Pack Expo 2024 – Key Takeaways for the Future of Packaging
Attending Pack Expo 2024 offered invaluable insights into the evolving packaging landscape, especially for the life sciences, food, and beverage sectors. Over multiple days, our team explored emerging and influential trends by engaging with the latest innovations firsthand, discussing technical advancements, and analyzing industry shifts. The trends observed—from AI in quality control to sustainable material innovations—highlight opportunities for brands to harness packaging as a true strategic asset. Below, we delve into key takeaways on AI-driven inspection, sustainable food packaging, 2D barcode applications, and the importance of fostering leadership in packaging teams.
AI and Vision Monitoring Systems in Life Sciences
AI in packaging is advancing rapidly, with applications spanning from foundational machine learning to sophisticated predictive systems. At PackExpo, AI-driven vision systems for life sciences took center stage, showcasing their potential for quality control enhancement. Most current vision system OEMs utilize historical data to train their AI engines for defect detection, while some emerging software companies are advancing the field by developing methods focused on “optimal product baselines.” This approach trains AI to monitor deviations from an established ideal, rather than solely identifying previously known defects. This approach shows promise but doesn’t yet fully meet the nuanced requirements of life sciences. For example, AI systems still struggle with differentiating subtle issues like particulates versus bubbles, where distinguishing characteristics are difficult to consistently identify.
Today, these AI systems are best suited to lower-speed, previously manual inspection tasks rather than the high-speed, GMP-compliant environments typical in life sciences. While they represent progress toward automation, they are not yet comprehensive solutions for high-stakes quality control. AI is undoubtedly the future of inspection, yet there is more to uncover and refine as we push toward solutions that can confidently support the complex, high-precision standards life sciences demand.
Key Insight: AI-driven inspection technology is advancing but remains most effective in low-speed, non-GMP environments. Companies should consider how these evolving tools might complement existing manual processes and enhance quality control in select applications, while remaining mindful of AI’s current limitations and future potential in high-precision life sciences environments. With a deep understanding of both life sciences requirements and innovative packaging solutions, Adept Group provides strategic guidance to help clients integrate advancements that uphold the highest standards of quality and operational effectiveness.
Advancing Sustainable Packaging in the Food Industry
In the journey toward sustainability, the food packaging industry is revisiting materials like paper—once a staple before the rise of plastics—now refined with advanced technologies for today’s needs. At Pack Expo, a wide array of sustainable solutions was highlighted, from recyclable papers and films to sophisticated biodegradable options, underscoring the diversity of materials now available to address specific product requirements and operational efficiencies.
For packaging engineers, the task is to evaluate and integrate solutions that not only minimize environmental impact but also provide the necessary protection, avoid product interaction, and operate smoothly on existing equipment. While options like paper flow wraps may suit certain applications, others require specialized coatings or barrier layers to balance functionality with sustainability. Meanwhile, procurement teams must weigh the value of these innovations, considering both their impact on cost and potential long-term benefits, such as shelf-life extension and enhanced 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.
Leveraging 2D Barcodes in Beverage Packaging
The shift to 2D barcodes is creating new possibilities in the beverage industry, offering a wealth of data-driven insights and enhanced consumer engagement. Unlike traditional UPCs, 2D barcodes can store significantly more information, which is beneficial for both supply chain management and customer interaction.
The healthcare and pharmaceutical industries have already adopted 2D barcodes across global operations, using them for critical tasks like traceability and anti-counterfeiting. Every pack in these sectors leverages 2D barcodes, not as consumer-facing elements, but as regulatory tools for tracking and validating products from manufacturing to distribution. This established model in healthcare underscores the robustness and reliability of 2D barcodes, setting an example that other industries, including beverage, can learn from.
In beverage packaging, 2D barcodes offer unique opportunities to connect directly with consumers. Brands can leverage them to create interactive content, seasonal promotions, or loyalty programs, turning each package into an engagement point. Operationally, integrating 2D barcodes with ERP systems and shop floor tools enables real-time monitoring of key metrics like Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). This insight supports data-driven decisions that optimize resources, improve efficiency, and reduce downtime—an advantage in the high-volume, low-margin beverage industry.
Key Insight: As 2D barcode technology continues to evolve, beverage companies have an opportunity to leverage its dual advantages: enhanced customer engagement and operational insights. With the right strategy, 2D barcodes can support both digital transformation and cost-saving goals, positioning companies to stay competitive in a data-rich future. Adept has a background in deploying large 2D barcode programs and piloting programs for value beyond the code
Building Leadership in Packaging, Creating a Lasting Impact
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.
Too often, engineers in corporate structures are focused on immediate tasks without stepping beyond their current role. They’re excellent executors but may not always push for transformative change or chase new innovations. This is where Adept steps in. We bring the experience and insight to guide engineers and companies toward proactive, strategic leadership. We help companies and their teams see the broader impact of packaging advancements—beyond compliance and functionality—to driving long-term value.
Key Insight: 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 highlighted the future of packaging at the crossroads of technology, sustainability, and leadership. Advancements in AI, sustainable materials, and 2D barcodes present immense opportunities for companies, but realizing these requires both strategic insight and practical guidance.
At Adept Group, we embody both engineering excellence, guidance and leadership. Our deep technical expertise and strategic foresight allow us to guide clients in integrating forward-thinking packaging solutions that align seamlessly with business objectives. Whether in sustainable materials, advanced inspection, or digital transformation, Adept Group stands as a true thought leader, ready to elevate your packaging strategy and drive meaningful change.
Let’s unlock these advancements together. Reach out to Adept Group to turn insight into impactful packaging solutions tailored to your company’s goals. [Link out to contact us]
About the authors:Prateek Lal, Founder, Director of Packaging Services and Client Success - [PL Bio link]
Rich Hollander, Advisory Board Member - [RH Bio link]
Dean Maune, Principal PE - [DM Bio link]
Curtis Gippe, Dir of sustainable