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PACK EXPO International Returns to Chicago

The largest packaging and processing event in North America is back in-person for the first time since 2018.

THE LAST TIME PACK EXPO International was in Chicago, it was two years before the pandemic, and concerns like supply chain reliability, automation, ingredient availability, and a labor shortage might have been on the industry’s collective radar but weren’t the urgent challenges they are today. This year, as the event returns in-person for the first time since 2018, those top-of-mind issues will be addressed in a multitude of practical ways, giving processors the tools and strategies they need to overcome those operational hurdles.

PACK EXPO International will take place Oct. 23-26 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, with more than 2,100 exhibitors displaying the latest technologies in packaging and processing for more than 40 vertical markets in 1.2 million net square feet of exhibit space, as well as 100+ free educational sessions located on the show floor.

That’s a lot of territory to cover, so to help narrow it down, here are some of the must-see attractions for food and beverage processors at PACK EXPO International 2022.

The Processing Zone

In today’s manufacturing environment, processing and packaging are integrated systems, making it critical to bring both solutions under one roof. The Processing Zone returns this year, showcasing the latest industry breakthroughs and widest variety of food and beverage processing equipment. Start your search for front-of-the-line solutions to increase e ciency, achieve total system integration, and ensure safety. Visit The Processing Zone in the Lakeside Center (upper level) at McCormick Place, Booths LU-7000 to LU-7799.

Adding to the Innovation Stages in the North Hall, new at PACK EXPO International is the Processing Innovation Stage, focusing on the newest food and beverage processing breakthroughs.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PMMI

The Processing Zone returns to PACK EXPO International this year, showcasing the latest industry breakthroughs and widest variety of food and beverage processing equipment. Attendees will have an up-close view of front-of-the-line solutions for their operations.

Conveniently located in the Processing Zone (Booth LU-7130), no additional registration is required for attendees to take a break from the show floor and learn something new. Education sessions will take place there Sunday through Tuesday (Oct. 23-25).

ProFood World Awards Presentations

On that Innovation Stage, ProFood World will recognize food and beverage processors excelling in the areas of sustainability and manufacturing breakthroughs. On Sunday at 4 p.m., Editor-at-Large Joyce Fassl will present our Sustainability Excellence in Manufacturing Awards. Stop by to hear what executives from Conagra Brands, Smithfield Foods, and Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods have to say about their winning e orts in sustainability. Then on Tuesday at

PHOTO COURTESY OF PMMI

PACK EXPO International has more than 2,100 exhibitors displaying the newest technology in packaging and processing for over 40 vertical markets in 1.2 million net square feet of exhibit space, plus dozens of free educational sessions located on the show floor.

4:15 p.m., we’ll present our Manufacturing Innovation Awards to Sugarlands Distilling and United Airlines Catering Kitchen Operations for being at the forefront of cost-e ective and e cient food and beverage processing.

Emerging Brands Summit

Also new this year is the Emerging Brands Summit, brought to you by PMMI Media Group. The Emerging Brands Summit is a one-day event featuring educational content and tabletop exhibits aimed at founders and leaders of start-up manufacturing companies looking to scale their brands to larger production through in-house facility build-out, or outsourced relationships with contract manufacturers and packagers.

Exhibitors will include packaging machinery, packaging materials, processing equipment, and contract manufacturing and packaging. The Emerging Brands Summit will take place Sunday, Oct. 23, from 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., in Room S-100 at McCormick Place.

PACK to the Future Exhibit

Go PACK to the Future in an interactive exhibit new to PACK EXPO International. PACK to the Future celebrates the role of packaging and processing through history, and the impact it is poised to have on our future.

This curated exhibit includes historical equipment, materials, and photographs spanning 250 years, journeying through the evolution of packaging and

PACK EXPO International at a Glance

Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago, Ill. Dates: Oct. 23-26, 2022 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday Register: www.packexpointernational.com

processing, and highlighting how the industry developed alongside civilization. PACK to the Future is located in the West Building at Booth W-20001.

While there, don’t miss the nearby PACK to the Future Stage (Booth W-20025) for thought-provoking sessions on groundbreaking industry advancements, with presentations by industry experts on advances in pharmaceutical and cannabis packaging, wireless factory automation, sustainable alternatives, smart packaging, artificial intelligence, and more.

Styx Concert at PACK gives BACK

PACK EXPO’s annual event, PACK gives BACK, returns to PACK EXPO International, and for the first time in its Chicago history, the event will be a musical concert, performed by the multi-million-selling rock band Styx at McCormick Place.

Styx has sold more than 20 million albums, including four consecutive triple-platinum records from 1977 to 1981. The band’s catalog contains over four decades of hit songs, including Come Sail Away, Mr. Roboto, Too Much Time on My Hands, Lady, Babe, The Best of Times, Fooling Yourself, Renegade, and Blue Collar Man.

