New priorities and operational challenges of modern Packaging

In the world of industrial packaging, terms such as productivity, automation and sustainability are not just passing fads, but genuine strategic compass points. According to PMMI – the leading association for the packaging and processing industry in North America – these concepts represent the decisive levers for remaining competitive in a constantly changing market.

Let's take a closer look at them:

✅ Productivity is not just speed, but the ability to optimise resources, reduce downtime and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). For PMMI, it is the number one priority for 61% of decision makers surveyed.
✅ Automation means much more than just “robots”: it is the intelligent integration of digital systems, IoT and remote control to overcome labour shortages and reduce errors and operating costs. It is ranked as the second priority by companies, obtaining 49% of the votes.
✅ Sustainability is no longer an option but an operational driver: 33% of companies consider this issue central to their investments, driven by ESG and EPR regulations and supply chain pressures.

1. 📚 Human capital: attracting, training and retaining talent
The shortage of skilled labour is one of the industry's main challenges. The PMMI report points out that 76% of companies that invest in retention and training achieve positive results. (Source: PMMI - Sustainability & Technology Report 2023)
Advanced companies are investing in technical training, career paths and advanced work environments to attract and retain talent. Manufacturing is no longer just ‘production’, but a high value-added technology sector.

2.🤖 Automation and Industry 4.0 to optimise efficiency and costs
The integration of IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) technologies and smart systems has accelerated post-pandemic, supporting productivity and bridging the workforce gap.(Source: PMMI - Vision 2030: Moving to Sustainable Packaging)
These technologies:
- reduce repetitive tasks,
- improve OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness),
- allow operators to focus on value-added activities.

3.⚙️Intelligent resource management and production speed
In a dynamic market, maximising the use of existing resources is crucial. The Vision 2030 report notes that 73% of manufacturers are facing an increase in the variability of materials and formats. (Source: PMMI - Vision 2030: Moving to Sustainable Packaging).
The combination of flexible automation and in-house expertise makes it possible to:
- reduce setup times
- increase production speed,
- improve packaging quality.

✅ Flexible automation: adapting to the materials and formats of the future
Many systems are not yet able to handle new materials or sustainable formats. The challenge is to develop modular and scalable systems with fast format change capabilities and advanced data management.
✅ Talent and sustainability: a winning combination
The adoption of ergonomic machines, the reduction of repetitive tasks and the introduction of remote support are elements that increase staff satisfaction and productivity.
✅ New materials, new rules
With the boom in sustainable packaging, machines must be able to work with biodegradable materials, lightweight films and recyclable solutions. Collaborating with regulatory bodies and designing ‘future-ready’ machinery is essential.

Zambelli Packaging is the strategic partner to successfully meet the challenges of industrial automation in secondary packaging. 

Our machines:
✅ handle different materials and formats
✅ guarantee fast format changes
✅ consume up to 97% less than the market average, according to internal comparative tests, find out more click here.
✅ integrate intelligent technologies for data collection and analysis
In addition, we offer comprehensive operator training with multilingual manuals directly accessible via PLC and remote technical support.

Contact us today to explore how Zambelli’s tailored solutions can support your operations — from food and pet food to beverage and personal care industries.

💡 Choose flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. Choose Zambelli Packaging.