CHICAGO – The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) and the American Meat Institute (AMI) have announced a new strategic partnership. Still in the planning stages, PMMI and AMI are discussing ways to address mutual concerns, such as safety standards and issues, as well as conducting studies related to meat packaging and processing.

During a press luncheon on Nov. 2 at Pack Expo, it was announced PMMI and AMI plan to conduct a joint study on optimizing packaging used in the meat industry while reducing packaging waste.

As part of the partnership agreement:

• AMI will participate in PMMI’s Allied Association Program. The association is also exhibiting at Pack Expo 2010 in C-13 of the McCormick Place and has promoted the event and AMI participation to its members.
• PMMI will exhibit in the 2011 AMI International Meat, Poultry and Seafood Convention and Exposition, which takes place April 11-13, 2011, at the McCormick Place in Chicago and promote its participation to PMMI members.
• PMMI and AMI are also discussing conducting jointly sponsored programs at their respective events to better serve the two groups.

"This partnership is very natural, a great fit," said Charles Yuska, president and CEO of PMMI. "That‘s especially true now that we’ve added processing solutions providers to the PMMI members and the Pack Expo exhibitor base. Clearly, this stronger relationship between AMI and PMMI will be mutually beneficial.

"These programs will reinforce our members’ mutual interests and add to the considerable value at both Pack Expo and AMI Expo," he added.

"PMMI and AMI members’ interests and concerns overlap in many places," said J. Patrick Boyle, AMI president and CEO. "Working together, we can accomplish great things for both groups and the industries we all serve."