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Packaging was once a purely manual process—boxes were packed, sealed, and stacked by human hands alone. But that was then. Now, with labor shortages, rising costs, and the constant push for efficiency, automation is stepping in to take the wheel (or the box). And while some may envision a robotics takeover of jobs within the industry, the reality is much less dramatic and much more necessary.
The packaging industry is evolving fast, with automation projected to hit a whopping $161 billion market value by 2033. That’s not just a trend—it’s a full-blown revolution. But why is automation becoming the go-to solution?
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e-Commerce Demands and the Automation Boom
You, me, and just about everyone we know have probably ordered something online this week. And thanks to the instant-gratification culture (did someone say next-day shipping?), companies are struggling to keep up. Small businesses and start-ups that once relied on manual fulfillment are now investing in automated pack stations, void-fill machines, and robotic labeling. Even mom-and-pop shops are feeling the shift, realizing that if they want to scale, they need to automate.
One healthcare distributor, for example, tackled skyrocketing labor costs, shipping expenses, and packaging waste by automating void-fill operations using AI-driven scanners. The result? Lower costs, less waste, and a more sustainable operation. That’s the kind of transformation that’s keeping automation in the spotlight.
Sustainability Through Smarter Packaging
Sustainability is an outright necessity. The packaging industry is facing mounting pressure to cut waste, use recycled materials, and shrink its environmental footprint. And automation is proving to be a game-changer. AI-driven filling systems ensure that only the exact amount of packaging material is used—no excess, no waste. Companies are also incorporating smart tracking with RFID tags to manage reusable packaging (think crates, pallets, and containers that cycle back into use rather than ending up in landfills).
At this year’s Pack Expo, sustainability and automation were major talking points. Why? Because businesses know that going “green” must be cost-effective to be viable…and automation is making that balance possible.
Why Some Companies Are Still Hesitant
Despite the clear advantages, not everyone is jumping on the automation train. The main roadblocks being cost and fear of the unknown, which are pretty practical reasons to be wary. Many businesses assume automation is too expensive, but a collaborative robot can cost less than a family car. And with leasing and rental options now available, automation isn’t just for the big players anymore. Small businesses can have a spot on the playing field with low costs.
There’s also the skills gap—some companies worry that their employees won’t know how to operate or maintain automated systems. But here’s the thing: training is evolving, too. Younger generations who’ve grown up with tech are more comfortable working alongside robotics. As more digital-native employees enter the workforce, automation adoption will only accelerate.
Keypoint Intelligence Opinion
The packaging industry is at a turning point. Companies that embrace automation are future-proofing their operations, while those that resist may find themselves struggling to keep up. But this isn’t just about efficiency or cost savings. It’s about creating a safer, smarter, more sustainable industry by letting robots handle the monotonous and/or dangerous tasks so that human workers can focus on what they do best.
The shift is happening whether we’re ready or not. The question is: Will you ride the automation wave or get swept under it?
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