Packaging is constantly changing, and to keep up with consumer and retail/CPG demand, we have to look at the future as "now." Thinking ahead in order to make trend predictions and how machines and materials can be used is one way to help stay ahead in the ever-changing market.

It is a new year — with a new Congress, and many new state legislatures — but the same trade wars and scrutiny over packaging and plastics exists; so, what is the outlook for flexible packing in the U.S.? Still strong and growing.

The folding carton industry prides itself on steady growth and stable earnings, much of which is based on the fact that most paper-based packaging is used for consumer staples. Nearly 60 percent of all paperboard packaging is destined for food product segments.

The glass container industry’s key indicators in North America remained generally stable between 2017 and 2018, with continued opportunities for growth in 2019 in the spirits, food and craft beverages markets.

In beverage cans, the versatility of metal packaging is being explored like never before as can manufacturers continue to innovate to make the iconic beverage can even more relevant to today’s consumer. Aluminum cans provide great taste, convenience, innovation and sustainability.

Lightweighting rigid containers is extremely important for the future of rigid packaging. Overall, plastics are lighter and more efficient than many alternatives. The lighter weight reduces waste, energy use and carbon emissions through the full life cycle of a product.

Small changes can create significant cost savings in packaging, so it’s no wonder the industrial internet of things (IIoT) is a trend that continues to grow within the broader digital transformation efforts.

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.

Robots have — and will — continue to do wonders for the labor force, in terms of helping relieve repetitive work and more mundane tasks for workers. But are we taking too many jobs away from people?

With each passing year, the legalized cannabis industry grows as the stigma associated with it decreases. Ten states currently permit recreational marijuana, over 20 more permit medicinal use, and annual nationwide spending on legal cannabis is projected to reach nearly $50 billion in the next decade.

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.

“You want to do what? With whom?” Those were some of the first questions asked when I suggested we host a farm and canning facility tour for a group of skeptical online influencers.

The ability to custom design corrugated packaging for specific use underlies its versatility and performance in a wide variety of product and distribution scenarios. To design and engineer an efficient and cost-effective package, it is important to understand the package performance requirements of the environment.

The cannabis packaging market has undergone significant growth, and various companies in many segments have recently launched recyclable packaging — such as metal cans, compostable cellophane bags and compostable pouches. Product marketing through packaging should be a focus, but meeting local and federal laws is critical for success.