On the Mark #3: Packaging Innovations, IIoT and Bridging the Skills Gap

Catching up on interesting news and innovations in production, packaging and more

Digital twins reinvent innovation in manufacturing.

The digital twin – a computer simulation of any process, machine or system – is quickly becoming an asset of the manufacturing industry. Virtual replicas can simulate an environment and, in a sense, behave like the real thing, which can help detect potential problems on a production line or test new scenarios and variables before deploying them in the real world. When digital twins are selected and used properly, they benefit organizations by capturing data for forecasting and meeting future business goals. Source: packagingdigest.com.

Is Carlsberg’s sustainable Fibre Bottle the next frontier for the beer industry?

A bottle made from sustainably sourced wood fiber and plant-based PEF polymer presents a new, low-carbon packaging alternative to glass bottles. Not only is it better for the environment but it’s better for the beer because the PEF polymer retains carbon dioxide better than conventional plastics. The global beer company says the next generation of the Fibre Bottle will aim for 80% less emissions than current single-use glass bottles and will continue to use PEF in packaging applications as it degrades into nature if it is not recycled. Source: packaging-gateway.com.

Machine builders bridge the skills gap.

Employing easy-to-use equipment and having ample training for employees on the factory floor are proving to be critical success factors during times of high employee turnover. As older workers retire, a large number of less skilled workers are now taking their place, which is creating a skills gap in operating machinery. Given the high worker turnover, companies like Anheuser-Busch are requesting that OEMs make interfaces easier to understand, more intuitive and to include on-screen training. Many OEMs are listening, adding visual learning components and even augmented reality (AR) and remote maintenance capabilities. Source: oemmagazine.org.

How to stay ahead of beverage market trends.

Consumers are driving demand of new and innovative packaging. Since the pandemic began, the beverage industry has been undergoing major transitions. Consumers are taking less frequent shopping trips and wanting to buy in bulk or online. And as environmental awareness continues to be a growing concern, demand for sustainable packaging has significantly increased. Beverage brands can stay ahead of market trends by ensuring manufacturing facilities are flexible enough to accommodate a range of packaging shapes, sizes and materials and work with OEMs experienced in custom packaging machinery. Source: packagingtechtoday.com.