Packaging Automation - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Packaging Automation Market size is estimated at USD 74.52 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 104.81 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.06% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Key Highlights

• Automation enhances efficiency and productivity in secondary packaging. Automated systems excel at tasks like carton erecting, case packing, palletizing, and labeling, outperforming manual processes in speed and accuracy. This translates to increased throughput and reduced labor demands, allowing companies to reallocate human resources to more strategic tasks.
• Companies are increasingly tailoring packaging solutions to meet customer demands. For instance, in May 2023, ULMA Packaging, specializing in medical/pharmaceutical and food sectors, unveiled compact, fully automated packaging lines. These lines handle the entire packaging process, from product loading to final palletizing, catering to businesses seeking to automate or streamline their packaging operations. This innovation helps companies optimize factory footprints and improve overall operational efficiency.
• As automation gains traction in packaging, businesses are reaping its benefits, including reduced operational costs, improved accuracy, and enhanced scalability. Packaging machinery manufacturers are rolling out promotional schemes to further this trend, making it easier for end-user industries to adopt these advanced technologies.
• Automation, especially when coupled with robotics, is proving invaluable for wineries and other consumer-packaged goods businesses. While many CPG companies have already integrated automation, wineries are urged to hasten their adoption. The benefits are vast, spanning from heightened production efficiency and product quality to enhanced safety, hygiene, and data-driven insights. These technologies enable wineries to maintain consistency in product quality and streamline their production processes.
• While the advantages of packaging automation are clear, the substantial initial capital outlay can deter smaller firms. Moreover, with production costs rising in China and the Yuan strengthening against the Dollar, investors are eyeing alternative manufacturing hubs. Yet, amidst these shifts, manufacturers must not lose sight of quality and eco-friendly practices. Adapting to cutting-edge automation technologies is a gradual process, often taking years to refine. However, a sluggish approach risks stunting regional growth opportunities. Companies must balance the need for innovation with the practicalities of implementation to stay competitive in the evolving market landscape.

Packaging Automation Market Trends

Food End-User Segment Expected to Hold Significant Market Share

• Automation in food packaging is pivotal for enhancing operational efficiency, maintaining product quality, and meeting consumer demands. By automating tasks such as filling, sealing, labeling, and palletizing, food packaging operations become faster and more consistent. This, in turn, increases production rates and reduces labor requirements. Automated systems ensure precision and uniformity, which are critical for maintaining the integrity and safety of food products. Automation minimizes human error and contamination risks, thereby ensuring higher standards of hygiene and compliance with stringent food safety regulations.
• Automation has revolutionized various industries, and the food and beverage sector is no exception. From basic pick-and-drop functions to complex processes like can, pouch, or packet manufacturing, robotics solutions now cover the entire packaging spectrum. This transformation in packaging methodologies has led to increased productivity, cost efficiencies, and improved quality, even in the packaging of everyday items like candies. Advanced robotics and automation technologies enable manufacturers to handle a wide range of packaging materials and formats, offering greater flexibility and adaptability to market demands. The integration of sensors and real-time monitoring systems further enhances the efficiency and reliability of automated packaging lines.
• In May 2023, Rotzinger, a Swiss OEM packaging machinery manufacturer serving the food, beverage, and cosmetic sectors, partnered with CoreTigo, a specialist in industrial wireless automation, at Interpack. By integrating CoreTigo's IO-Link wireless technology into Rotzinger's advanced packaging equipment, the collaboration aims to introduce enhanced capabilities, emphasizing flexibility, throughput, and sustainability. This partnership highlights the growing trend of adopting wireless communication technologies in industrial automation, which facilitates seamless data exchange and remote monitoring. The integration of such technologies not only improves operational efficiency but also supports predictive maintenance and reduces downtime.
• As food companies increase their R&D investments to refine their offerings and leverage automation for improved hygiene, extended shelf life, and cost efficiencies, the outlook for packaging automation appears promising for substantial growth. The focus on R&D underscores the industry's commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. By investing in advanced automation technologies, food companies can achieve economies of scale, reduce waste, and enhance their competitive edge in the market. These advancements are expected to drive the adoption of automation solutions across the food packaging industry, supporting long-term growth and sustainability.

North America Expected to Hold Significant Market Share

• The United States stands out as a leading packaging market in North America, with industry giants like Amcor Ltd and Mondi PLC spearheading significant investments in innovation and R&D activities. This heightened focus on advanced packaging technologies aims to enhance productivity, cut labor expenses, and offer more tailored packaging solutions. Notably, a growing emphasis on sustainability is prompting firms to adopt new machinery that minimizes environmental impact and supports eco-friendly packaging practices.
• Moreover, the United States leverages its robust packaging machinery exports, bolstering its market position. Companies, including Bosch Packaging Services, are diversifying into various sectors such as confectionery, bakery, fresh and frozen foods, and pharmaceuticals. This diversification strategy not only broadens their market reach but also drives technological advancements and operational efficiencies across different packaging applications.
• Intelligent Conveyor Technology (ICT) systems are emerging as a smart alternative to traditional mechanics, overcoming their throughput and physical limitations. Rockwell Automation's MagneMove Lite system, for instance, is revolutionizing operations by enabling faster and more flexible payload movement. This system enhances higher-SKU operations' efficiency, allowing for quicker adaptation to changing production demands and reducing downtime.
• Meanwhile, Canada's packaging sector is increasingly turning to compact, automated solutions like remote vision sensors, aligning with the advancements of Industry 4.0. Notably, AI and ML technologies are finding applications in facilities where space constraints limit investments in larger automation machinery. These innovations, such as remote sensors with enhanced resolution, allow for precise inspections without direct human involvement, improving accuracy and reducing the need for manual labor. In addition, these technologies facilitate real-time monitoring and data analysis, leading to more informed decision-making and optimized production processes.

Packaging Automation Industry Overview

The packaging automation market is highly fragmented, with major players like Multivac Group, Coesia SpA, ULMA Packaging, Syntegon Technology, and Swisslog Healthcare. Companies in the market are strategically investing, forming partnerships, and collaborating to address the increasing demand for water management. They are expanding product or solutions portfolios, enhancing distribution networks, and leveraging advanced technologies to improve production efficiency and product quality to gain sustainable competitive advantage.

• May 2024: LeafyPack, a pioneer in packaging automation, collaborated with KindPack, a leader in flexible packaging solutions, to launch the industry's first Lease-to-Own Program. This innovative initiative is set to transform cannabis operations by significantly enhancing the accessibility of packaging automation.
• December 2023: MULTIVAC Group opened a new site in India with a production facility, showroom, and training and application center to address the growing demand for food packaging machines in the South Asian region.
• November 2023: ULMA Packaging established itself as one of the leaders in the dynamic and diverse Scottish packaging industry, offering sustainable and competitive packaging machinery solutions that meet its customers' needs. The ULMA's unique proposition includes the widest range of machines and applications available on the market, comprising Flow Pack (HFFS), Thermoforming (TF), Traysealing (TS), Vertical (VFFS), Stretch Film packaging technologies, and ULMA Packaging Automation (UPA).

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support

This product will be delivered within 2 business days.