Tickets to the concert are $95 each. Or take advantage of a 10-tickets-for-the-price-of-nine deal to treat customers or business partners to the show. Guests can enjoy pre-show networking with refreshments and appetizers before the concert. PACK gives BACK is sponsored by Rockwell Automation and proceeds benefit the PMMI Foundation, which provides financial support for packaging and processing education in the U.S. and Canada.

For a more complete processingfocused preview of PACK EXPO International, check out The Processing Zone Showcase.

TUNNEL CARTON FREEZER

Built to simultaneously freeze di erent products with di erent freezing times, the AATFreezing freezer has a throughput up to 30 tons/hr. The BoxFreezer/VRT tunnel carton freezer features cooling systems with transverse airflow to cover a greater surface area with cold air. Cartons or crates are rolled into the system; no carton or box is ever pushed. The product carriers (airflow shelves) are designed to be cooled down from all sides by cold airstream flows. Multiple freezing zones within the freezer can be used, with unneeded zones switched o . Advanced Equipment | advancedfreezer.com

WAREHOUSE UNIT COOLER

Operated using glycol or CO2 refrigerants, the Heatcraft cooler provides extended capabilities required by large industrial cooling/freezing and cold storage applications. Built on a durable chassis, the warehouse unit cooler features installation- and service-friendly features, such as composite hinged and removable access panels, an easy-service motor mount, and a hinged drain pin. It is available in air, electric, and hot gas defrost versions. Heatcraft Refrigeration Products | heatcraftrpd.com

Increase your Food Freezing IQ and profits with the new Freshline® IQ freezer— a SMART choice

Designed with economy, e ciency and hygiene in mind, the IQ cryogenic freezer o ers continuous high throughput on a broad range of foods with easy clean up. Ten-foot modular sections make it eld expandable with a minimal capital investment. A remote monitoring system allows for trouble shooting from afar.

Increase your IQ and pro ts . . . visit airproducts.com/IQ or call 800-654-4567 (code 9050).

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MODULAR CHILLERS

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Combining variable speed technology with an auto tank leveling algorithm, Delta T Systems chillers have integrated redundant VFD pumps for both hot and cold water processes. The modular units include an integrated PLC and HMI for redundancy. Available in water-cooled and air-cooled systems, the chillers support up to 14 units in parallel with a total cooling capacity of up to 840 tons. Delta T Systems | deltatsys.com

COMPACT UNIT COOLER

Designed for walk-in cooler and freezer applications, the Danfoss Climate Solutions unit cooler features cross-rifling inside the heat exchanger tubing to maximize air turbulence. It features a variable-speed-capable fan motor, stainless-steel slotted brackets in both front and back, and an electric defrost coil design with coil-embedded heaters. The Optyma cooler has a capacity range with 6 and 4 fpi. Low/medium- and high-profile models are available. Danfoss Climate Solutions | danfoss.com

IMPINGEMENT FREEZER

Using a high-speed airstream from above and below products, the OctoFrost impingement freezer achieves quick freezing in a few minutes. Multiple straight belts allow processors to run di erent products at each level. The compact, multi-level unit is suitable for freezing thin food products, such as hamburgers, fish and chicken fillets, shrimp, and dumplings, and for crust freezing prior to slicing larger products. OctoFrost | octofrost.com

HEAT PUMP SYSTEM

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Based on high-temperature heat pumps, the GEA heat pump system recovers waste heat from the exhaust air or other plant cooling processes. With the GEA AddCool system, warm water fl ows through an evaporator containing liquid CO2 that absorbs the water’s heat as it vaporizes. Passing through the compressor, the gaseous CO2 is further pressurized, resulting in a commensurate rise in temperature and transferable energy, which is used to heat up the air in the spray dryer. As a result, the CO2 refrigerant cools again and moves through an expansion valve that reduces the gas’s pressure, further lowering its temperature. The hot air for use in the dryer is produced at the same time as cold water, which can be channeled to chillers elsewhere in the plant. GEA | gea.com

2D DICER DECORATING SYSTEM

Compatible with the Deco-Mate, the Unifi ller decorating system has an intuitive interface to simplify operator use. The Electro-Mate automated system includes an onboard computer to fi ne-tune settings and save recipes. Capable of creating shell borders and other decorations, it can be used with round or sheet cakes. Unifi ller Systems | unifi ller.com

Built for processing meat, poultry, and alternative proteins, the Urschel dicer creates 2D dices, strips, or shreds from product of a predetermined thickness. The belt-fed M VersaPro (MVP) 2D dicer has 12-in. infeed and takeaway belts that work together for even transitioning of product and discharging into totes. An IP69Kcertifi ed electrical enclosure features a double-sealed door for protection during washdown. An optional fl uted crosscut is driven by a 5 hp (3.7 kW) motor equipped with a variable-frequency drive. An available intuitive touchscreen HMI option gathers data; monitors machine components, including sensors and amperage; adjusts operating speeds; and saves recipes. Urschel Laboratories | urschel.com