The packaging machinery sector is defying global challenges, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and strong growth. While other areas of mechanical engineering are facing declines, the packaging industry is looking ahead with optimism.

This positive outlook is driven by the sector’s capacity to rapidly adapt to shifting market demands, embrace advanced digitalization, and prioritize sustainable manufacturing practices.

 

Expert discussion: Visitors learn about innovative packaging technologies at interpack 2023. Image: Messe Düsseldorf 

 

“There is enormous future potential in this industry,” emphasizes Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the German VDMA (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau), the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association in Germany. The VDMA represents around 3,600 German companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector.

 

The association serves as a key industry voice, advocating for member interests, providing economic and technical expertise, and supporting innovation and international competitiveness. As an expert, Richard Clemens points out that despite an overall projected decline of 7 percent in mechanical engineering, the packaging sector expects to grow by 3 percent in 2025.

 

Which Markets Are Driving International Packaging Trends?

With a global export volume of more than €27.6 billion in 2024, Germany remains a leader in the international packaging machinery trade. However, market dynamics are shifting: while Europe is stagnating, regions such as Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East are gaining increasing importance. Countries like India, Mexico, and Colombia are emerging as dynamic growth markets.

This transition highlights how packaging machinery manufacturers must adapt their international growth strategies to new geopolitical realities and evolving customer requirements. Additionally, the rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions and advanced automation technologies in these regions presents significant opportunities for innovation-driven companies eager to expand their global footprint and respond proactively to local market needs.

 

From Machine Builder to Solution Provider: A Path to Industry Growth

The industry is undergoing a transformation: moving away from being mere suppliers of packing, sealing and wrapping machinery toward becoming comprehensive solution providers. Successful companies are focusing on: 

· digital business models with intelligent data utilization,

· modular machine concepts for flexible and scalable production,

· regional service hubs for improved on-site customer support, and

· application know-how that delivers real added value to customers and consumers alike.

 

This shift is about more than just technology – it reflects a new mindset. As Clemens puts it, the focus is on a systemic approach: “It’s not about selling the machine, but the complete system with digital services.” This also includes the ability to analyze process data and present it to the customer in a user-friendly way: “Collecting data is easy; interpreting it is the real challenge”, says Richard Clemens.

 

Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the VDMA, the German Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association. Image: Messe Düsseldorf 

 

Which Technologies and Strategies Set Modern Packaging Machinery Providers Apart?

The message is clear: the packaging machinery industry – in Germany, but also from a global perspective – is future-ready, and prepared to break new ground in terms of productivity, innovation and sustainability. With strong export performance, digital transformation, and customer-focused innovation, it is setting new standards worldwide.

Technological advancements such as automation or artificial intelligence are enabling manufacturers to deliver greater efficiency and agility across production lines. Consequently, companies within the sector are not only responding to evolving customer demands – they are proactively shaping the future of packaging by developing sustainable solutions and smarter machinery.

Furthermore, the strategic emphasis on sustainable materials and equipment, flexible manufacturing, rapid customization of packaging operations, and value-added services for the consumers is driving a competitive edge on both regional and global scales. As international markets continue to develop, the ability of packaging machinery providers to adapt and innovate will remain a critical factor in securing long-term growth and leadership in the industry.

 

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