PACK to the Future

An interactive exhibit exploring the past, present and future of packaging

Packaging innovation has evolved hand in hand with the needs of society, each driving the other to create additional advances in commerce, transportation, marketing, food, consumer goods and other industries.

Join us on a voyage of discovery into the special association between people and packaging.

Packaging Past

Travel back in time and discover the evolution of machinery, materials and technology with displays of one-of-a-kind, historic machines, packages, photographs and videos.

Participate in unique interactive and hands-on exhibits that explore:

how packaging developed as civilizations and trade evolved
how the industrial revolution led to rapid innovations and mass production
how the scientific and digital revolutions spawned new technology ad industries

Packaging Present

With the use of robots at an all-time high in manufacturing, take a look at present day robots working for a good cause! In collaboration with Blessings in a Backpack, modern-day robots will pack bags of food for school children in need in the Chicagoland area with the goal to exceed the record number of over 6,000 bags packed during the PACK EXPO Las Vegas event last year.

Packaging Future

Sustainability, e-commerce and automation will be the key players in the future of packaging. Discover sustainable packaging options for the future both in the PACK to the Future space and the nearby Showcase of Packaging Innovations.

The PACK to the Future Stage, featuring free presentations by industry experts, will showcase advancements such as sustainable solutions, smart packaging and artificial intelligence. Discover how the next-generation workforce is driving innovation in the future with special exhibits by PMMI’s University Partners.