Sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company Located in the Rouge Room at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park.

Breakfast will be served in the Exhibit Hall area of the Imperial Ballroom.

Learn how Coca-Cola Company, the world's largest beverage company, incorporates caps and closures into their products and their view on innovative products that will affect the beverage market in the future.

James Ray of ICIS will share a global perspective on the use of polyethylene, polypropylene and other resins for caps and closures and discuss performance and pricing trends.

A discussion of consumer trends and what this means for manufacturing from the perspective of a large processor of caps and closures.

Lunch will be served in the Exhibit Hall area of the Imperial Ballroom.

Education and outreach are key factors to ensure caps and closures are successfully recycled. This presentation will provide an overview of APR’s Caps On Initiative, caps in the recycling process, and how caps, closures and attachments are addressed in the APR Design® Guide for Plastics Recyclability.

This presentation will look at the growing presence of digital printing for caps and how it can be used effectively in manufacturing. Marco Andrea Ferri of Sacmi will cover such areas as: • Why caps digital printing • How it works • Machine performances and specs • From characteristics to benefits • Inks • Where we are

Sponsored by NOVA Chemicals. Located at the Skydeck Chicago, 99th floor of Willis Tower. Transportation to the Willis Tower from the Fairmont is provided. Buses will be running from 6 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Breakfast will be served in the Exhibit Hall area of the Imperial Ballroom.

Workplace violence is seriously effecting workplace productivity, morale and the ability of the workforce to adapt to and create the changes needed and expected by leaders. And all on your watch. Psychologist, executive search professional, TEDx Talk presenter and author, Dr. Russ Riendeau will deliver much-needed, real time data and insights to demonstrate how: • Leaders deliver the message and action steps being taken to increase both personal safety measures in the workplace, as well as those traveling for business, and for families left behind when employees must travel • Caps and closures manufacturers and brand owners are affecting the overall health and well-being of workers through new approaches to product protection, safety, ease of opening and other measures, based on interviews with executives at key companies.

How can caps and closures, and packaging in general, help grow revenue for a brand and lead to greater retail success. Joe Stodola of Jabil Packaging Solutions, formerly Nypro, will discuss how this can be done successfully in collaborative approaches with brand owners.

Three years ago, z-moulds made a cube mold with its patented z-cube® technology for a 2-component part used in a re-sealable can closure. The closure itself was brand new on the market and since then the market shares of this innovative closure solution have grown consistently. Nowadays, the need exists to increase the production output with additional molds. The aim is not only to multiply the output by additional systems but to be more effective overall. The main two drivers for reaching a higher efficiency are faster cycle times and less complexity of the technology itself and therefore less downtime for maintenance. z-moulds will unveil an innovative new concept that reaches both targets. The complexity was reduced by changing the system from a cube mold technology to a standard single-face mold with injection of both materials from the same hot half and the cycle time was reduced by more than 25 percent. The overall efficiency reached a new level by increasing output and decreasing downtime for maintenance. The new solution is now under patent.

Although the majority of color sold today is still pelletized, the latest advancements in liquid color technology has motivated brand owners and processors alike to seriously consider making the change.Find out how to use or transition to liquid color and capitalize on these latest technological advancements, which can result in energy savings, accuracy, cleanliness, zero waste, compliance conformance and improved productivity.

Hear from the finalists for Plastics News' Plastics Caps & Closures Innovation Award in special presentations by each, before the grand prize winner of this first-annual award is announced.

Successful strategic planning requires the ability to see trends and build flexible strategies for both the current and future business environment. Procurement and supply chain executives miss the mark on long-range strategic planning without an understanding of the changes that will occur in the long term. Mega-mergers, industry consolidations, venture capital acquisitions and faster product life cycles and major digital disruption all play a major role in building the strategy of tomorrow. The push for increased customer value, technology changes and the drive for supply chain integration will restructure the way we do business in the future. Changes resulting from big-data, the internet of things and changing global markets will impact how we manage supply chain strategies This session will focus on 10 Megatrends changing the way we buy and work.

A special session that will discuss e-commerce growth and evolving requirements for shipping liquids, as well as the use of induction sealing that is designed for the consumer.

Sports caps are without a doubt the one of the most popular and demanded plastic closures on the market. They combine everything today’s fast-paced beverage consumers desire: convenient, easy to use and safe beverage closures. The speech will give an insight into the latest innovations and current developments in Sports Cap’s quality control, including inspection challenges as well as solutions.