In a bustling Las Vegas Convention Center filled with over 32,000 eager attendees and 2,000 exhibitors, Pack Expo 2023 was a testament to the evolving landscape of the packaging industry.
Our Co-Founder Sam Latif and Head of Packaging & Paper, Ollie Pearn, attended the event and it was a fantastic experience to represent our executive search business and a great opportunity for our two leadership consultants to connect with current clients and forge new relationships. Sam and Ollie were grateful to learn about upcoming industry trends and groundbreaking advancements in the packaging industry.
One of the most profound takeaways from Pack Expo 2023 was the undeniable shift towards sustainability within the packaging industry. Among the latest sustainability trends, the replacement of plastic with paper and pulp emerged as a pivotal highlight. With the world’s increasing focus on eco-friendly and recyclable materials, the innovations on display were a testament to the industry’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint.
Throughout the event the spotlight shone on groundbreaking innovations in fully recycled plastics, a substantial leap towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. These pioneering solutions not only reflect the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility but also signify a broader industry-wide transition towards greener practices.
The theme of transparency and scalability echoed throughout the event, as the industry explores new ways to build trust between brands and consumers. The integration of blockchain technology was a notable stride in this direction. By adopting blockchain, companies like aim to revolutionise the supply chain by providing a decentralised ledger system that ensures the authenticity and traceability of products. This innovative approach not only enhances transparency but also fosters consumer trust in the products they purchase.
The prominence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) was another major highlight at Pack Expo 2023. The event underscored the integral role of AI in various aspects of packaging, particularly in predictive maintenance, supply chain optimisation, and quality control. However, a crucial insight shared during the event was the fundamental importance of quality data in maximising AI’s potential. This realisation emphasised that reliable data serves as the linchpin for successful AI applications. Companies in the packaging industry are committed to making smarter decisions and driving efficiency through the power of AI. It’s not just about adopting AI but ensuring that it’s powered by accurate, high-quality data to yield meaningful insights and improvements in various processes.
In conclusion, the Pack Expo in Las Vegas 2023 was a testament to the packaging industry’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and transparency.
Sam and Ollie, alongside thousands of industry professionals, witnessed groundbreaking advancements in sustainable packaging solutions, AI integration, and blockchain technology.
Morgan Latif, known for its expertise in assembling diverse, high-performing leadership teams, introduced its “Project Hire” initiative earlier this year. This innovative program addresses the rising demand for high-calibre commercial talent at the national level. The success of this initiative, initially launched in the United States and across French, Italian and German-speaking European markets, has been truly remarkable.

In 2024, Morgan Latif aims to extend this initiative to new geographical areas, striving to maintain its position as a trusted partner in executive search and leadership consulting within the packaging industry as well as supporting our clients achieve their ambitious growth plans through commercial talent.
We look forward to seeing you at other conferences we are attending such as FachPack in Nuremburg and PackExpo in Chicago in 2024.
Please contact @OlliePearn to understand how Morgan Latif can support your business hire and develop high-performing teams in the Packaging sector.