Home > Semiconductors & Electronics > Automation > Industrial Automation > Packaging Automation Market
Packaging Automation Market size is anticipated to witness healthy growth during 2024 to 2032, due to the robust usage of automation in the manufacturing sector.
The preference for automated machines is rising as they boost the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing processes across end-user industries, leading to increasing deployment by manufacturers to effectively package goods and decrease labor time and overall cost.
Since automation provides several benefits, such as improved flexibility, high product quality, safer working conditions, low costs, and waste reduction, it is gaining notable traction in the manufacturing sector, further providing potential growth opportunities to several market players. For instance, in July 2023, U.S.-based EndFlex Packaging Machinery launched a new turnkey system, combining a Kartnr vertical cartoning machine with a PKR-Delta robotic pick and place cell.
However, high development & maintenance costs associated with packaging automation machines might restrain the market progress to some degree. The integration of cutting-edge technologies and the hiring of skilled labor force will cause a major surge in the costs of the equipment. Also, since these machines are operated on a regular and continuous basis, the need for proper and periodic maintenance might incur additional expenses. Moreover, the enforcement of stricter government regulations related to worker safety while using automated packing solutions may also slow down the product uptake.
The industry is further expected to gain traction with AI revolutionizing the packaging processes by enabling ML algorithms to optimize efficiency and reduce errors. This integration facilitates predictive maintenance for enhancing the overall system reliability. Advanced AI applications also help improve analytics capabilities in packaging robots, for providing valuable insights into packaging operations.
Furthermore, the use of AI-driven robotic systems to drive precision and speed in packaging tasks will propel the industry expansion. For instance, in October 2023, IPG introduced Perfect Packer™, an automated void-fill system using AI and 3D imaging sensors to precisely dispense the right amount of void-fill for each package to reduces waste and damage while increasing production efficiency with minimal operator intervention.
In terms of product, the packaging automation industry from the automated packagers segment is likely to account for a sizeable revenue share during 2024-2032, attributed to their growing usage for sorting and tracking various activities in the manufacturing plant to speed up the production process. Furthermore, new product launches will play a vital role in improving the adoption of these packaging systems. For example, in July 2022, Ranpak, a paper-based packaging solution provider, launched ‘Flap’it!’, an automated packaging machine to efficiently pack a wide range of small products.
Based on application, the packaging automation market from the capping segment is predicted to register a strong CAGR through 2032. Cappers are witnessing robust usage in the pharmaceutical and food & beverage (F&B) sectors as they are useful in packing small plastic parts. To that end, several F&B companies are installing automated capping machines in their production factories to accelerate their manufacturing processes and enhance the accuracy of their systems.
Leading manufacturers are also developing novel machines to handle different types of caps, such as flat, metal, Yorker, round, and sport caps. For instance, in June 2022, British packaging company Shemesh Automation announced the launch of ATTILUS, a first-to-market continuous motion capping machine equipped with robotic technologies and an advanced vision system. The rising sales of beauty & personal care products in nations, such as the U.S. and Canada is further encouraging firms to use automated packaging systems for soaps, lotions, and other skincare items, adding to the segment growth.
Asia Pacific market share is estimated to show tremendous growth till 2032. Factors, such as large-scale industrialization and increasing penetration of automatic machines in the manufacturing sectors of India, Australia, China, Japan, and Singapore will augment the product usage. Several governments are also introducing various initiatives to enhance the performance of their manufacturing sector, further augmenting the regional industry outlook.
Leading packaging automation industry players are actively pursuing strategies, such as innovations, strategic partnerships, and expanding their product portfolios to consolidate their revenue share and capitalize on growing opportunities. To illustrate, Rockwell Automation strengthened its position as a prominent market player in automated packaging by delivering innovative and reliable solutions to advance efficiency and technology in industrial packaging processes.
Some of the major companies operating in the packaging automation market include-
In November 2023, renowned packaging company SEE (previously Sealed Air) introduced a new automated liquid packaging system, the CRYOVAC Brand 308A CE Vertical Form-Fill-Seal System to cater to smaller and medium-sized processors and food services