With the gradual ease of the COVID-19 restrictions, the demand for packaged goods has witnessed an increase in recent years, reflected in packaging equipment demand and market growth. According to data from Bizom, the sales of packaged consumer products including confectionery rose by 1.7% in the first 3 weeks of July from March 2021.
Apart from merely protecting consumer and industrial products, packaging has evolved to play a crucial role in the supply chain, brand management, and other areas of businesses. Packaging equipment and machinery are thus paving the way for businesses to drive customer engagement and meet the sustainability requirements of diverse industries, including food and beverages.
Over the years, consumer and industrial services companies have continued to seek packaging partners with expertise in structural design and material to optimize performance and sustainability.
3 innovations driving packaging equipment demand
1 Introduction of high-performance automatic packaging systems
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses have been dealing with a massive labor shortage, leading to long shipping times. To alleviate these issues, high-performance packaging manufacturers have been moving forward with new strategies, including the launch of reliable, efficient, easy-to-use automatic packaging systems.
To cite an instance, in February 2022, Viking Masek Packaging Technologies launched the 4SC-235, its line of automated pouch packaging machines. This affordable and user-friendly option was designed to meet the needs of expanding small businesses as well as niche markets. With this machinery, the company’s clients can automate the manual packaging process and maintain the premium build quality of the offerings.
2 Development of combination medical device packaging systems with efficient multi-chamber design
To enhance the sterility and shelf life, combination medical devices require high-performance packaging materials. These packaging solutions must also provide a barrier against moisture, light, and oxygen to maintain the efficacy of the APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients). To achieve these, companies have been introducing innovative solutions for sensitive medical products.
For example, in June 2021, Amcor unveiled a specialty multi-chamber pouch for drug-device combination products. This new system is made of high-strength foil laminate to increase drug efficacy and shelf life. The rapid introduction of packaging materials with efficient design could increase brand awareness and consequently power packaging equipment demand for medical device applications.
3 Launch of capping machines powered by high-precision tightening technology
With the growing awareness of hygiene during the novel coronavirus pandemic, the adoption of high-quality personal care products has been skyrocketing. In addition, the pandemic has proved to be a catalyst for the growing popularity of hair care and other personal care products. HUL (Hindustan Unilever Limited), for example, witnessed a surge in the market share of its hair care segment to a 15-year high in 2021. Factors like these could proliferate personal care packaging and handling equipment.
Furthermore, high-quality equipment manufacturers have also been launching new machines powered by innovative technology for personal care and other industrial applications. For instance, in October 2021, ATS Packaging Machinery unveiled a Gemini capping machine that has incorporated high-precision tightening technology with programmable torque, applied force, speed, and vertical positioning of the capping head. The machine has been made available with UL, CGMP, FDA, and Ex certifications, making it suitable for packaging applications in personal care, cosmetics, and other industries.
Author – Tete Heigrujam
Armed with a post-graduate degree in English Literature, Tete Heigrujam takes a keen interest in exploring the ever-evolving content landscape. She has been working as a content writer for over a year now and pens down articles on numerous subjects, blending her knowledge of the language and the technical expertise that reflects in her pieces.