(Herndon, Virginia, Feb. 20, 2026) Celebrating its 10th year, PACK EXPO East returned to Philadelphia, drawing more than 7,300 attendees and 2,700 exhibitor personnel — totaling over 10,000 packaging and processing professionals — for three dynamic days of innovation, education, and business-building connections. Produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the event (Feb. 17–19; Pennsylvania Convention Center) showcased the latest advancements in automation, smart manufacturing, sustainable materials, and AI-driven solutions shaping the industry's future.

“The energy throughout the show was exceptional,” says Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI. “PACK EXPO East brings together advanced technologies and decision-makers ready to invest. The level of engagement this year underscores the strength of our industry and the demand for innovative, automation-driven solutions.”

The regional event provided attendees with three high-energy days to explore cutting-edge machinery, breakthrough materials, advanced automation, and smart manufacturing technologies transforming the industry. This setting facilitated meaningful discussions, enabling exhibitors to better understand attendees' needs and deliver tailored innovations. Attendees enjoyed seeing new technologies, innovations, materials, and working machinery on the show floor. Exhibitors were pleased with the quality of the leads they generated during the show.

“This is my second time at PACK EXPO East, and it’s incredible to see how much the show has grown — from the number of exhibitors to the amount of equipment running live on the floor. As an exhibitor, the experience has been wonderful. We’ve connected with many high-value prospects who may not have known about us before, and we’ve generated strong leads,” says Suzanne Bakiewicz, senior business development representative, SourceAmerica.

Additionally, attendees came with projects in hand, ready to source solutions. “We’ve participated in PACK EXPO East since its launch, and this year has been especially strong for us. Traffic has been steady, and what’s most exciting is that customers are arriving with active applications, even bringing sample parts, so we can start developing solutions right away. Beyond the exhibit floor, the education sessions, MaX Marketing Breakfast, and Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network Reception add real value to the overall experience,” says Stacy Johnson, vice president of business development, Hoosier Feeder.

Having decision-makers on-site made the difference for many exhibitors. “PACK EXPO East delivered exactly what we were hoping for. The foot traffic was strong throughout the show, and more importantly, the right buyers were here. We met our lead goals, which speaks to the quality of attendees. From move-in to booth services and overall exhibitor amenities, the entire experience was seamless,” says Travis Nelson, sales engineer, ParityFactory, an Advantive Company.

PACK EXPO veteran and manufacturer of conveyor parts Lisa Khoury, president, POBCO, Inc., agrees: “We’ve had great foot traffic. The conversations have been spot-on. We’re talking to the right people. They’re bringing their problems, and we’re looking forward to providing them a solution.”

Solutions for some of the industry’s top trends filled the exhibit hall. Packaging and processing professionals witnessed the benefits that technologies such as AI, automation, and flexible machinery can deliver, including improved efficiency, reduced downtime, and support for long-term growth.

Attendees came to PACK EXPO East looking for solutions. "A few of the challenges I’m looking to solve here at PACK EXPO East involve sanitation and automating our processes, since manual operations have become a bottleneck. It’s only day one, and we’ve already found a solution that I wish we could cut a PO for today. We’re coordinating a site visit after the show and are excited about the next steps. I was genuinely sold on what I saw and really appreciated the presentation at PACK EXPO East," says Ijon Stewart, maintenance engineer manager, Whole Foods Market. “PACK EXPO East is local, which makes it much easier for our team to attend. For our engineers and production managers, we have to be strategic about time away from the facilities, and PACK EXPO East gives us a clear view into what the industry has to offer and how we can bring those innovations back to our team.”

PACK EXPO East provides local brand owners with the opportunity to learn about key technologies and innovations. "We’re a startup looking for ideas on secondary packaging solutions that are cost‑efficient and offer more automation than what we’re currently doing. We heard about PACK EXPO through an email from one of the exhibitors, and since the show is right in our backyard, it made sense to attend. This is our first PACK EXPO, and there are a ton of vendors to network with, along with great education opportunities,” says Colleen Nestler, project engineer/COO, GMP Liquid Ingredients.

Education sessions are a key part of the PACK EXPO East experience. "My role is focused on sustainability, so I'm looking for opportunities to reduce materials, especially with EPR [extended producer responsibility] regulations in mind. This is my first PACK EXPO event. While equipment isn't my focus, it’s been interesting to see how the material and automation elements fit together. We plan to attend several Innovation Stage sessions to learn more, and we've also been using the PACK EXPO app to navigate the show," says Amelia Flintrop, senior purchasing manager, sustainability & innovation, Saint-Gobain.

"It’s my first time at PACK EXPO East, and I was blown away by the machine demonstrations — especially in robotics. I came in assuming these solutions would be far outside the budget for a small‑batch facility, but after speaking with the representatives, it’s clear there are options for everyone. It was absolutely worth the drive, especially with the show being so close,” says Abdiel Sanchez, assistant distiller, Trippy Goat Distillery.

