With a fully integrated conference program and more than 160 booths featuring contract-packaging options, materials, containers and packaging solutions, the Packaging Summit Expo and Conference will take place May 13 to 15 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. It is designed to help packaging professionals find solutions in sustainable packaging, sourcing and ways to drive innovation, many of which will be demonstrated live on the show floor.

“The Packaging Summit allows packagers to get down to business quickly and easily, offering the largest concentration of co-packers in one place, as well as suppliers focused on materials and containers with sustainable packaging options,” says Daniel Brindley, Tarsus Group USA executive show director.

With three annual events under its belt, Tarsus and the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP), the show sponsors, have identified a niche, Brindley explains. “The Packaging Summit differentiates itself from other shows by offering packaging professionals valuable insights from industry heavyweights who drive packaging sustainability and innovation.”

Speakers scheduled for the event include Wal-Mart senior director of supplier development Paul Lewellen and Unilever environmental sustainability packaging manager Humberto Garcia. Attendees of past shows represented a range of industries, including food, beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical and neutraceutical, industrial, instruments and controls and household and chemical products.

Billed as “the global crossroads for innovation and sustainable solutions,” the conference agenda has a global focus. Lewellen will detail Wal-Mart's Global Innovation Project; Rickett Benckiser global packaging director Arno Melchior will discuss working with EU regulations on packaging waste; and SoliPax president Henry Florentius will discuss packaging in China.

The IoPP also will reveal the recipients of its annual AmeriStar Awards for packaging design at The Packaging Summit.

For further information, visit www.pkgsummit.com.