The use of plastic packaging has brought many improvements to global logistics operations, by providing standardized and reliable packaging materials that can be integrated and handled through automated manufacturing and loading systems. During the beginning of 2016, important logistics companies have met at various summits to discuss the future of their industry, promote new and coherent policies and make forecasts on the main trends that will rule the world of industrial packaging.
During these public events, manufacturers of plastic packaging for industrial use have presented their views on the best ways to serve their customers and create a sustainable growth plan for the packaging business. These views will undoubtedly be incorporated into future plastic packaging materials and will represent the general design and manufacturing principles applied by major manufacturers, which in turn will influence smaller packaging suppliers and logistics companies. .
Why other companies need to know the next trends
Knowing these trends in advance, as end customers of packaging manufacturers, means you can search for the newest and most reliable products, order them in advance, and benefit from improved quality and functionality. For example, if you plan to replenish your pallet stock, you can wait until the plastic pallet manufacturers present their latest models with special features and design to suit your needs.
More than eco-friendly plastic packaging: long-term sustainable solutions
The trend of using recyclable or recycled materials to make plastic packaging materials is not new, but it will soon be renewed with a new concept: adding social responsibility among all the key players in the life cycle of packaging materials. Packaging suppliers strive to educate their customers and provide incentives for them to dispose of old and damaged packaging materials responsibly.
In turn, companies in all sectors are smarter and more careful when selecting a logistics company that promotes environmental responsibility through the products and services it offers. When purchasing plastic packaging materials, logistics managers around the world are trying to identify business partners who promote these long-term sustainable values.
Incorporation of modern technologies in packaging materials
The protection of products stored in boxes and containers during transport is one of the main objectives of manufacturers of plastic packaging. So far, their offer includes large containers with lids fitted with RFID tags and anti-tampering closures and seals. Soon, NFC (Near Field Communication) technology that is built into smartphones will also be included in plastic packaging materials to help logistics personnel easily identify packaged goods and process large orders faster and more efficiently. .
Affordable customization for challenging products
A key aspect of the plastic packaging trends for 2016 is the promotion of bespoke and customized packaging solutions to meet the needs of companies that manufacture challenging products – oversized, fragile, valuable, sensitive, or very heavy. Custom packaging materials have always been significantly more expensive than their standard-size counterparts, and sometimes the final solution is not yet the perfect solution for the product.
With the introduction of smart manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing, fully automated production lines, and modern and specialized raw materials, the customization process for plastic packaging materials will be more efficient, cheaper, and thus more efficient. more affordable for end customers.