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On
the show floor, The Packaging Posse members observed several trends among the thousands
of technologies and innovaons.
The Packaging Paradigm is Shifting
With the connuing growth in the number and variety of flexible packaging-related exhibits, the 2012
show clearly demonstrated a shi in the way packagers see packaging operaons. Lightweight flexible
packaging formats are gradually replacing the pracce of having converters produce and ship a limited
range of container shapes and sizes to their customers. Instead, the flexible formats are formed inline
with filling, sealing, labeling and packing operaons .
Evolution in the Digital Revolution
Mechanical systems are giving way to digital controls, brushless DC motors, servos and other 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 the machine’s PLC or PC memory for use in
control and communicaons. And, to an increasing degree, machines are connecng with the original equipment manufacturer
(OEM) online for trouble shoong or to implement modificaons, reducing or eliminang the need for onsite technical service.
“Sustainability” Redefined
“Sustainable packaging” at PACK EXPO Internaonal 2012 predominantly revolved around using fewer resources. On the systems
side of the equaon, reducing ulity usage — energy, compressed air, reclaiming/reusing radiant heat — and the resulng cost
was a recurring theme. On the materials side, “sustainable” packages either used less material than their 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 the maturaon of
the 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 the low-cost flexibility inherent in pouch design offer a wide range of soluons for
consumer convenience, making the 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 the 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, rather 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 the 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