On the Mark #6: Experts weigh in on sustainable packaging, automation, e-commerce trends
Catching up on interesting news and innovations in production, packaging and more
Packaging Trends: Balancing Sustainability with Profits.
Most brands today are incorporating sustainability practices throughout the business. Today’s eco-friendly consumer mindset demands that sustainable practices are now a given, so brands must go above and beyond expectations to win consumer hearts and minds when it comes to packaging. But balancing sustainability practices with the need for profits is challenging. Experts recommend taking a thoughtful, holistic approach to determine the best sustainable packaging solutions for each product so that outcomes (recycling, reusing, etc.) are understood and realistic. Brands may approach sustainability with a variety of perspectives and goals – whether it’s to offset carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, participate in circular initiatives or leverage renewable packaging materials – but they have one thing in common: they must innovate to be profitable and to move the packaging industry forward. Source: Packagingdigest.com.
Succeeding in the Online Marketplace Takes the Right Strategies, Solutions and a Whole Lot of Agility.
Since the pandemic, online shopping has skyrocketed. According to a report by Insider Intelligence, e-commerce sales crossed the $1 trillion mark for the first time last year – a figure experts had expected to happen in 2024. And a recent survey of packaging professionals underscores this trend: 57% of respondents representing CPGs saw an increase in e-commerce sales over the past two years and 92% saw their organization’s packaging-related needs increase. Inventory, warehouse space and staff were mentioned as packaging challenges due to the uptick in online sales, as well as materials substitutions and re-designs. Re-thinking strategies for packaging efficiency and new supply chain solutions are among important considerations for success. Source: Packagingtechtoday.com.
What Technologies will Industry Focus on in 2023?
The automation industry continues to be driven by change and innovation. This article explores three areas of automation that are expected to increase in adoption and exploration in 2023: 1) manufacturing plant floor network expansion, requiring a thoughtful and iterative approach; 2) upgrades to legacy systems, given increased cybersecurity and infrastructure security awareness; and 3) new tech exploration to drive efficiencies, such as machine learning, process analytics, cloud computing and edge devices. Overall, 2023 may be a year for adaptation and digitalization. Source: automationworld.com.
Top 10 Articles of 2022: World’s First Tequila in Paperboard ‘Bag-in-Bottle’ Design.
At only 83 grams, Buen Vato tequila is five times lighter than a glass bottle and, crucially, uses a lot less carbon and energy to produce and dispose of. It’s made with a bottle-shaped paperboard container and metalized PET pouch made from 84% recycled material. The company took the sustainable packaging plunge when it was examined by Swedish third-party environmental auditors who deemed their heavy glass bottles ecologically untenable thus unqualified for global shipping. Investors, distributors and even internal teams were wary of the investments, believing they would not pay off. The company continues to drive this packaging concept forward, believing ethical, sustainable packaging is the right thing to do. Source: Packworld.com.