The Lowdown on the Hot Topics from Pack Expo Las Vegas

October 17, 2017

If you weren’t able to make Pack Expo Vegas, or were just too busy working your own booth to mill about and take it all in, don’t worry, we have the rundown for you right here!

This year’s show attracted 1,000 more attendees than in 2015 making it the largest PACK EXPO Las Vegas in history. Preliminary numbers show about 30,000 attendees and 2,000 exhibiting companies participated this year.

We’ve gathered the top conversations that we had at the show for you below.

Digital Printing:

Digital Print technology is on everyone’s minds. If you haven’t been hearing about it you might be living under a rock (and not reading our blog!). Today’s digital is not the digital of the past. Marketers are capitalizing on the benefits of customized, variable and personalized packaging to engage with consumers on a level that has never been possible before. Sure it’s still great for short runs for product launches and market tests but where the new digital really fits is in the marketer’s toolbox.

Security:

With an increase in revenue loss for brand owners due to counterfeiting activities, brands want to know how they can protect themselves and keep their customers safe. Luckily the packaging industry is responding with a slew of innovative new technologies. Many exhibitors, including Inland, featured anti-counterfeit solutions in their booths. The focus of Inland’s Innovation Stage presentation was the difference between overt (the consumer can see it) and covert (the consumer isn’t aware it’s there) security options and what solutions are available in both forms. Security options can range from a color changing ink to a DNA forensic ink. If security if something that’s on your radar, we’ll be posting a link to our presentation soon so keep your eyes peeled.

Flexible Packaging:

It’s been a hot topic in the packaging world for a while and isn’t likely to go away anytime soon. Flexible packaging continues to be one of the fastest growing segments of the packaging industry and according to the Flexible Packaging Association holds about 20% of the U.S. packaging market. We are seeing a lot of new product launches utilizing flexible packaging (stand up pouches, zippered pouches etc.) to draw attention on shelf against competitors and big brands with larger advertising budgets. Additionally, many existing products are making the shift due to the increased convenience for consumers, reduced materials and ship weights. As with anything, as demand increases, new innovations and product development abound making the flexible packaging category a pretty exciting place to be. Keep an eye out for some exciting announcements from Inland regarding recyclable flexible packaging!

Overall the Pack Expo Las Vegas show was another great industry event. We were happy to see many of our customers stop by our booth and had the privilege of meeting many new faces!