PACK Challenge Sponsors Support Workforce of the Future

PepsiCo is the official title sponsor of PACK Challenge, a real-world, end-to-end packaging competition bringing together six high school teams for a machine-building challenge at PACK EXPO International (Nov. 3–6; McCormick Place, Chicago). Show producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, introduced PACK Challenge to involve students in the machine-building process, provide real-world, hands-on experience, and demonstrate the benefits and opportunities available in a career in manufacturing.

PepsiCo’s sponsorship represents its commitment to advancing the packaging and processing workforce.

"At PepsiCo, we are deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of talent in the packaging and processing sectors. PACK Challenge not only equips students with hands-on, practical experience but also opens their eyes to the vast opportunities and innovations within the industry,”  says Ron Khan, vice president, packaging, beverages, PepsiCo. “By sponsoring this competition, we aim to inspire students and underscore the importance of innovative thinking and technical skills in driving the future of sustainable and efficient packaging solutions. We believe that supporting educational initiatives like PACK Challenge is essential for cultivating a skilled workforce to lead the industry towards a more innovative and sustainable future."

PACK Challenge (Nov. 3–6; West Hall Lobby, Booth W–16005) provides five high schools with all the components necessary to build a machine that will denest and orient paper coffee cups in a mock production line. These teams will have through October 2024 to design and build their machine, which will then be crated and shipped to PACK EXPO International, where they will be judged in various areas, including design, Factor Acceptance Test (FAT), operator training, marketing and sales expertise, and Judge's Awards. The overall best-in-show team will be awarded $9,000, with second place receiving $4,500 and third place receiving $2,500 by the PMMI Foundation, which supports student opportunities at PACK EXPO events.

The PMMI Foundation works to grow awareness of careers in packaging and processing and provides financial support for packaging and processing education throughout the U.S. and Canada. Since its inception in 1998, the PMMI Foundation has given more than $3.8 million to strengthen the workforce within the industry.

“We are thrilled to host PACK Challenge and show students what a career in this industry looks like,” says Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI. “Thank you to PepsiCo for supporting our future workforce and partnering with us to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.”

In addition to PepsiCo’s title sponsorship of PACK Challenge, PMMI is pleased to have Encoder Products Company sponsor the PACK Challenge Reception (Nov. 3, 3:00–5:00 p.m. Booth W-16005, West Hall Lobby). The reception allows members and attendees to network, share their PACK EXPO experiences, and discuss industry challenges and developments.

“The PACK Challenge reception is a great place for OEMs and brand owners to connect—one of the primary goals of PACK EXPO,” Pittas says. “This will be the networking hub for the beverage industry.”

We look forward to helping attendees to network and make valuable connections outside of the show floor,” says Tim Kelley, Global Marketing Manager, Marketing, Encoder Products Company. “The PACK Challenge reception is especially valuable to introduce students to the industry who are looking and for an opportunity to make long-lasting connections.”

PACK EXPO International also offers additional activities, such as the Future Innovators Robotics Showcase and The Amazing Packaging Race, aimed at getting students excited about careers in packaging and processing and connecting them with professional mentors in the industry. For more information on student opportunities, contact Kate Fiorianti, director, workforce development, PMMI, at [email protected].

In addition to exciting networking events and student programs, PACK EXPO International is the best place to experience never-seen-before solutions from 2,700 suppliers on the show floor, bringing more than 40 vertical industries together to generate a cross-pollination of ideas and crossover solutions.

To learn more and to register, visit packexpointernational.com.