Go PACK to the Future in a new interactive exhibit at PACK EXPO Las Vegas and co-located Healthcare Packaging EXPO (Sept. 27–29, 2021, Las Vegas Convention Center), presented by show producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. PACK to the Future celebrates the role of packaging and processing through history and the impact it is poised to have on our future.

Presented in the North Hall (N-11030), the curated exhibit includes nearly 30 pieces of historical equipment, materials and photographs spanning 250 years, journeying through the evolution of packaging and processing and highlighting how the industry developed alongside civilization. PACK to the Future will also pay tribute to PMMI members’ response to Covid-19.

These historical machines will be on display:

First Packaging Machines Launch an Industry—1850–1899 
Diagraph Stencil Machine

Packaging Machinery Becomes Powerful New Industry—1900–1950
FELINS String Tying Machine
MSSC Stencil Machine
RA Jones Soap Press
RA Jones Crayon Cartoner
Cozzoli Fruit/Wine Press
Urschel Gooseberry Snipper
NJM Pony Labelrite

Giant Steps for Packaging Technology & Automation—1950–2000
Nord Gear Conveyor Drive System
New England Machinery Unscrambler
Wrapade Vertical Pouch
Spee-Dee Volumetric Cup Filler 
Rovema Vertical Form Fill Seal
Polypack Shrink Wrapper
Omega Design Unscrambler
PAC Machinery Impulse Bag Sealer
All-Fill Auger Filler
Anritsu Checkweigher/Xray inspection 

Digital Revolution Transforms Packaging Machinery—1975–2000
Kliklok-Woodman Carton Former Models
Multivac Form/Fill/Seal Machine
Omron 3 early PLCs
Schubert Early Robot Packer
Heat & Control Ishida Multihead Weigher
Bestpack Carton Sealer
Columbia Okura Robotic Palletizer  
WIPOTEC OCS - EC-S Checkweigher 

Tune into a special UnPACKED with PMMI podcast series to hear more about this exciting new exhibit.

Sustainable packaging options for the future will also be on display both in the PACK to the Future exhibit and the Showcase of Packaging Innovations, sponsored by WestRock. In addition, sustainability will be a topic covered extensively on the PACK to the Future Stage.

The brand-new PACK to the Future Stage will provide thought-provoking sessions on groundbreaking industry advancements and features free presentations by industry experts on advancements in pharmaceutical and cannabis packaging, wireless factory automation, sustainable alternatives, smart packaging, artificial intelligence, and more! Click here to view the full PACK To the Future Stage Schedule.

The PACK to the Future journey also includes the Future Innovators Robotics Showcase, sponsored by Rockwell. Here, attendees can watch the future generation of packaging professionals showcase their work in this exhibit comprised of high school robotics teams from Las Vegas and surrounding area high schools demonstrating their robots. 

PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO is the only show this year covering the entire packaging and processing industry spread across four expansive convention center halls. More than 1,500 exhibitors will showcase the latest new materials, technologies, and solutions providing a first-hand look at how the packaging and processing industry is innovating along with key drivers like e-commerce, automation, remote access, and much more.

With multiple free educational platforms and countless networking opportunities, the event will provide endless prospects for exchanging ideas and professional growth.

To keep track of all the new additions as well as old favorites, attendees can use My Show Planner to check the schedule of booth activities, add education sessions, plan routes around the show floor and even schedule meetings in advance with exhibitors to maximize time in Las Vegas.

Based on all indications to date, the majority of the industry is excited to reunite with the more than 1,500 exhibitors that will be spread across four expansive halls at the Las Vegas Convention Center. PMMI has launched a show statistics page so all participants can get the latest statistics on the show. Attendee registration numbers are updated here daily in addition to a multitude of other key indicators so everyone can see at any given time how things are progressing. View the latest show stats here.

Visit packexpolasvegas.com to register. Registration, which includes access to both PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO, is $30 through Sept. 3, 2021, after which the price increases by $100.