In an increasingly connected world, there are few areas that the internet hasn’t gotten its megabytes into. The rise of data sharing is only on track to continue, with the Internet of Things (IoT) growing in scope and significance. In keeping with this rising trend, smart packaging (also known as intelligent packaging) is becoming the new standard in the manufacturing space. Think of it as an upgrade — like watches and televisions, adding “smart” elements to packaging can vastly improve the consumer’s (and manufacturer’s) experience, with infinite opportunities to take advantage of the technology. Read on to learn all about the possibilities of smart packaging, and how it’s being utilized by manufacturers.

In order to maintain optimal functionality, everything with moving parts needs an adjustment from time to time – be it cars, computers or packaging machinery. Chances are, your company’s equipment could use a few tweaks – and even minor changes in your packaging process could add up to big savings. Sometimes, that could mean hundreds of thousands of dollars. There are expert teams dedicated to audits that help customers optimize settings, materials, and processes used on their production lines. A simple packaging film audit could be the edge you need to boost your bottom line.

You’ve probably heard the term Internet of Things (IoT), but what does this ubiquitous industry buzzword refer to, exactly? The IoT is the interconnectedness of everyday objects and machinery to the internet through computerization (microchips, sensors, etc.), enabling inanimate items to exchange data and communicate with other connected objects. Industry insiders are predicting that the IoT could change manufacturing as we know it by tracking and measuring every previously unquantified element of operations. Read on for everything you need to know about the IoT and packaging, including what’s trending now, how companies are innovating, and a predictive look forward.

In the 1960s, when The Jetsons made its cartoon debut, robots were a thing of the future. The idea that automation could permeate so much of our everyday lives seemed far-fetched and out of reach. Today, robotics are an ever-present reality. Advanced technology has given rise to equipment and processes that have transformed nearly every industry, and the food and beverage sector is no exception. Now more than ever, it’s important to understand how warehouse robotics could have a major impact on your own operations, machinery and setup.

For many companies, selecting a packaging materials supplier can be a daunting experience, mainly because most manufacturers are unaware of the complexity involved in modern packaging. Whether you are a small to mid-sized company venturing into new product packaging or a large, established organization looking to change suppliers, the research process of finding the right supplier is pretty similar. This post will help provide insight on what to consider when trying to find a packaging materials supplier as well as the right questions to ask when speaking with sales representatives.

Reliability is a key component when choosing any kind of machinery or mechanical device. When hundreds of thousands of products and a business’ entire distribution process is on the line, reliability becomes even more important. Considering which machines or manufacturers are the best is a subjective process. What is best can mean one thing for a smaller business and something very different for a larger one. Best can also mean different things depending on your specific packaging needs, regardless of volume.