The record-breaking event welcomed nearly 45,000 attendees with 2,500 exhibitors, in more than 1.25 million net square feet, according to show owner and producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. PMMI also reported 457 new exhibitors this year.

With the increasingly varying package shapes and sizes, it’s becoming more challenging to pack out a truck to its capacity, maintain stability, and remove products at multiple locations.

Whether it’s SKU proliferation, evolving drink habits or packaging solutions, beverage manufacturers are tasked with keeping up with the latest trends and solutions for today’s operations, experts note.

Poised to convene 2,500 leading industry suppliers and 50,000 packaging professionals, Pack Expo International and the co-located Healthcare Packaging Expo will take place Oct. 14-17 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

As SKU proliferation continues, the need to have custom, yet functional labels is more prevalent than ever. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must stay up-to-date on evolving trends for flexible, reliable and efficient labeling equipment to support the ever-changing beverage market.

Beverage companies are looking for ways to eliminate ink chemicals, reduce mess, improve mark appearance and reduce the cost per mark. But the printing style, or ink requirements in the case of industry-enforced MEK-free inks is only part of the coding story.

Building on smart systems and process automation trends, packaging experts are able to monitor packaging integrity, challenges with filling, and more without sacrificing line speed or date markers.

Filling equipment manufacturers are developing products that support safe, hygienic beverage filling operations while avoiding product and square footage waste

Several companies offer equipment that meets flexibility and sustainability needs and accommodate quick tool-less changeovers.

Can filling and seaming manufacturers are providing solutions that meet the needs and expectations of beverage manufacturers.