PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the Reston, Va.-based owner and producer of the PACK EXPO tradeshows, and the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) recently described their joint effort to better communicate the many roles packaging can play in food retail merchandising and along the supply chain.

Central among the components of the partnership is the PMMI–PACK EXPO Possibilities in Packaging Pavilion at FMI Connect 2014 (June 10-13 at McCormick Place in Chicago), a special exhibit showcasing packaging solutions for the future of food retail.

Subject matter experts will present talks at the Innovation Stage on topics such as sustainability, displays and design with impact, next generation packaging and smart and active packaging.

“Packaging plays a variety of roles in the consumer marketplace,” says Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO, PMMI. “The PMMI–PACK EXPO Possibilities in Packaging Pavilion at FMI Connect will explore some of the ways packaging is engaging consumers in 2014 and how to make things like new packaging formats, graphics and new technologies work for your products.”

FMI Connect is designed to connect the industry and inspire the future of food retail. FMI expects 15,000 retailers, wholesalers and their trading partners to attend, explore and collaborate on solutions to the greatest challenges of the food retail business.

“Food retailers seek to create the optimal shopping experience for their customers, and the sensory engagement with product packaging and displays is a crucial component in that experience,” notes Leslie G. Sarasin, FMI president and CEO. “Innovations in packaging enable food retailers to better protect the quality of the products, while expanding the range of marketing possibilities.”

To date, representatives from sponsor companies International Paper, Kliklok-Woodman and Hub Folding are scheduled to present at the Innovation Stage in the PMMI–PACK EXPO Possibilities in Packaging Pavilion, as are experts from the Active and Intelligent Packaging Industry Association (AIPIA). “We’ll be adding presentations to the Innovation Stage throughout the next few months,” says Yuska. “We’re looking forward to creating a dynamic display area that will educate FMI Connect attendees about the wide range of packaging options available.”

For more information about the PMMI–PACK EXPO Possibilities in Packaging Pavilion, visit www.FMIConnect.net, or contact Tom Egan, vice president, industry services, PMMI, at 571-612-3190 or tegan@pmmi.org.