Innovations and Automation: My Takeaways from Pack Expo 2024

PACK EXPO International is the biggest packaging and processing trade show in the hemisphere, and in 2024, it’s claimed the title of the largest in the world. This biennial event at Chicago’s McCormick Place draws everyone from plant managers to C-level executives across 40+ industries like food & beverage, healthcare, and e-commerce. As a print producer working in pharmaceutical advertising, I recently had the opportunity to attend Pack Expo 2024 for the first time. It was an exciting firsthand experience to witness the evolution of packaging technology and automation while hearing industry leaders discuss robotics and automation, sustainability, and AI.

Robotics, Automation Using AI, and Jaw-Dropping Machinery

Picture this: aisles filled with state-of-the-art machinery running at full scale, robots executing packaging tasks with lightning speed and precision, and innovations unfolding before your eyes like something out of a sci-fi movie. Watching these machines in motion was nothing short of exhilarating! Robotics and automation are advancing in ways that make production lines not just faster but smarter, with new sensors capable of determining maintenance needs—and one day, possibly running entire supply chains autonomously. Imagine a packaging line capable of running independently, performing predictive maintenance, and optimizing itself without human interaction!

This session on automation trends described how essential it is to stay competitive in this tech-driven landscape. AI and machine learning are no longer futuristic ideas but active forces reshaping our industry by accelerating processes, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency. Today’s AI automation technology has become a competitive edge rather than just a convenience. As one speaker put it, we have a choice: “adopt or be left behind!”

Sustainability Takes the Spotlight

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at Pack Expo; it’s a commitment. From digital passports that track a product’s entire lifecycle to eco-friendly, recyclable packaging, this year’s show emphasized that consumers and industries alike are demanding greener options. This shift matters and is especially true among younger consumers, who see sustainability as essential and are more likely to choose brands that align with their values. But it’s not just consumers driving the change. Government regulations worldwide are putting pressure on companies to reduce their environmental footprints. In this session, I learned about innovative fiber-based materials with water-based coatings that keep products safe while being fully recyclable or compostable. These specialized coatings eliminate the need for complex, multi-layered structures that are difficult to recycle, paving the way for eco-friendly, mono-material packaging that meets both environmental and market demands.

AI: The Intelligent Assistant We All Need

AI was a hot topic in every corner of the expo, especially in the context of packaging and supply chain management. One session broke down how AI-powered “digital coworkers” are becoming allies in decision-making and process monitoring. From spotting inventory surplus to predicting demand, AI tools can support us by managing data and predicting trends. The message was clear: AI doesn’t replace us but enhances our roles by providing data-driven insights and alerting us when issues arise. As one speaker put it, AI is just another tool in our toolbox—albeit an incredibly powerful one.

Final Thoughts

Attending Pack Expo 2024 was both educational and inspiring. It highlighted that the print and packaging industry is in a pivotal period of transformation. Robotics, AI, and sustainable materials are not just trends but integral elements shaping the future of packaging. For those of us involved in print and production, the path forward is to continue embracing these advancements to stay competitive and environmentally responsible.
If you ever have a chance to attend Pack Expo, I highly recommend it. There’s truly no better way to see the future of packaging and processing firsthand!

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