Several new features successfully debuted on the show floor, including the Containers and Materials Pavilion — a dedicated destination for paperboard, glass, metal, flexible, and resealable packaging innovations supporting brand refreshes and sustainability initiatives. The Incubator Hub, presented in partnership with Ben Franklin Technology Partners, spotlighted Pennsylvania-based startups and emerging technologies shaping the next wave of industry growth. The SMB FastTrack Program continued to support small and medium-sized manufacturers by identifying exhibitors offering flexible financing, discounts, and value-added services tailored to smaller enterprises.

Education sessions were in high demand throughout PACK EXPO East, as attendees packed theaters to gain insights into the industry’s most pressing trends and challenges. Among the most well-attended was Trends and Challenges Shaping the Future of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. Based on PMMI’s latest industry report, the session examined the operational hurdles facing manufacturers and highlighted the expanding role of automation, connectivity, and data-driven equipment in driving efficiency, compliance, and long-term growth.

Two standout sessions focused on preparing the packaging industry for the switch from traditional 1D barcodes to 2D barcodes by the GS1 Sunrise 2027 deadline. One session explained how Amazon Transparency and GS1 are working together to help brands use one barcode for product tracking, anti-counterfeiting protection, and customer engagement. The second session covered the practical steps companies need to take now to make sure the change happens smoothly across the supply chain.

Networking receptions gave key groups the opportunity to relax and connect. Both the Young Professionals Networking Reception and the PPWLN Reception brought together record numbers of professionals.

“The engagement we witnessed at PACK EXPO East confirms that the industry is actively investing in new technology such as automation, digitalization, and smarter manufacturing strategies,” says Laura Thompson, vice president, trade shows, PMMI. “Our goal is to create an environment where innovation is accessible, conversations turn into partnerships, and ideas translate into real operational progress.”

An Abundance of Solutions

Up next, the most comprehensive packaging and processing show in the Americas this year, PACK EXPO International 2026, provides in-person interaction with live machinery, materials, and other products related to pharmaceutical packaging and processing. With attendees from 40+ vertical industries and 2,600 exhibitors convening, the possibilities for connection and innovation are limitless.

Held Oct. 18–21, 2026, at Chicago’s McCormick Place, PACK EXPO International brings together 48,000 attendees from around the globe and offers numerous networking and educational opportunities as well as seven show floor destinations like the Healthcare Packaging Pavilion, Food & Beverage Processing Zone, and the Containers and Materials Pavilion, showcasing cutting-edge technologies.

The show also presents a multitude of free educational stages with more than 150 sessions on the show floor, where attendees can dive into specialized topics and learn from global industry leaders. Topics range from automation and AI to regulations and supply chain management.

Learn more about .

SCARBOROUGH, ON, Feb. 19, 2026 /CNW/ - Atlantic Packaging Products ("Atlantic") is excited to announce that its packaging solution for the Zavida Coffee Roasters^® Organica coffee has won the Best-in-ClassPAC Global award in the Technical category for package innovation design at the 2026 PAC Global Awards.

Redefining printing technologies for corrugated packaging

The packaging industry continues to evolve through innovation, and the new Zavida Coffee Roasters Organica Keurig 72 Pods box stands as a testament to the power of digital print technology. This premium corrugated package, produced on the Koenig & Bauer Durst SPC 130, demonstrates the exceptional precision and colour depth now achievable through direct digital print on uncoated white-top corrugate.

"The Koenig & Bauer Durst SPC 130 press enables high-speed, high-quality production that redefines traditional printing methods, offering exceptional flexibility and faster speed to market to meet evolving customer demands," said Larissa Fritzen, Plant Manager at Atlantic.

Transforming retail packaging to reflect brand values and story

This project highlights a significant shift in how corrugated packaging is utilized in the retail space. It moves beyond a simple box to become a canvas for premium branding.

"We've been partnering with Atlantic Packaging Products for more than twenty years. This collaboration is a clear example of how innovative internal graphic design at Zavida together with the corrugated expertise and advanced digital print capabilities of Atlantic, can elevate packaging and make it stand out on the shelf; enabling us to communicate our brand value and positioning effectively without compromising on quality or environmental responsibility," said Adi Montas, Marketing Commercialization Manager at Zavida Coffee Roasters.

Designed to reflect the natural, sustainable essence of the Organica brand, this packaging showcases vivid, high-resolution imagery with remarkable clarity.

"The intricate textures and organic tones reinforce the brand's environmental commitment through visual storytelling. The use of uncoated white-top corrugate aligns with eco-conscious values, offering a tactile experience that complements the design," said Anthony Memme, Digital Print Manager at Atlantic.

Driving innovation for sustainable packaging

The Zavida Organica project brought together Zavida, its design team, and technical experts from Atlantic Packaging Products to leverage digital innovation for sustainable packaging. Their collaboration resulted in a market-ready corrugated packaging solution that boosts brand perception and shelf visibility, with consumers responding positively to its authentic, eco-conscious design. This project highlights how partnership and advanced digital printing drive both creative quality and measurable market impact.

