Pack Expo trade show in Chicago focuses on sustainability NBC Chicago [Video]

A biodegradable plastic alternative and paper board folding cartons are some of the sustainable products on display at Pack Expo at McCormick Place.

The packaging trade show expects to draw 47,000 attendees this year.

“This is going to be a record year,” said Jorge Izquierdo, the vice president of market development for PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.

“Over 3,500 exhibitors.”

Sustainability is a major focus at the show. New this year, the launch of Sustainability Central, the Sustainability Solutions Finder, the PACK EXPO Green program, and free educational sessions.

“Sustainability is key for packaging. It’s one of the things that’s shaping the industry,” said Izquierdo.

Nearly 400 million tons of plastic is produced around the world every year. According to the United Nations, only about 9% of it gets recycled.

Companies like Solutum want to change that.

“We are eliminating plastic waste,” said president and founder, Sharon Barak.

Barak says her plastic …