Top 5 Packaging Machinery Trends to Watch in 2025
The packaging machinery sector is poised for significant developments in 2025, driven by several key trends. In this article we’ll explore projected growth, advancements in technology and the part automation will play in addressing key challenges.
As packaging machinery specialists, we understand both the highs and the lows of the sector and the importance of scalability, which will always be an underlying factor for manufacturers, regardless of size.
1. Market Growth and Recovery
In the US, 2024s slowdown is expected to recover quickly, with growth rates predicted to climb to 2.5%, according to the State of Industry Report. This follows the surge in 2023, which could again be reached by 2027, where expectations sit at around 8%.
Growth and recovery predictions see 2024 as a part of the ‘usual peak-to-trough sales cycle’ which typically affects the sector over three to five years. Influences in this trend pattern are likely to come from the ever-present and evolving consumer and regulatory demands.
2. Technological Advancements
Technological advancements in packaging machinery are bringing the integration of automation closer to the forefront for manufacturers of all sizes. From enhancing operational efficiency to introducing vital scalability, automated packaging lines are fast becoming the clear way to meeting evolving consumer expectations.
The importance of tailoring is increasing across the sector, with packaging machines becoming central to harnessing the opportunities and delivering the scalable, yet highly adaptable backbone of operations.
3. Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability is more than just a buzz word in the packaging machinery sector, it is a core responsibility. Consumer and regulatory pressures are steering companies toward recyclable and renewable materials and energy efficiency has never been more important.
As governments and regulatory bodies push harder, sustainable practices, resource usage and packaging materials could all come under the spotlight in 2025. While manufacturers aim for diversity, scalability and energy efficiency, bottom line costs will also need to be considered. This could help to drive more manufacturers towards the adoption of automation to stay ahead, while remaining diverse and open to opportunity.
4. Labor Shortages and Automation
Widespread, worldwide labour shortages have been challenging for many, and particularly larger, manufacturers. Affecting both the permanent and seasonal workforce, this has become a growing influence in the uptake of automated packaging machinery.
Businesses of all sizes have been seeking automation and user-friendly packaging machinery to boost efficiency and overcome the issue of line shortages.
5. Industry-Specific Growth
As a whole, the packaging machinery sector is set for overall growth, but there are certain sectors that are expected to do well in 2025. The food industry remains the largest segment for packaging machinery, but the pharmaceuticals sector is projected to grow at an even faster rate.
Key packaging machinery categories earmarked for growth include:
- Drinks packaging
- Household chemicals
- Personal care products
- Health and snack bars packaging
All these predicted trends indicate a dynamic landscape for the packaging machinery industry in 2025, with automation fast becoming the key to opportunity.
At Jacob White, we know that a flexible and scalable approach is crucial when considering the introduction of automation and we’re here to help. For more than 100 years, we have been tailoring and building high quality packaging machines that meet the needs of our clients.
Whether you need a semi-automatic machine to fit seamlessly into a gap in your production line or a fully automated solution, talk to us today and let’s get started.
