Unpacking Tom's 4 Takeaways (+ 1 Bonus Takeaway) from PackExpo

Written by Slideways, Inc. | Nov 8, 2022 5:39:45 PM

PackExpo International 2022 was a great success for Slideways and the Packaging Machinery industry. With masks and social distancing behind us, it was so nice to share a smile and a handshake with visitors to the Slideways booth. Component suppliers and machinery OEMs pulled out all the stops with extensive booths showing their products and machines loaded with the latest technology.

Here are 4 observations from the show.

1. Robots are getting it done!

Packaging machinery is integrating more robotics than ever. The speed and reliability of the robots, combined with improved vision systems and creative end of arm tools has improved the performance of packaging machinery. The scale of the robots changes from small, quick robots picking up individual products, to large robots stacking full cases on pallets. An exhibitor went by our booth wearing a t-shirt that read “freeing humans - one robot at a time”. What a great mission statement!

2. Sustainability is gaining attention

Sustainability is getting more research and momentum behind it. PMMI and Ameripen have joined forces to research addressing recycling and presented their findings at PackExpo. Recycled materials perform differently than virgin materials on packaging machinery. PMMI is getting out front on this issue, helping members stay informed with this research.

3. Q4 and 2023

“How’s business?” is on everyone’s mind at a meeting like Pack Expo International. Our conversations indicate plenty of OEMs with backlogs, and many proposals in the pipeline. We also talked to end-users about their upcoming planned maintenance and upgrades to their existing equipment. There seems to be plenty demand in our industry.

4. People value well run, in-person trade shows

PackExpo International is a show people are willing to travel for. With 44,000 visitors, and 2,200 exhibitors this show beat the previous record set in 2018. The technology on packaging machinery has been advancing rapidly. A trade show like PackExpo International is the only way for End-Users to see it all in one place. Slideways had quality conversations and more leads than previous shows.

(BONUS) Rest your dogs before the big event

We all expect Chicago to be cold, possibly wet, and definitely windy in late September. This year it was 75 degrees and sunny. Walking around downtown for 8 miles on Saturday was not a great way to pace ourselves going into 4 days of standing in the booth. Fatigue aside, PackExpo International 2022 was a great experience for our team inside McCormick Place and in the city of Chicago.

Slideways specializes chain guides, belt guides and wear components specifically for packaging machinery. We have materials designed for the higher speeds and loads of today’s conveyors and packaging machinery. Our team at Slideways loves questions and resolving machined plastic components and conveyor belt problems.

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