibit space. Packaging technologies from labeling and wrapping to coding, palletizing and inspection machinery will be on display.  

We speak to some of the most prominent industry players to learn of upcoming collaborations and launches poised for announcement at the show. 

Seth Teply, president and CEO of Tetra Pak US and Canada, tells Packaging Insights the event will also be an opportunity to send a message to the US government as its lawmakers prepare to create revisions to the nation’s Farm Bill, which sets provisions for national agriculture, nutrition, conservation and forestry policies.

Digitally printed Tetra Pak cartons.The legislation provides a rare opportunity for reform, Teply says, and Pack Expo could garner investment for the packaging industry by emphasizing its crucial role in reducing food waste and cutting GHG emissions. 

The importance of this role is growing as new technologies and industrial partnerships are being rapidly formed. “We’re seeing a continued increase in demand for shelf-stable packaging,” he says.

“That’s why we’re highlighting technologies at the show that address customers’ needs for sustainability, production flexibility, workforce efficiency, product innovation and above all, ensuring food safety.” 

Technologies are being targeted at improving operational efficiencies, driving sustainability transformation, implementing go-to-market plans and creating full-plant solutions, he continues. 

Custom printing, shelf stability 
Tetra Pak will announce a new custom printing collaboration at the show, with a sampling station at its booth. 

“These digitally printed cartons of flavored water will showcase Tetra Pak Custom Printing, which enables brands to reach consumers in a more effective way by unlocking the value of the package in their hand,” says Teply. 

Tetra Pak Custom Printing is designed to create customized packaging for more effective campaigns and promotions and boost consumer brand engagement with your brand.

This can be done while maintaining customer demand for environmental sustainability advances, he says. 

“Tetra Pak is leading the charge to meet that demand. We’re very excited to also display a new size for our Tetra Brik Aseptic product, the Tetra Brik Aseptic 1500 ml, at Pack Expo. We believe this new size creates a huge opportunity for brands looking to add value to their products through innovative shelf-stable packaging.” Policymakers must support shelf stability by investing in the packaging industry, says Tetra Pak.

Shelf-stability, which means a product can be safely stored at room temperature with an extended shelf life, is a critical component in the fight against food waste – “an expansive issue in the US and around the globe, as is the carbon output from both food waste and spoilage and the additional electricity and trucking miles required for refrigerated warehousing and distribution for liquid food products,” Teply emphasizes. 

Message to congress 
As new packaging technologies enable improved shelf stability, Teply says the US government should implement two core packaging elements into the upcoming Farm Bill revisions. 

“First, Congress should include a measure singling out the need for shelf-stable packaging for liquid food.”

“Second, lawmakers should encourage food producers to adopt modern equipment that reduces carbon output by including incentives such as tax credits and accelerated depreciation.”

Given the vital importance of the reform opportunity and the urgency to mitigate climate issues, Teply concludes that he hopes policymakers consider these suggestions since “the right inducements in place in this year’s farm bill can spur innovation and the adoption of carbon-cutting technologies, with food producers leading the way.” 

Live launches and demonstrations 
Sarah Minter, Avery Dennison’s senior marketing communications manager, label and packaging materials, North America, tells us the company’s booth will be showcasing a number of highlights, including its “next generation” AD CleanFlake Technology. 

Avery Dennison will be showcasing RFID for consumer engagement at the show.AD Clean Flake is an adhesive for plastic labeling that washes off PET and high-density PE packaging during the recycling process.

Minter says the company will also be hosting live demonstrations of its IndES Elastic Staple machine, a packaging solution she says is more sustainable when compared to clamshells and blister packs.

Additionally, Avery Dennison will showcase its new direct thermal linerless label portfolio, which helps eliminate liner waste and improve productivity for converters and brands in the weight scale and logistics industries.

Connected tech, consumer engagement 
Meanwhile, radiofrequency identification (RFID) will be an important innovation area during the show, says Minter. Avery Dennison will be “bringing connected packaging solutions to life in the booth alongside pressure-sensitive innovations.”

“The booth will showcase how brands can harness the power of unique digital identification, improving origin tracing and inventory tracking while enhancing consumer engagements.”

She continues that connected packaging, such as RFID and digital ID solutions, ultimately helps strengthen supply chain visibility and consumer engagement. 

“Our teams are hoping to engage with customers who are looking to work together to build a sustainable and connected future.”

By Louis Gore-Langton