At The Packaging Conference 2014, Michael Okoroafor, Ph.D., vice president, global packaging innovation and execution will explain how Heinz is leveraging in-house invention, supplier expertise and an active open collaboration strategy to transform its traditional mix of containers into a portfolio of strong, lightweight and increasingly bioderived packages that exceed customer and consumer expectations.
The premier event for the latest packaging initiatives and emerging technologies will be held February 3-5, 2014 in Orlando at the Rosen Shingle Creek. Discounted, early registration (by January 15th) is available.
In addition to speakers from other well-known CPG companies, the conference will also be the forum for game-changing supplier announcements. Two such presentations will be given by representatives from KHS USA and Avantium.
Arne Weise, project manager, bottles and shapes for KHS USA will be discussing the PET bottle of the future, including direct-print labeling possibilities. Avantium’s Director of Business Development Nathan Kemeling will be offering his insights on the use of polyethylene furanoate (PEF) to produce next generation, 100 percent biobased packaging. (For the preliminary agenda, please visit the website.)
Additionally, The Packaging Conference will feature for the first time a bonus Latin American session Wednesday. The objective is to provide a forum for dialog between brand owners and suppliers who are supporting the Latin American marketplace. The conference which has traditionally run from midday Monday to midday Wednesday, will now end at 3 pm on the last day.
This year’s event also will have a strong environmental component—specifically how to use sustainable packaging to create brand loyalty and environmentally-responsible alternatives which also provide cost-effective solutions, coupled with performance.
The Packaging Conference, produced by Plastic Technologies, Inc. and SBA-CCI, Inc., has established a reputation as the must-attend event for the debut of new technologies and other key industry announcements.
“The conference is designed to provide the latest information for those in the packaging supply chain. Attendees range from retailers and brand owners to resin suppliers, technology providers, equipment manufacturers and converters. Providing a forum which helps facilitate dialog between supply chain participants is an important element in meeting packaging objectives,” said John Maddox, president, SBA-CCI.
In addition to the extensive conference schedule, several key industry suppliers will also be promoting their technology via tabletop exhibits. For additional information, please visit the website.
Registration is $1,950, but those registering prior to January 15th can take advantage of the discounted early registration rate of $1,700. The fees include conference sessions and proceedings, breaks, lunch (Tuesday and Wednesday) and a Monday evening reception to promote additional networking. The group rate at Rosen Shingle Creek is an additional $169 per night, with complimentary parking.
“The robust program being developed for the 2014 event, is shaping up to be the most exciting and comprehensive packaging subject offering to-date,” said Maddox. “Our attendees should look forward to several exciting industry announcements that will be made at The Packaging Conference.”