The Las Vegas Convention Center buzzed with energy as over 30,000 industry professionals descended upon PACK EXPO Las Vegas, and Cresswood Shredding Machinery was right in the heart of it. President Ryan Butzman, along with sales team members Max Fadin and Dale Adrian, represented Cresswood at one of the packaging and processing industry’s most prestigious events, discovering exciting new opportunities where sustainable recycling solutions intersect with packaging innovation.
Discovering Unexpected Opportunities
While Cresswood has built its reputation manufacturing American made industrial shredders for wood and pallet recycling, the conversations at PACK EXPO revealed significant opportunities in the packaging sector’s waste streams. Walking through halls filled with 2,300 exhibitors, it became clear that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s driving real change in how companies approach waste management.
Packaging companies generate enormous volumes of corrugated cardboard, paper cores from roll stock, and various plastic materials. Max and Dale found themselves in repeated discussions with facilities managers and sustainability directors who were actively seeking solutions to transform these waste materials from disposal costs into revenue opportunities.
Addressing Multiple Waste Streams
One recurring theme emerged throughout the three-day event: packaging facilities need comprehensive solutions for diverse waste streams. Several companies approached our team specifically interested in how paper recycling shredders could help them process corrugated and protective paper packaging materials more efficiently before baling or selling to recycling facilities.
What particularly excited Ryan was discovering how many packaging operations struggle with paper core waste. These cylindrical tubes accumulate quickly in high-volume facilities, and multiple companies expressed frustration over inefficient handling methods. The conversation about paper core recycling shredders became a recurring topic that opened doors to new market opportunities.
Dale engaged in detailed conversations about plastic recycling pre-shredders and their role in managing plastic film and stretch wrap. Packaging facilities need to reduce the size of these bulky materials before recycling, and pre-shredding creates uniform material that’s easier to handle and process—turning a waste problem into a manageable recycling stream.
The Pallet Connection
While PACK EXPO focused on packaging technologies, conversations frequently circled back to pallet waste. Every product showcased at the expo ships on pallets, and every packaging facility receives countless deliveries daily. Max shared examples of how pallet recycling shredders have helped customers turn pallet waste from a cost center into a profit center by processing damaged pallets on-site and selling the resulting wood products.
Building Industry Bridges
Ryan, Max, and Dale found themselves connecting the dots between Cresswood’s traditional wood recycling expertise and these new packaging industry applications. The experience manufacturing world class industrial grinders for wood processing translates remarkably well to the packaging industry’s diverse waste streams.
Several attendees expressed appreciation for Cresswood’s American manufacturing story. In an industry where equipment directly impacts production schedules, knowing that Cresswood builds, services, and supports every machine domestically provided significant reassurance. This reinforced the value of choosing wood waste recycling shredders and other solutions manufactured closer to home.
Looking Forward
Our PACK EXPO Las Vegas experience exceeded expectations and opened doors to markets representing significant growth potential. The packaging industry’s commitment to sustainability, combined with the substantial waste streams these operations generate, creates a natural fit for Cresswood’s equipment and expertise.
As the team continues following up with connections made in Las Vegas, one thing is clear: by bringing the same reliability and innovation that has made Cresswood a leader in wood recycling shredders to these packaging applications, we can help companies transform waste management challenges into competitive advantages.
Interested in learning how Cresswood can help transform your facility’s waste streams? Contact us today to discuss your specific challenges.
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