Each year, PMMI invites exhibitors to submit their most innovative packages to be voted on by PACK EXPO attendees through PACK EXPO Selects. Once the finalists are identified, PACK EXPO attendees choose the packages they feel best illustrate new and fresh concepts, products and processes in packaging.

The 13 finalists in 2008 -- chosen from a record field of almost 70 entries -- will be on display at PACK EXPO International (McCormick Place, Chicago; Nov. 9-13, 2008) in The Showcase of Packaging Innovations, sponsored by The Dow Chemical Co. and located in the Lower Lakeside Center.

PACK EXPO International attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite entries using the My PACK EXPO kiosks located throughout the show.

"This year's competition saw more entries than ever before, and participants were strong across the board," said Francesco C. Leboffe, vice president of marketing, PMMI, who is overseeing the PACK EXPO Selects program. "I predict PACK EXPO attendees will find it a challenge to choose a favorite."

All entries were developed, produced and/or executed by PACK EXPO International exhibitors within the last 12 months. To learn more about what went into a specific entry, visit the submitting company at its PACK EXPO booth.

FINALISTS

QLine IML Scround Containers
Submitted by Airlite Plastics Co. (PACK EXPO Int’l Booth E-9134)
The unique "scround" (square and round) shape, with its round opening, will work with current 410-diameter filling equipment. The heat-sealable containers offer three- or five-sided IML label options in several substrates, clarified or colored polypropylene for the lids and containers, and a different look on crowded retail shelves.

Patch Perfect
Submitted by Ampac Flexibles (PACK EXPO Int’l Booth S-2937)
The flexible ShakerPak pouch replaces a rigid canister for seeds and chemicals. The dispensing system is built into the pouch and only dispenses if the package is shaken; a reclosing feature allows for multiple applications. Benefits of the pouch include reduced shipping, storage and handling costs because of its flat format. For the consumer, it eliminates the need for a lawn and garden spreader and personal handling of the chemicals.

BRE (Ball Resealable End)
Submitted by Ball Corp. (PACK EXPO Int’l Booth E-9101)
The Ball Resealable End (BRE) is an aluminum can end with an integrated flat, plastic opening mechanism. A simple rotating movement uncovers the opening. The BRE is the world's first resealable can, and makes it possible to reseal a beverage can without losing the benefits of a can (stacking, vending, shelf life, recycling etc.). Cans with the BRE are tamper-resistant, and consumers can easily verify that the seal has not been broken.

M&M Premiums
Submitted by Bosch Packaging Technology (PACK EXPO Int’l Booth S-1230)
Form-fill-seal pouch, die cut and fitted with pressure-sensitive label that serves as a peel-to-open and push-to-close opening for upscale confections targeting female consumers.

DDF Discoloration
Submitted by Catalent Pharma Solutions (PACK EXPO Int’l Booth E-9223)
Catalent Pharma Solutions is a global provider of topical delivery product DelPouch, which Procter & Gamble has used in the packaging of its DDF Discoloration package. The self-contained, patented, unit-dose delivery system has a single-use sanitary dispensing design that consists of a small squeeze pouch with an attached foam applicator for precision dosing of lotions, creams or ointments. Only the foam pad comes in contact with the treatment area. DelPouch is available in 0.5- or 1.0-gram applications and patent-protected until 2017.

Kids Organics
Submitted by CPT Go Green (PACK EXPO Int’l Booth E-9307)
Go Green proprietary thermoforming technology is utilized to produce the register-printed trays, saving 30 percent in energy and materials, including the complete elimination of boxes and sleeves. In addition, FreshWave Steam Lidding Film is incorporated into the graphics of the tray, and allows for unique steam cooking.

Elonen Specialty Cake Carton
Submitted by Econocorp, Inc. (PACK EXPO Int’l Booth S-326)
The 340g Simcoat paperboard carton with a polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based (HOSTAPET PF 14) window features an octagonal design with consumer carry handles.

Fruit of the Loom Fun Pals/Gals/Under-Roos
Submitted by Fabri-Kal Corp. (PACK EXPO Int’l Booth E-9203)
The clear amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET) clamshell for children’s underwear is designed for hanging or stand-up display. A percentage of the package is made from post-consumer PET.

Keebler Take Alongs
Submitted by Fabri-Kal Corp. (PACK EXPO Int’l Booth E-9203)
The six-cell white polypropylene perforated cookie tray is designed for portion control and take-along convenience. Additional contributors include Harpak (PACK EXPO Int’l Booth E-9203) and Alcan.

Plumrose Center Cut Bacon
Submitted by Printpack, Inc. (PACK EXPO Int’l Booth N-4043)
Plumrose’s new Center Cut Bacon Re-Seal It package combines proprietary label technology with high-performance barrier films for easy opening and repeatable resealability for thermoform applications. Plumrose’s Re-Seal It packaging system uses a unique precision sleeve rotary die cut and label application, assuring package integrity, utility of use and easy product access.

LongHorn Chewing Tobacco
Submitted by Scandia Packaging Machinery Co. (PACK EXPO Int’l Booth S-312)
The package, a carton containing 10 cans of chewing tobacco, serves as a counter display and dispenser, with an integrated platform that positions the product to be pulled from the carton.

Linearpak for Target’s Archer Farms Cereal
Submitted by Sonoco (PACK EXPO Int’l Booth E-8801) While similar to a traditional cereal box, the Archer Farms Linearpak packages, produced by Sonoco, have several distinct differences. The new Archer Farms canisters don't have corners. Instead, the edges are gently rounded, so graphics appear to flow seamlessly around the container. The Linearpak containers sport hinged plastic overcaps that facilitate easy pouring and reclosability. Finally, when the package is opened, instead of a hard-to-open bag, consumers find a tabbed membrane top that peels away from the top of the cereal container with a gentle tug.

Movenpick Miniwelle
Submitted by Spies Kunststoffe GmbH (PACK EXPO Int’l Booth E-8536)
The ready-to-go ice cream package includes features such as a small, tamper-evident safety closure and a combination of labels. An IML-label follows the shape of the container. The self-adhesive sticker on the lid can be torn off partially to open a laid back area on the lid. The area contains a spoon, automatically dispensed within the lid production system just before labeling. The container’s exclusive shape mimics the brand logo. 

About PMMI
PMMI is a trade association with more than 550 member companies that manufacture packaging and packaging-related converting machinery, commercially available packaging machinery components, containers and materials in the United States and Canada. PMMI’s vision is to be the leading global resource for packaging, and its mission is to improve and promote members’ abilities to succeed in a global marketplace. PMMI organizes the PACK EXPO trade shows: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas and EXPO PACK Mexico. Learn more about PMMI at pmmi.org.

PACK EXPO International will be held November 9-13, 2008, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. The show will be co-located with PROCESS EXPO and Converting & Package Printing EXPO. PMMI also produces EXPO PACK Mexico, the premier packaging show in Mexico serving the Latin American region. This show will be held June 24-27, 2008, at Centro Banamex, Mexico City, Mexico. PACK EXPO Las Vegas will be held October 5-7, 2009, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit www.packexpo.com for more information.