Secondary Packaging Trends, published by PMMI – The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, examines evolving end-of-line strategies and channel-driven packaging choices using 2020 survey responses, expert interviews, and market research to benchmark practices across CPGs and SMEs. Focus areas include automation and robotics adoption—emphasizing flexible changeover, vision inspection, and line integration—sustainability and material innovation from recyclable corrugate to tray-and-film alternatives, and channel impacts such as e-commerce/DTC demands for durability, right-sized boxing, and branded unboxing; outsourcing and co-packing to manage SKU proliferation are also explored. The analysis indicates manufacturers tend to prioritize flexibility and traceability, and charts highlight emerging patterns across channels. The report reveals where engineering teams are prioritizing investments to strengthen operational resilience.
Published by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies in July 2020. Based on interviews, participant surveys, and secondary analysis of industry and market data from CPG manufacturers, retailers, 3PLs, and contract packagers collected in early–mid 2020.
