For decades, traditional techniques have supported the packaging industry, but technology is now advancing these innovations to transform the market. AI and data utilization are key to improving material efficiency on the packaging line, while emerging technologies enable packagers to experiment with vibrant inks and designs while reducing material usage.
DS Smith, PakTech, and Colpac & Sabert recently shared insights with Packaging Insights on how new technological solutions are helping industry players reduce excessive material use, minimize environmental impact, and improve packaging efficiency. Gary Panknin, Supply Chain Manager and Sustainability Officer at PakTech, stated, “Technology is essential to make every inch of material count and perform effectively throughout the packaging line.”
“At our company, setting our engineering process adds LCA to its design level. With this, every new handle concept is calculated on a mechanical and flexible efficiency basis. The intention is basically to build a strong environmental impact encompassing use, end-of-life, transport, and manufacturing.”
Head of design at DS Smith, Chris Else, said, “The reach of well-structured AI-powered data analysis is influencing and doubling the analytical thinking on an exceptional scale.” Packaging giants come with various experiences, and their knowledge of the technologies is like a learning lesson to many start-ups and old industries seeking development in their traditional operations.
The start-ups have rapidly increased in the global packaging market. When intellectual innovation and new skills come under one roof, not only the startup but many other existing giants make a profit from it through partnership, programs, acquisition, and other assignments. ESG director for Europe at Colpac and Sabert, Talia Goldman, said, “The new technology has been introduced to the market many times that focuses on Direct Food Contact (DFC) coatings and inks, and looks at it as a major recent innovation space.
Currently, we have applied Sun Chemical’s DFC offering, which merges SunStar DFC water-based varnishes and SunPak DirectFood Plus inks to allow ethical and safe printing on the inside of the fiber-coated food packaging.” Alongside, Else spotlights DS Smith’s commendable use of AI to alleviate material use. Likewise, PakTech has also well utilized the data-influenced ideas in their packaging and other key operational areas.
23 January 2026
23 January 2026
23 January 2026
23 January 2026