Smithers will host Sustainability in Packaging US (SUSTPACK) from March 10-12, 2026, in Chicago, IL., at the Hilton Chicago. This industry-leading event has never been more paramount. Shifting administrative support, economic headwinds, and shrinking operations have forced companies to make tough decisions regarding sustainability.
This forum will provide the entire packaging supply chain with the guidance needed to thrive in this uncertain market. Attendees will learn how to push through their initiatives while networking with industry leaders who have already done so. These include SC Johnson, WM, Terracycle, Mondelez, ProAmpac, Abbvie, Inutitive AI and erthos.
Smithers heard attendee feedback and implemented both new and beloved features of the 2025 conference. The former includes two paid, pre-conference workshops: Scaling Circular Solutions Through Cross-Industry Collaboration and EPR – Recent Implementation and What is to Come. The workshops will dive deep into these respective areas with experts Jason Bergquist (RecycleMe), Lynn Dyer (Ameripen), James Harmer (Cambridge Design Partnership) and more.
The latter resulted in a new section of the event: Four complimentary breakout sessions. These are small group discussions based on shared interests. Topics include:
- End of life for Sustainable Packaging – Compostable Packaging
- Co-Investing in Regenerative Materials & Infrastructure
- EPR Bills in Various States and Definitions of Reuse vs Recycling
- From Lab to Shelf: Material Innovation Roundtables
Additionally, once a ticket is purchased, attendees can opt in to a complimentary wellness session and one of three Chicagoland tours: LRS Exchange Material Recovery Facility, The Blue Paradox at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, and the LRS Exchange Material Recovery Facility.
These agenda changes aim to spur tangible learnings, aid in relationship building, and inspire attendees to conquer the sustainability industry with confidence.