4 Key Takeaways from Pack Expo 2024
Pack Expo 2024 provided invaluable insights into the future of packaging across life sciences, food, and beverage sectors. From AI advancements to leadership in innovation, here are four key takeaways, and how Adept Group helps clients turn these insights into strategic action.
1. AI Vision Systems in Life Sciences
AI-driven vision systems are revolutionizing quality control in life sciences, using methods like “optimal product baselines” to detect deviations rather than just known defects. While promising, these systems still face challenges, such as distinguishing subtle issues like particulates versus bubbles. Currently, they are best suited for lower-speed, manual tasks and are not yet viable for high-speed, GMP-compliant environments. As AI evolves, it holds immense potential to meet the high-precision standards required in life sciences.
Key Insight: AI-driven inspection technology is advancing but remains most effective in low-speed, non-GMP environments. Adept Group provides strategic guidance to help clients integrate advancements that uphold the highest standards of quality and operational effectiveness.
2. Sustainability in Food Packaging
The food packaging industry is embracing advanced materials like recyclable papers and biodegradable films, blending sustainability with functionality and efficiency. At Pack Expo, innovative solutions showcased the potential to reduce environmental impact while meeting specific product needs. Packaging engineers must evaluate these options to ensure protection, compatibility, and operational feasibility, while procurement teams weigh cost against long-term benefits like extended shelf life and improved brand perception.
Key Insight: Sustainable packaging is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Adept Group brings an extensive understanding of the wide range of materials and solutions available, allowing us to tailor recommendations that meet the specific needs and goals of each client, ensuring both operational efficiency and alignment with sustainability objectives.
3. 2D Barcodes in Beverage Packaging
2D barcodes are transforming beverage packaging by enabling data-driven supply chain management and enhanced consumer engagement. Unlike traditional UPCs, they store more information, facilitating real-time insights, interactive promotions, and loyalty programs. Proven in healthcare for tasks like traceability and anti-counterfeiting, 2D barcodes offer beverage brands operational efficiency and direct consumer connection, optimizing resources and driving engagement in a competitive market.
Key Insights: 2D barcodes offer beverage companies a dual advantage of boosting customer engagement and streamlining operations. By adopting them strategically, brands can drive digital transformation, cut costs, and remain competitive in a data-driven future. Adept has a background in deploying large 2D barcode programs and piloting programs for value beyond the code.
4. Leadership in Packaging Innovation
At Pack Expo, it was clear that while packaging engineers are highly capable, the real opportunity lies in developing leadership that can turn technical knowledge into strategic value. In industries like life sciences, where packaging group leaders were notably absent, this gap is especially pronounced. Effective packaging doesn’t just need expertise; it requires visionary leaders who can recognize potential in new technologies and leverage them to create true value for their companies and customers.
Key Insights: Innovation in packaging requires leadership that looks beyond execution. Adept Group supports companies in cultivating leaders who can fully leverage the technologies and insights revealed at Pack Expo, ultimately enabling teams to create more value, align with strategic goals, and stay competitive.
Pack Expo 2024 underscored the immense opportunities in packaging innovation, from advancing AI systems and sustainable materials to harnessing 2D barcodes and cultivating leadership. These trends highlight the critical intersection of technology, sustainability, and strategic vision in shaping the future of packaging. At Adept Group, we’re committed to helping clients turn these insights into actionable strategies, delivering solutions that align with their business objectives and drive lasting impact. As the industry continues to evolve, partnering with experienced leaders like Adept ensures you stay ahead, leveraging innovation to create value and meet the demands of tomorrow. Let’s shape the future of packaging together.