According to a recent study from PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, retail ready packaging (RRP) markets around the world are healthy and growing. Urbanization, population and economic growth are significant factors driving the demand for RRP in developing regions such as Africa, Asia and Central and South America. With as much influence, large box stores are further defining the RRP market  and exerting considerable influence over their suppliers’ investment and product decisions.

To keep up with the demand for RRP, many brand owners are turning to OEMs that can provide the technology they need without a significant investment. In lieu of investing in large-scale equipment, customers are looking for places to customize along their lines. Advanced automation further speeds time to market, and with minimal investment.

Plan in Advance

Whether a brand owner intends to update a line with targeted components or completely renovate the back end of the line with new equipment, it takes thorough analysis to understand and ensure the return on investment of these changes. Manufacturers must work with suppliers as they consider energy consumption, maintenance costs, speed, precision and flexibility.

Beyond the scope of their operations, manufacturers should also look to outside influencers that continue to drive the adoption and evolution of RRP. While demand for RRP continues to be driven by large box stores, drug stores represent a good test market for new RRP due to the large selection and low volumes of these stores – allowing manufacturers to make adjustments before investing in more sizeable batches.

Automate

Line automation can advance nearly all areas of a production line and RRP is no exception. Autonomous machinery can increase a manufacturer’s profitability, product quality and volume production, while presenting safer working conditions. According to the study, flexibility for multiple product runs and versatility to deploy a shelf-ready display case are among the top RRP equipment priorities for manufacturers.

Retail-ready Success

Food and beverage manufacturers looking for technologies that help them develop RRP for maximum profitability and retailer satisfaction will find countless options at North America’s largest processing and packaging trade show – PACK EXPO International 2014 (Nov. 2–5, McCormick Place, Chicago). Destinations such as The Brand Zone, located in the North Upper Hall, will serve as a dedicated area of inspiration for brand managers and package designers. The Brand Zone will also house The Showcase of Packaging Innovations®, sponsored by the Dow Chemical Company.

Visit packexpointernational.com to register for the show today. Registration is $30 prior to Oct. 3, 2014 and $60 thereafter. 

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, is a trade association representing over 650 packaging and processing supply chain companies that provide a full range of packaging and processing machinery, materials, components and containers. PMMI actively brings buyers and sellers together through programs and events such as The PACK EXPO family of trade shows, packexpo.com, PMT Magazine, PACK EXPO Show Daily, networking events and educational programs.

PMMI organizes the PACK EXPO trade shows: PACK EXPO International, Pharma EXPO, co-located with PACK EXPO International and presented jointly with the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE); PACK EXPO Las Vegas, PACK EXPO East, EXPO PACK México and EXPO PACK Guadalajara, connecting participants in the packaging and processing supply chain with their customers around the world. Coming Up:  PACK EXPO International 2014, Nov. 2-5 (McCormick Place, Chicago); Pharma EXPO, co-located with PACK EXPO International 2014; PACK EXPO East, debuting Feb. 16–18, 2015 (Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia); EXPO PACK Guadalajara 2015, March 10-12, 2015 (Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico).

Learn more about PMMI and the PACK EXPO trade shows at PMMI.org and Packexpo.com.