As one first-time observer of EXPO PACK Guadalajara noted, the machine that is the PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows is as efficient and coordinated South of the Border as it is in the United States. Produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the first day kicked off March 10 with a ribbon cutting and welcome from Gerardo Barajas, director of EXPO PACK Guadalajara. He highlighted the opportunities for small, medium and large attendees to find solutions among the more than 300 processing and packaging exhibitors, reading a laundry list of industries that have made the state of Jalisco a dynamic region.
“Food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and personal care, graphic arts, chemicals, household cleaners, textiles, footwear, electronic and automotive are just some of the industries driving the development of this region,” said Barajas. “I expect this diversity of markets to draw at least 10,000 attendees looking to buy equipment while also creating thousands of business contacts.”
The opportunities at EXPO PACK Guadalajara draw an international audience, with companies and attendees from over 20 countries making the 2015 edition 37 percent larger in exposition space than the show’s debut in 2013.
Along with PMMI, the show is supported by Chamber of Food Industry of Jalisco (CIAJ), the National Chamber of Industry Canned Food (CANAINCA), the Chamber of the Footwear Industry of the State of Jalisco (CICEJ), the Chamber of Commerce of Guadalajara, the Regional Chamber of Industry Transformation of the State of Jalisco (CAREINTRA), the National Chamber of Industry of Graphic Arts Jalisco (CANAGRAF Jalisco), the Association National Chemical Industry (ANIQ) and the Mexican Packaging Association (AMEE).
Still Going Green
The Mexican processing and packaging market is striving to become more environmentally sound, said Hiram Cruz Cortes, director general of AMEE. He stated that the packaging of the products consumed on a daily basis does not pollute by itself, putting the onus on the user who does not properly dispose of the package.
“You can find technology at EXPO PACK that is environmentally friendly, uses less energy and releases fewer gases into the atmosphere,” he said. “AMEE and PMMI are focusing on a sustainable vision, which reduces the environmental impact from producers, packers and consumers, i.e. a shared responsibility.”
Sòliz Stone Paper (Booth #2123) is an exhibitor showcasing a more environmentally friendly paper product that does not use traditional tree pulp. Made out of sheets of a mineral-dust mixture (80 percent calcium carbonate) and a binding material made of a non-toxic resin of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), its production doesn't require water and saves energy. Currently, the substrate is used in Europe on a variety of stone paper products and applications, including shopping bags, food packaging and labels for refrigerated beverages.
Remi Basior, vice president of sales and operations for Sphera International, which markets and distributes Stone Paper, said the Stone Paper is a true sustainable alternative.
“Unlike traditional paper, Stone Paper is eco-friendly, from its production process to its reincorporation into the environment after disposal,” said Basior. He further claimed that Stone Paper is photo degradable, gradually degrading when exposed to direct UV light.
“It cracks like an egg shell and turns back to calcium carbonate, regaining its original stone form over time,” he said. From a price standpoint, Basior said it costs about 20 percent more than tree-pulp paper, but that money is saved later in the paper’s lifecycle.
