Pregis highlights five key packaging themes from Pack Expo--sustainability, customer experience, automation, digitalization and industry partnerships

Sustainability

If there is one common theme in packaging today, it is sustainability. PMMI partnered with Fuseneo to curate the Sustainability Central exhibit to help attendees experience sustainability through the view of a city tour.  High impact graphics, compelling stories and stats helped attendees immerse themselves in the many ways that packaging can support a company’s sustainability mission. From materials to end of life disposal, this complex topic deserves attention and education.  

When it comes to packaging materials, consumers want recyclability and recycled content to support a circular economy. Manufacturers are increasingly offering paper and poly-based packaging options featuring high levels of recycled content with post-consumer being the most desirable.  

The science behind recyclability and carbon reduction strategies has never been more cutting edge which is one of the many reasons it is such an exciting time to be in packaging. It was also exciting to witness our industry evolution through the presence of university students from the top packaging schools, along with the diversity of people and ideas coming together at the show. Inclusivity, inspiration, and business best practices were key themes at the Packaging & Processing Women's Leadership Network (PPWLN) Breakfast at Pack Expo Las Vegas.

Customer Experience

At Pregis, we have long recognized that packaging is the new “billboard” for brands especially as direct-to-consumer e-commerce has become one of the most common modes of fulfillment. It has the power to make or break a brand’s connection with their customer. This can be in the form of printing on pack or simply delighting the consumer with a “wow-worthy” unboxing moment (that is damage-free). 

As highlighted at the show, improved customer experience can also come in the form of optimizing package efficiency or adding a layer of convenience for returnable or reusable packaging.  Creating opportunities for consumers to feel good about their purchases through philanthropic or altruistic actions is also powerful in winning the hearts and minds of customers. 

We also saw the focus on customer perception taking on new life this year as the impression that a delivery makes goes beyond the consumer experience. Now companies promoting solutions for B2B shipments are considering the impact of customer perception- how a pallet is configured, shipped and received matters. At the end of the day, customers are people. As the separation between work and personal lives becomes more blurred, we should never waste a moment to make a positive impression.      

Automation

Automation has been on the rise for some time, especially following a pandemic when keeping trained employees at work was more challenging than ever. The trend towards automation is still a key driver for the packaging industry. In addition to cost and labor concerns, speed and reliability are necessary for companies to remain competitive.   

Equipment is doing more every day to take the manual and repetitive packing tasks out of the workflow – from automated bagging equipment to autonomous case erecting and right sizing to the integration of robotics into fulfillment process optimization. These solutions are helping companies increase their throughput and optimize their personnel. Automation technology is also a powerful weapon in inventory management, process controls and accuracy. 

But it was clear that there is still much to be learned about how to choose the right solution(s) for each business and maximize the value of the investment. Start with a comprehensive view of your current processes and define the end goals that you use to measure ROI before jumping in the deep end. 

Digital

The topic of automation quickly evolves into a conversation on digitization of the factory floor. How companies transform into more digitally enabled businesses is becoming a hot topic for all. From cybersecurity to AI platforms and connected devices, digital is one of the trends we all talk about, but few feel truly prepared to master as every day brings new options, unknowns, and costs. 

What is known is that digital transformation accompanied by rigorous cybersecurity protocols should be a major area of focus. Just ask the many people that were staying at the hotels affected by the cyberattacks while in Vegas! 

The good news is that the benefits of digital far outweigh the risks. The industry has already seen the benefits in the adoption of digital printing, traceability, personalization and how we are coming together to develop sustainable technologies. Whether you are an early or late adopter, be curious and engage with others that are on the fast track. 

Industry Partnerships

Another theme that was front and center at Pack Expo was the many industry partnerships that are on display. From industry associations to co-development projects and value chain partnerships, it is rewarding to see peers come together to shine a light on topics that move our industry forward and accelerate progress, especially as it relates to protecting our planet, people and profits.  

Looking for someone to partner with? Let’s connect!