Sustainability, efficiency and product safety are among the top issues to be addressed with the latest packaging technology at PACK EXPO Las Vegas (Las Vegas Convention Center, 25 to 27 September), produced by PMMI, The Association of Packaging and Processing Technologies.

Co-located with the Healthcare Packaging EXPO, the event is expected to host 30,000 attendees, including 5,000 international visitors from more than 125 countries, and 2,000-plus exhibiting companies that will span nearly 900,000 net-square-feet of an almost sold-out exhibition floor.

In addition to the technology on display on the show floor, PACK EXPO Las Vegas will offer a host of educational and networking opportunities, as well as industry specific events. Here’s what to look out for:

The Containers and Materials Pavilion will address innovations, including updates on paperboard, glass, metal and plastic. Flexible and resealable packaging options will also be on display. The Showcase of Packaging Innovations, sponsored by Dow and located within the Containers and Materials Pavilion, will host award-nominated packaging solutions utilizing breakthrough technology to address consumer demands.

Sponsored by the Reusable Packaging Association, The Reusable Packaging Pavilion, is the hotspot to learn how to reduce waste, cut costs and gain supply chain efficiency.

Candy and snack connoisseurs will find the newest trends and technologies relating to aeration, batch refining, shaping, cluster production and much more at The Confectionery Pavilion, sponsored by the National Confectioners Association.

Attendees of PACK EXPO Las Vegas can network with peers, gain specialized insights or just rest and recharge at three different industry-specific lounges.

• The Beverage Cooler Lounge(Stand S-7632), hosted by the International Society of Beverage Technologists
• The Baking and Snack Break Lounge(Stand S-7832), hosted by the American Bakers Association
• Candy Bar Lounge(Stand S-7202), sponsored by Dorner Manufacturing Corp. and located in The Confectionery Pavilion

PACK EXPO Las Vegas attendees will also have free access to educational programming on the show floor. Both PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO will feature 30-minute seminars at the Innovation Stage, offering a look at breakthrough technologies, innovative applications and proven techniques from industry experts.

The PACK gives Back benefit concert, sponsored by Rockwell Automation, will be headlined by Grammy award winning band, The Doobie Brothers. A portion of the proceeds from the annual benefit will go towards the PACK EXPO Scholarship (now accepting applications from students), providing grants to US and Canadian colleges with packaging and processing programs.

Registration, which includes access to both PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO, is US$ 30 until 1 September, where after the price increases to US$ 100. For more information and to register online, visit www.packexpolasvegas.com.