Pack Expo Chicago Names Technology Excellence Winners
Attendees at the annual trade show voted on innovative solutions from three winning companies.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Consumer Goods
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Pack Expo International concluded at McCormick Place in Chicago, where attendees selected three winners for the 2026 Technology Excellence Awards. The winners were chosen from a pool of nine finalists by thousands of industry participants.
Why it matters
The awards highlight cutting-edge technologies making their debut at the event, recognizing advancements in sustainability and packaging efficiency across diverse markets. These innovations demonstrate how industry leaders are addressing performance and recycling goals.
The competition involved 9 finalists selected from a field showcasing 2,700 exhibitors across 40 vertical industries. Winners were determined by thousands of attendee votes submitted via an online and mobile app.
The players
Mitsui Chemicals America
This subsidiary of the Japan-based chemical conglomerate specializes in performance materials and industrial coatings.
Colorcon
The company is a global leader in the development and supply of formulated film coating systems and specialty excipients for the pharmaceutical and nutritional industries.
Amcor Rigid Packaging Solutions
This major packaging manufacturer focuses on developing sustainable container designs for the beverage, food, and home care sectors.
The details
Mitsui Chemicals America took the food and beverage category for its Takelac WPB 341 barrier coating, while Colorcon earned honors in general packaging and processing for the OneLock closure. Amcor Rigid Packaging Solutions won in sustainability for its DecoFusion PCR tube, which utilizes up to 100% post-consumer recycled material and reduces total package weight by up to 27%.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: Pack Expo International concluded at McCormick Place.
Market Landscape
These awards reflect a broader shift in the consumer goods sector toward high-performance, sustainable packaging solutions that reduce material usage. This trend positions winning companies to better compete for market share among brands seeking to meet rigorous environmental standards.
The adoption of these new packaging technologies may lead to more sustainable product options on store shelves in the future. Consumers should anticipate improved durability and reduced environmental footprints as these award-winning designs enter wider production.
The takeaway
The competition showcases how packaging design is evolving to emphasize both weight reduction and the use of post-consumer recycled content. Consumers can support these trends by choosing products that utilize high-percentage recycled materials in their primary packaging.
Further reading
Explore more industry trends on the Consumer Goods page.
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