For most of the past decade, consumers around the world have increasingly shifted their spending from brick-and-mortar to online stores, appreciating the convenience and immediacy of digital shopping. But that trend could be reversing as members of Generation Z begin flexing their economic muscle.

While many brands are striving to create lighter, more environmentally friendly and innovative packaging solutions, there are still too many products on the market today that are heavily over-packaged or over-engineered. 

With automation, the cloud and new innovative printing solutions, there are many ways to create new and unique labels. Here, we cover an automation solution that boosted a label printer’s production by 50%, a label management system stored in the cloud, a barcode printer that prints a packing list and shipping label on a single label, and a new adhesive.

From light-weighted glass and PET bottles to recycled corrugated cartons and compostable plastics, opportunities are out there. Brands and retailers rely upon packaging manufacturers to give them what consumers want — in a cost-effective, time efficient manner. 

Dow's Packaging Innovation Awards once again includes an independent judging panel of packaging professionals representing major brands, converters, OEMs, media and industry associations.

In the world of packaging, data is the key to increasing efficiency and cutting expenses to create the most profitable product. Reacting quickly to machine shutdowns, supply chain issues and safety events gets our plants back to what they are supposed to be doing: making the product.

With a competitive, evolving global market place, changes in outsourcing and scarce availability of engineering talent, the decision to make or buy conveyors is one that many companies face every day.

OMAC’s initiative to improve HMI usability and reduce operator training is moving to the next phase. As part of its efforts to develop a PackML HMI Implementation Guide, OMAC conducted a usability survey during PACK EXPO International last October. The evaluation challenged participants to complete a series of tasks on three different HMI designs.

Consumers are looking for convenience in poultry products due to smaller households and busy schedules. There is high demand for microwave-safe, flexible packaging options and designs with resealable closures, such as zippers, and small portions. As well, poultry packaging manufacturers are introducing innovative products that now include intelligent technologies.

E-commerce, concern over food waste and consumer demand for fresh, ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are spurring innovation in the food preservation market. On-the-go consumers are seeking healthy, fresh and RTE options in categories like meats, dairy and juices as an alternative to processed snacks found in the center grocery aisles.