The second edition of the CPP (Converting & Package Printing) Expo, which ran alongside the Pack Expo Intl. and Process Expo events at Chicago's McCormick Place Complex last month, featured more than 100 exhibitors of products and services for flexible-packaging, labels, cartons and other materials manufacturing. While CPP Expo focused exclusively on converting/package printing, the show proved its value as a key supply-chain link uniting food processors, CPGs of all stripes, and packaging converters.

The Comexi North America booth (above right), to cite just one example, was busy with customers investigating the latest developments in wide-web gearless printing. Comexi highlighted its new eFI 2510 10-color CI-flexo press, capable of print speeds up to 1,150 fpm.

According to CPP Expo president Leo Nadolske, sign-ups for both CPP Expo 2007 and 2008 were positive. Of the 132 exhibiting companies on the CPP Expo show floor, 52 percent have reserved space in future CPP Expos; 64 percent of whom have opted to contract for both events, with four new equipment manufacturers confirming space for next year with plans to bring operating machinery.

CPP Expo 2007 will take place Oct. 15-17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas; CPP Expo 2008 is set for Nov. 9-13, 2008, at McCormick's Lakeside Center in Chicago. Both events will again co-locate with Pack Expo Intl. and Process Expo.