2021 Guidance in an Uncertain Economy – Moving Forward into 2021, published by PMMI – The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, examines near‑term to multi‑year economic outlooks using leading indicators, industry benchmarks and public economic data to assess implications for packaging and processing companies. The analysis indicates a recovery phase driven by consumer demand and reshoring trends, and highlights focus areas such as supply‑chain resilience and commodity pricing pressures, investment priorities including M&A and automation (including robotics and predictive maintenance), and workforce development with knowledge capture for retention. Charts highlight sector momentum from beverages to pharmaceuticals, and comparative benchmarks generally show stronger U.S. resilience versus many trading partners. The report reveals where industry leaders are prioritizing investments to strengthen operational resilience.
Published by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, with analysis by ITR Economics, in May 2021. Based on secondary analysis of government and industry economic data, ITR Economics leading‑indicator analysis, and expert interviews (sources include BEA, BLS, FRB, CDC, OECD, Eurostat, FM Global, BCG, and national statistical agencies) collected through May 2021.
