Top Six Trends Shaping the Packaging Industry Today

March 7, 2023

Six trends shape the packaging industry as it is.

Automation has been a game-changer in the packaging industry thanks to its significant impact on the efficiency, speed, and accuracy of the packaging process.

As packaging companies adopt these new solutions, they’ll be increasingly capable of adapting quickly to meet changing customer demand and withstand the impact of stressors like the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s explore a few of the biggest automation trends in packaging.

1. Robotics and AMRs are boosting productivity

Robotic technologies, including autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), are rapidly becoming more prevalent in the packaging industry. These powerful solutions are designed to increase productivity and reduce the manual labor required in the packaging process.

Robots can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks, including packaging, palletizing, and labeling, while AMRs are used to transport products and materials around the warehouse. With these lower-level tasks no longer requiring manual labor, workers in the packaging industry can devote their time to more fulfilling activities that require human ingenuity.

2. Smart packaging applications are harnessing real-time monitoring data to ensure the highest quality

Smart packaging, also known as intelligent packaging, uses sensors and other technology to monitor and improve the packaging process. This includes the real-time monitoring of product quality, temperature monitoring for perishable products, and highly accurate tracking of the shipment of goods.

By using smart packaging, companies can ensure that their products are transported safely and efficiently and that customers receive high-quality products.

3. Artificial intelligence is crunching data to optimize the packaging process.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way that companies approach packaging. AI algorithms can analyze large amounts of data to optimize the packaging process, making it more efficient and reducing waste. For example, AI can be used to determine the optimal packaging design for a product by taking into account the size, weight, and fragility of the product.

Additionally, AI can be used to monitor and control the quality of the packaging process, ensuring that all products are packaged to the same standard.

4. Industry 4.0 is combining multiple automation technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution, which is characterized by the use of technology to optimize and automate industrial processes. The packaging industry is no exception, and Industry 4.0 is transforming the way that packaging companies operate.

By using Industry 4.0 solutions, companies can improve the efficiency of their packaging processes and reduce costs. This includes the use of connected devices, big data analysis, and predictive maintenance, all of which can help companies optimize their packaging processes.

5. Digital transformation efforts are helping manage orders, track shipments, boost quality, and improve sustainability. 

Digital transformation is another trend that is having a significant impact on the packaging industry. By using digital technologies, companies can automate and optimize their packaging processes, reducing manual labor and increasing efficiency. This includes the use of digital platforms to manage orders, track shipments, and monitor the quality of the packaging process.

Additionally, digital technologies are being used to create more sustainable packaging solutions, such as biodegradable and recyclable materials.

6. Sustainability concerns are becoming a major focus for packaging companies across the globe.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the packaging industry, and companies are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact. Automation can help companies achieve this by reducing waste, optimizing the use of materials, and improving the efficiency of the packaging process.

For example, robots can be programmed to minimize the use of materials, while smart packaging can be used to monitor the temperature of perishable products, reducing the risk of spoilage and waste.

Source

Related Articles

The Threat of IIoT Cyber Attacks

The Threat of IIoT Cyber Attacks

In the case of many industrial settings, the IIoT is considered the answer for numerous challenges. The connectivity that’s the result of it assists in efficiency, productivity, and profitability. When it comes to utilities, IIoT helps manage the demand, and for public infrastructure, it can help governments in delivering better services, which include public safety as well.

 

 

 

JMP SolutionsLogo 400x275

AGV and AMR Technology: Solving Your Internal Logistics Challenges

Adoption and utilization of automation and robotic technologies continues to proliferate across industries while evolving into use in increasingly complex tasks and processes. In-order-to effectively address these increasingly advanced applications, the implementation of emerging technologies such as Co-bots, Artificial Intelligence, and Autonomous Vehicles is becoming significantly more common.

 

 

 

Epiroc: Right here, right now

Epiroc: Right here, right now

The 777 zinc-copper mine in Flin Flon, Manitoba is on the wane. After 15 years in  production, the underground operation is expected to close in 2022 unless Hudbay Minerals discovers more ore. In order to keep the doors open as long as possible, the Toronto-based company is trying to find efficiencies to enhance the viability of the operation.

 

 

 

Omron: V460 Handheld Barcode Reader with Intelligent Lighting for Reading of Difficult Part Marks and Labels

Omron: V460 Handheld Barcode Reader with Intelligent Lighting for Reading of Difficult Part Marks and Labels

The new Omron V460 handheld barcode reader provides an intelligent out-of-box reading experience to decode direct part marks and labels of a variety of sizes and distances, while seamlessly communicating to the most common PLC platforms. Omron Automation launches its latest innovation for barcode reading technology for manufacturers in a variety of industries such as automotive, aerospace, life sciences, and logistics. This advanced barcode reader sets a new standard in reading all types of barcodes, including small labels and direct part marks on difficult surfaces.

PB 27 JAE logo 400

Planning a New Automation Project? Make Sure You Budget for Training and Development

Conversations about automation technology and design often focus on one thing – the technology itself. We think of the high-tech robots, the automated conveyors, or the precision welding machines that make it possible for factories to operate more efficiently, productively, and safely.

 

 

 

Changing Scene

Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.

ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More

Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More

Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More

JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More

Latest Articles

  • FANUC’s Laser Solutions: Robotic Precision Unleashed

    FANUC’s Laser Solutions: Robotic Precision Unleashed

    In the dynamic landscape of modern manufacturing, the convergence of collaborative robots (cobots), high performance industrial robots, and cutting-edge laser technology has revolutionized production processes. Among these transformative applications, laser welding stands out as a pivotal solution that seamlessly combines precision, adaptability, and safety. At the forefront of this innovation is FANUC, a global provider… Read More…

  • 7 Top Tips for Cooling IT Equipment

    7 Top Tips for Cooling IT Equipment

    As the world becomes increasingly digitalized, with a growing reliance on high-performing and reliable IT equipment, effective hardware management is essential to facilitate rapid access to large amounts of data and its analytics. The upkeep of IT infrastructure, including maintaining appropriate temperatures, ensures the reliability and security of data and minimizes the risk of system… Read More…