ii “I use this show for trend analysis, technology and latest capabilities on packaging and packaging systems. The show provides a great platform for identifying business solutions, mainly on packaging, that might fit our current and future strategy.” — Nasson Mwakatage, External Innovation Scientist, Mars Petcare PACK EXPO INTERNATIONAL 2012
iii On <strong>the</strong> show floor, The Packaging Posse members observed several trends among <strong>the</strong> thousands of technologies and innovaons. The Packaging Paradigm is Shifting With <strong>the</strong> connuing growth in <strong>the</strong> number and variety of flexible packaging-related exhibits, <strong>the</strong> 2012 show clearly demonstrated a shi in <strong>the</strong> way packagers see packaging operaons. Lightweight flexible packaging formats are gradually replacing <strong>the</strong> pracce of having converters produce and ship a limited range of container shapes and sizes to <strong>the</strong>ir customers. Instead, <strong>the</strong> flexible formats are formed inline with filling, sealing, labeling and packing operaons . Evolution in <strong>the</strong> Digital Revolution Mechanical systems are giving way to digital controls, brushless DC motors, servos and o<strong>the</strong>r modern control equipment. Today’s machinery can accomplish tasks such as automacally troubleshoong, re-seng and/or repairing itself without human intervenon. It can (and does) record producon sengs for quicker, simpler, rela-‐ vely-trouble free changeovers . Maintenance manuals and data are pre-loaded into <strong>the</strong> machine’s PLC or PC memory for use in control and communicaons. And, to an increasing degree, machines are connecng with <strong>the</strong> original equipment manufacturer (OEM) online for trouble shoong or to implement modificaons, reducing or eliminang <strong>the</strong> need for onsite technical service. “Sustainability” Redefined “Sustainable packaging” at PACK EXPO Internaonal 2012 predominantly revolved around using fewer resources. On <strong>the</strong> systems side of <strong>the</strong> equaon, reducing ulity usage — energy, compressed air, reclaiming/reusing radiant heat — and <strong>the</strong> resulng cost was a recurring <strong>the</strong>me. On <strong>the</strong> materials side, “sustainable” packages ei<strong>the</strong>r used less material than <strong>the</strong>ir predecessors, were reus-able or were composed of recycled content. Biopolymer materials and packages were noceably less prevalent than in recent years, possibly because of producon and funconal issues, costs in comparison to petrochemical materials, and <strong>the</strong> maturaon of <strong>the</strong> technology. Flexible Pouches Move Beyond Kids’ Drinks Flexible pouches are making inroads into previously unexplored territories including paint and medical supplies and as replace-ments for more rigid packaging opons, such as paperboard cartons for cookies and confecons. Innovave pouch formats includ-ed single-serving cookie and snack packs, handles on larger pouches to make dispensing easier and new fitments for ease of use. Pouches have evolved into a mainstream packaging opon and a viable alternave to cans, glass, or plasc boles. Secondary products, such as mulpack equipment, plus <strong>the</strong> low-cost flexibility inherent in pouch design offer a wide range of soluons for consumer convenience, making <strong>the</strong> pouch a viable choice for almost any product. More Efficient, Easier to Maintain, Networked Equipment Advances in equipment automaon improved producon speed, output quality, ulity and flexibility while reducing <strong>the</strong> need for human labor. There was a connued focus on integrated machines, modular design and high level of operaonal flexibility with more offerings of line simulaon and line control/monitoring soware. Also noted: Increased use of touch screen controls with icons and images, ra<strong>the</strong>r than text, for ease of use without language barriers; Simplificaon of equipment to reduce changeover me, maintenance and cleaning; Conversion from mechanical/pneumac to all electric/electronic operaons. Significant machine control programming to link with serializaon efforts. Robotics on <strong>the</strong> Rise TRENDS Robots are increasingly used for a growing range of “fine motor skill” primary packaging applicaons. Robots in case packaging operaons might use long arms to handle several producon lines simultaneously, or customized grippers that provide addional flexibility. Robots can be converted fairly easily as well, as applicaons and needs change. TODAY’S MARKET DEMANDS; TOMORROW’S PACKAGING TRENDS
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