Montréal, February 19, 2026 — GroupBel Canada, a major food player offering healthy dairy, fruit and vegetable products and a leader in the healthy snack market, today announced the implementation of a strategic partnership with Logiag, an agricultural technology and agri-environmental consulting firm, aimed at supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with dairy production in Canada.This long-term partnership is supported by a $3.7 million investment over five years from Group Bel Canada to provide concrete support to dairy farms in adopting sustainable and measurable practices, contributing to the responsible evolution of the Canadian dairy sector.

A Structuring Partnership Supporting a Responsible Commitment

True to its mission of providing healthier and more responsible food for all, Bel places the reduction of its environmental footprint at the heart of its strategy. Bel Group has set ambitious decarbonization targets across its entire value chain, including a 25% reduction in indirect greenhouse gas emissions and sourcing 100% of its milk and fruit from farms transitioning to regenerative agriculture by 2030. Upstream dairy production represents approximately 35% of the company’s total emissions, making it a priority lever for action. To contribute concretely to these objectives, Group Bel Canada has partnered with Logiag and its Dedicated Dairy Farms program.

This initiative is based on a holistic and distinctive approach, working directly with a cohort of 34 dairy farms in Quebec and across the dairy value chain. It combines on-farm greenhouse gas measurement, the development of personalized roadmaps and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices to generate measurable, long-term impacts for producers. The resulting emission reductions are quantified and verified using an internationally recognized methodology validated by SustainCERT, ensuring the credibility and robustness of the results.

As part of this initiative, Group Bel Canada aims to reduce carbon emissions from its upstream dairy supply dedicated to Mini Babybel® production at its Sorel-Tracy plant by approximately 30%. This represents a reduction of 12,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2031—equivalent to the average annual emissions of approximately 10,000 cars.

This partnership is part of a shared value approach that complements efforts already underway in the Canadian dairy industry, aiming to generate sustainable benefits for both producers and the value chain, and to support the decarbonization of the dairy industry in Canada. This is Group Bel Canada Group's largest sustainable development project to date, with significant potential to transform the dairy sector.

Quotes

“Group Bel Canada has been present in Canada for more than 70 years. Since launching our Babybel® plant in Sorel-Tracy in 2020, we have been manufacturing more than 90% of our products locally in Quebec. This partnership with Logiag is therefore a natural next step for us, with the intention of supporting producers toward long-term agricultural resilience and acting as a generator of positive value in Canada. As a company committed to its mission, this project enables us to achieve our objectives in a concrete way, while complementing the efforts already underway within the Canadian dairy industry.”— Cristine Laforest, CEO, Group Bel Canada

“We are proud to collaborate with Group Bel Canada on this structuring initiative, a recognized leader in sustainability within the agri-food sector. The Dedicated Dairy Farms program aims to equip producers with concrete, measurable and recognized solutions to support the climate transition of dairy production, while contributing to Bel Group’s global decarbonization objectives and creating value across the entire value chain.”— Charles Nault, Founder, Co-owner and CEO, Logiag.

Klöckner Pentaplast (kp) has achieved another significant milestone in its sustainability strategy, with the recycled content used in its rXPS polystyrene trays earning Plastica Seconda Vita (PSV) certification at the 10% level.

Plastica Seconda Vita (PSV) is an independent Italian and European certification dedicated to products made from recycled plastic. It verifies both the quality and traceability of recycled content in line with ISO 14021, ensuring that materials come from reliably managed recycling processes. As the first certification scheme of its kind in Europe, PSV provides customers with a trusted mark that recognises transparent, responsibly sourced recycled materials and supports confident, credible sustainability claims.

The certification highlights the strength of kp’s rXPS range - which includes multiple tray configurations containing up to 50% recycled polystyrene - and reinforces its position as a leading solution for protein processors seeking more sustainable packaging options.

The kp rXPS range has been developed to support upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requirements for contact-sensitive packaging made from polymers other than PET, helping customers prepare for a minimum 10% mandatory recycled content by 2030 and a progressive reduction in the use of virgin plastics. The certification reflects kp’s continued investment in scaling responsibly sourced recycled materials across its product portfolio.

The recycled content used in kp rXPS trays is independently PSV‑certified at the 10% level, demonstrating compliance with strict standards for transparency, material quality, and responsible sourcing. Certification for higher recycled content proportions is available on request.

Paolo Nisci, General Manager and Sales Director Trays, Italy at kp, said, “We are committed to validating polystyrene recyclability and contributing to a more sustainable future for this material.  Receiving the prestigious PSV certification further reinforces that commitment. We will continue to develop value-adding innovations that support our customers in their own sustainability journeys, and it is rewarding to see the talent and dedication of the kp team recognised with third-party certification.

“This marks an important milestone for polystyrene trays and for plastic recycling. rXPS trays containing responsibly sourced recycled material have long been a challenge for the industry, and we are pleased to contribute to overcoming that challenge for the benefit of our customers.”

kp rXPS solutions are produced in Italy, offering a European-made option for businesses looking for high-performance products that align with their sustainability goals. The range includes standard rXPS trays, rXPS MAP trays for modified atmosphere applications, and rXPS absorbent trays, which provide an overwrap solution that negates the need for a soaker pad in moist protein applications.

To learn more about kp’s portfolio of market-leading sustainable protein packaging solutions, visit