Search | Packaging World

Discover your next big idea at PACK EXPO Las Vegas this September

Experience a breakthrough in packaging & processing and transform your business with solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries.

Type: Article

Digital Transformation

AI-Driven Robotics Help Cafe Spice Leap Over Labor and Line Hurdles

To meet soaring demand and labor challenges, Cafe Spice turned to AI-powered robotics. The result? Higher throughput, reduced giveaway, and smart insights—without sacrificing quality or presentation.

August 6, 2025

Cafe Spice production line featuring Chef Robotics’ AI-enabled arms depositing rice into dual-compartment trays. Robots work in tandem with line staff, ensuring precise placement and maintaining packaging presentation standards critical to retail-ready meals.

Contract packaging

Co-man’s Ribbon Blender Boosts Output for Chemicals

For its custom powder blending business, Diversified Chemical Products plugs in a ribbon blender that now processes three-quarters of a million pounds annually.

August 6, 2025

Jim Longo, owner and founder, has led Diversified Chemical Products to grow sixfold over two decades.

Community Poll: Recyclability of Packaging Materials

Learn what your peers look for when choosing packaging materials.

August 5, 2025

E-commerce/D2C packaging

Big Boost in E-Comm Packaging

This footwear company automated labeling, upgraded shrink wrapping, and tied it all together with smooth-running conveyor systems to increase throughput by 556%.

August 5, 2025

Boxes of footwear are conveyed on friction-top belting down a controlled 30’ decline before entering a 180-deg curve that uses side-flexing chain to stabilize boxes during the turning process.

Coca-Cola, Nespresso Canada, and Sun Grape California design packaging for recyclability

See a few examples of packaging designed for recyclability from Coca-Cola, Nespresso Canada, and Sun Grape California from ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone.

August 5, 2025

Since the scheme began, over 175,000 bottles have been collected through the machines.

Fruits/Vegetables

USDA Awards 22 Grants for Produce Packaging Research

The USDA has awarded research funding to multiple organizations developing new packaging materials and approaches to benefit American agriculture exporters.

August 5, 2025

The awarded organizations aim to help advance research toward new packaging materials and technologies to support U.S. fresh produce exporters.

Logistics/Supply Chain

Wooden Pallet Management Part 3 of 3: Pallet Storage

The adage, “A place for everything and everything in its place,” is a good one to apply to pallet storage.

August 4, 2025

Sterling Anthony

Legal Things Everywhere, All at Once

While the administration is overhauling federal requirements, a flurry of new laws and proposals from individual states is creating a complex and often contradictory legal landscape that significantly impacts packagers.

August 4, 2025

Eric F. Greenberg

Controls & Machine Components

The Equipment Challenge Hindering End User IT-OT Integration

Packaging and processing professionals note one key equipment obstacle to the successful integration of information technology and operational technology.

August 1, 2025

End users must deal with this pesky equipment problem to maximize IT-OT system integrations.

Community Poll: Finding Areas for Sustainable Innovation

Learn where your peers find inspiration and motivation for sustainable innovations.

July 29, 2025

From Room Service to Recycling: Hotels, Resorts Switch to Aluminum Bottles

Premium water brand Kopu is helping hotels and resorts reduce waste and meet sustainability goals with premium aluminum bottles and a turnkey recycling program designed for luxury hospitality settings.

July 28, 2025

Kopu’s premium aluminum bottles bring elegance and sustainability to the table, offering a refined water service that aligns with luxury hospitality values.

Nestlé Central America, Green Bio, and CO2BioClean Design Biodegradable Packaging Solutions

See a few examples of packaging designed to be biodegradable from Nestlé Central America, Green Bio, and CO2BioClean from ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone.

July 27, 2025

The pilot project aims to produce around 5,500 tons of whey-based packaging.

Digital Transformation

Why IT-OT Integration is ‘Essential’ for End Users

Packaging and processing professionals note the security-based importance of integrating and investing in information technology and operational technology systems.

July 25, 2025

End users will want to integrate and invest to fight off cybersecurity risks.

Sustainable Packaging

Aldi Adopts ‘World’s First’ Aluminum-free Full Barrier Aseptic Cartons

Aldi adopts SIG’s Terra Alu-free carton packs for its Rio d’oro juice line, aiming to cut carbon emissions by 29% with the world’s first aluminum-free full-barrier aseptic carton made from over 80% paper.

July 24, 2025

Aldi’s Rio d’oro grape juice debuts in SIG’s aluminum-free Terra packaging—made of over 80% paper—to help cut carbon and boost recyclability, while maintaining full barrier protection.

Absolut Vodka Adds Glow Effect for Festival-Themed Bottles

The Swedish vodka company is collaborating with a European music festival for a limited-edition bottle design.

July 24, 2025

Absolut says it worked with Tomorrowland's main stage design team to develop a new theme.

Community Poll: Decarbonization Efforts

Learn what your peers are doing to reduce their company's carbon footprint.

July 23, 2025

Reusable/Returnable

Taco Bell, DS Smith, and Conservas Campo Belo Design Reusable Packaging

See a few examples of packaging designed for reuse from Taco Bell, DS Smith, and Conservas Campo Belo from ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone.

July 21, 2025

The concept taps into the growing resale trend, where sellers often rely on improvised materials like cereal boxes and bin liners to dispatch goods.

Strengthening OEM-End User Collaboration for Better Training

Packaging and processing end users and original equipment manufacturers note the importance of collaboration for improved training outcomes.

July 18, 2025

OEMs and end users can both play crucial roles in maximizing operator training.