According to show organizers The Society of the Plastics Industry (www.npe.org), packaging innovations will dominate much of the technology introduced at NPE 2006: The International Plastics Showcase. Highlights of the June 19 to 23 show at Chicago’s McCormick Place include:
- New types of degradable polymers
- Systems for extruding flexible packaging with up to a dozen layers
- Materials for breakthrough PET bottle applications
New equipment, materials, software, and services on display will include primary processing systems such as high-speed injection molding presses for thin-walled containers and extrusion lines for blown film; web converting systems and materials such as corona treaters, metallizers, and slitter-rewinders; complete package production systems including form/fill/seal, bag-making, and bottle manufacturing; raw materials including a vast range of application-specific formulations designed for lightweighting and source reduction; additives such as colorants that produce new special decorative effects; and tooling for such things as threaded closures and PET bottle preforms.
Not to be missed this year is the New Technology Pavilion. Here visitors can find out how nanotechnology can expand the performance range of plastics in packaging applications. The latest in bioplastics, recyclability, and energy efficiency innovations will also be on display.
Also part of NPE 2006 is a diversified conference program with seminars and workshops on active packaging, moldmaking, global competitiveness, and workforce development.
For more information on NPE 2006, including a complete list of exhibitors and online registration, visit www.npe.org.
