Pack Expo Connects 2020: Paper-based innovation shines as exhibitors evaluate virtual pros and cons

12 Nov 2020 --- In the wake of the pandemic’s packaging trade show cancelations arose Pack Expo Connects, the first virtual substitution in the US event’s six-decade history, hosted from November 9-13. The paper packaging sector featured a slew of plastic alternative F&B solutions, meeting growing demands for environmentally conscious and convenient packaging.

PackagingInsights investigates the virtual trade show experience and North American industry drivers with experts from Graphic Packaging International (GPI), JASA Packaging Solutions and AR Packaging Systems.

Virtual events: The pros
Over 300 exhibitors are currently showcasing their machinery and packaging offerings via live product demos and engaging educational opportunities at Pack Expo Connects. 

Instead of in-person contact and discussions, booth traction is measured by online clicks, which Sandra Somford-Pannekeet, president at JASA Packaging Solutions, sees as a “super easy” way to find out who has shown interest in a product and organize follow-ups.

GPI is also “very grateful” for the virtual event as the company did not want to miss out on industry networking opportunities.

Moreover, the virtual option allows GPI to plan webinar attendance in advance. “We can attract more targeted folks who are interested in products because they can also research ahead of time,” says Roxanne McSpadden, director of marketing and beverage NPD.

As head of sustainability at AR Packaging Systems, Georg Gezelius appreciates how virtual events are not dependent on long transcontinental flights to bring industry experts together, lowering carbon footprints.

AR Packaging’s Boardio pack challenges heavy-weight MAP as an alternative to plastic and metal tins.Virtual events: The cons
Despite the many “upsides” of digital trade shows, Gezelius is aware that the industry is in the middle of a learning curve.

“We all want those kind of ad hoc meetings that we can get at physical events but right now I don’t think we’ve found the correct tool to achieve that. We need to get those extra steps in, those extra meetings.”

The possibility of bumping into new and old contacts at tradeshows is clearly missed. “You can plan ahead for what you want to see but the beauty of the physical trade show is the things you happen upon by walking the show floor,” notes McSpadden.

She adds that in-person events provide hands-on experience with machinery and packaging solutions that digital shows have yet to deliver on.

In terms of the number of contacts and leads, Somford-Pannekeet admits that the regular Pack Expo has been a better experience for JASA Packaging.

“We only get to see the persons that shared their data with us and not all visitors who have seen our products. This makes it difficult to figure out our exact ‘product views.’”

Digital connectivity should not be taken for granted, as evidenced on Pack Expo Connects first day. All live demos were canceled due to technical difficulties.

All in all, however, comparing the number of visitors with an average show “would not be fair,” Somford-Pannekeet acknowledges, with her company “pretty happy with the amount received so far.”

Paper innovation to replace plastic
Amid an ongoing pandemic and plastic pollution crisis, the paper packaging sector is eagerly presenting innovative fiber-based packaging solutions at Pack Expo. 

GPI is showcasing KeelClip, a paper-based multipack solution that replaces plastic rings and provides extra printing space.GPI is showcasing its paper-based multipack solution KeelClip that replaces plastic rings, tops and shrink wrap and offers front-sided merchandising benefits that conventional plastic rings miss out on. 

Meanwhile, GPI’s PaperSeal trays offer brands and retailers the opportunity to replace high barrier, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum skin packaging (VSP) plastic trays with a barrier-lined paperboard alternative. 

“Although [North American] consumers aren’t on the go the way they were pre-pandemic, there is still a need for individual proportions and things that make meal preparation easy and convenient,” McSpadden explains.

Paper trays adapt to high speeds
Recyclable paper is a popular feature of the sustainable food packaging scene. JASA Packaging’s Paper Sleever and Bag-2-Paper pack (fresh) food products in recyclable paper trays and bags, respectively. 

These types of packaging can be automated at high speeds by using the JASA Sleever and JASA’s Vertical Form Fill & Seal Bag-2-Paper. They can also be integrated into a complete weight and packaging line.

“When launching our solutions in Europe, and then bringing them over to the US, we thought we might be too early,” Somford-Pannekeet says.

“But the amount of attention and conversations we currently have and new projects that are already starting with sustainable packaging are definitely higher than expected and surprised us in a positive way.” 

Multiple sustainability questions
Arriving as an alternative to traditional plastic and tin cans is AR Packaging’s Boardio. Made from recyclable carton, the fiber-based laminate is light-weighted and customizable to different shapes and sizes for coffee, snacks and confectionery, to name a few products.

“We’ve always focused on MAP for very sensitive products, but we saw that a lot of competition in that market was solving that problem with very heavy packaging,” Gezelius flags.

A fully utilized line, producing 40 million packs annually, can save the environment 500 tons of CO2 and the producer several hundreds of work hours, the company details at its online booth.

The JASA Paper Sleever marries renewable, recyclable paper trays with high-speed machine adaptability.Brand owners and consumers in the North American market are aware that it’s “not just a single question” about renewability or recyclability or low weight, adds Gezelius.

“Most people are aware that there are several issues that need to be addressed. We see from both consumers and brand owners that there are a couple of points that have the most attention and focus.”

Hybrid solutions envisioned
Innovation in paper-based packaging is bound to continue in parallel with consumer demands for circular packaging solutions. How virtual events will proceed is dependent on how the pandemic develops.

“I envision a hybrid going forward,” says McSpadden from GPI, echoing similar calls from European virtual exhibitions from Sappi Europe, Syntegon Technology and Mosca earlier this year.

“Certainly a virtual option extends the information well beyond who is able to physically visit the event location. I expect there will be a [physical] component where people can dedicate their time for a day or two to walk a show – but the virtual component certainly is a great addition.”

By Anni Schleicher