EXPO PACK Mexico draws record number of participants
EXPO PACK Mexico 2024, held June 4-7 in Mexico City, Mexico, drew a record 20,000 packaging and processing buyers representing more than 40 markets.
The expo, which spanned more than 217,600 net square feet of sold-out exhibit space at EXPO Sante Fe Mexico convention center, featured 700 exhibitors, according to a news release from PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the EXPO PACK show organizer.
“EXPO PACK Mexico 2024 outpaced all expectations,” Celia Navarrete, EXPO PACK director, said in the release. “Attendees came seeking to network with peers and learn about the best and newest packaging and processing technologies. The show delivered all this and more.
“This show was crucial for the region’s companies to help them keep up with the world’s best innovation and technological developments.”
Exhibitors showcased technologies addressing sustainability, efficiency and consumer convenience, including eco-friendly materials, biodegradable packaging and smart packaging.
“It is a great honor to be here,” Jose Canada, commercial director of packaging design and manufacturing company Coesia Latin America, said. “It is very important to have a meeting point with customers and market players, especially local ones.”
The expo featured on-site presentations and Innovation Stage sessions, with experts sharing information about case studies and best practices. Keynote speakers included representatives from Natura Mexico, Grupo Hada, Unilever Mexico, Walmart Mexico and Central America, and the World Packaging Organisation. The Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network Latin America Chapter held a panel on gender equality and diversity in the packaging industry.
EXPO PACK Online, featuring exhibitor information, keynote sessions and Innovation Stage presentations, will be available until July 15.
International flavor
The event featured nine international pavilions from Brazil, Canada, China, France, Italy, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, and the U.S. The PMMI Pavilion
PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, and EXPO PACK show organizer reported a strong commitment to the Latin American market from its members. The PMMI Pavilion alone featured 108 exhibitors and 53,347 net square feet of exhibit space.
PMMI’s Young Professionals Network also hosted a breakfast for industry professionals under 34, with more than 60 attendees hearing about career opportunities from an executive panel moderated by Jorge Izquierdo, PMMI’s vice president of market development.
Vision 2030 brought together 100 consumer packaged goods companies, original equipment manufacturers and agents to address technology’s role in solutions to workforce challenges. A presentation on the market for packaging machinery in Mexico highlighted that imports of packaging machinery in the country have grown more than 50% in the past two years.
Nearly 100 exhibitors participated in the EXPO PACK Verde program, where exhibitors showcased biodegradable packaging, new packaging reduction processes, recyclable and recycled-content materials, or technology to reduce carbon footprint.
Innovation awards
The Mexican Association of Packaging presented its Envase Estelar Awards during the show. A total of 59 entries from 21 companies were submitted, with Best in Show going to Nanoretorta with Sprout – Biomaussan (Mango) by digital printing, laminating, and packaging finishing company Nangruppe.
Other category winners included:
- Food-saving packaging: Nanoretorta with Spout – Biomaussan (Mango) by Nanogruppe
- Marketing: Mainstay 20 KG by Folmex
- Sustainability: 100% Paper Bubble Mailer by Sealed Air
- Digital: Nanopouch Mosaic HP by Nanogruppe
- Packaging: Glove Box Form
- Pet: Nanosachet Pet Campi by Nanogruppe
- Household packaging: Henkel PCR Laundry Bottle – Persil
- Alcoholic beverages: Matusalem Rum by O-I
PACK EXPO International, set for Nov. 3-6 in Chicago, is the next trade show on the PACK EXPO calendar. EXPO PACK Guadalajara will be held June 10-12, 2025.
