According to the PMMI 2015 State of the Industry – U.S. Packaging Machinery Report, every packaging sector can expect to experience significant growth soon, reaching a total value of more than $9 billion. With continuous change driven by evolving consumer demands, brand owners, contract manufacturers and contract packagers seek solutions via a multitude of resources, including trade shows and trade media. PP-OEM sat down with PMMI’s president/CEO, Charles D. Yuska and VP of marketing and communications, Tracy Stout to discuss the trends driving change in the processing and packaging industries as well as the initiatives PMMI is taking to inspire solutions providers and end users alike in moving manufacturing forward.
PP-OEM: At PACK EXPO Las Vegas, PMMI released its Global Packaging Trends Report and its State of the Industry Report. What should OEMs consider as they plan for 2016 and beyond?
CY: Consumer trends remain the biggest driver of packaging market growth. According to the State of the Industry Report, economic and environmental factors are the most important influencers behind consumer purchasing decisions. Consumers are more mindful of the industry’s impact on the environment and, as the middle class grows, so does the demand for – and the willingness to spend more on – packaging that meets their changing lifestyles.
PP-OEM: What are some other challenges that will remain top-of-mind for end users as they move into 2016?
CY: One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is the continuous need to stay ahead of food safety standards. As end users continue to harmonize their operations with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), suppliers from many reaches of the processing and packaging sectors must anticipate their customers’ needs and questions.
Alongside end users, OEMs and materials, containers and components suppliers continue to face hurdles in recruiting, developing and retaining talent. It’s important that we work together as an industry to draw the interest of bright, young minds in addition to nurturing the talent we have.
PP-OEM: What is PMMI doing to help boost the industry-wide discussion around these issues?
TS: PMMI brings the industry together in three ways: the PACK EXPO Portfolio of Trade Shows unites the industry and allows professionals of all different backgrounds and experiences to come together at our shows and share innovation and ideas. The PMMI Media Group, through its publications and digital platforms, provides a year-round connection that stretches beyond the trade shows and connects end users with OEMs in real-time. Last, but not least, PMMI Business Drivers –our collection of business resources – equip the industry with the tools, insights and opportunities they need for growth through things like our business intelligence reports, workforce development programs, OpX Leadership Network, and other meetings and tools.
CY: PMMI’s primary objective is to move manufacturing forward. We will continue to address the challenges
facing both end users and suppliers through a variety of channels. In conjunction with Germany’s Koelnmesse and the International Food and Dairy Association PMMI will organize and produce ProFood Tech, April 4 to 6, 2017 at McCormick Place in Chicago to become the most comprehensive food and beverage processing show in North America. Our collective strength comes from the PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, PMMI Media Group and PMMI Business Drivers. These provide an unbroken connection between processing and packaging end users and suppliers.
PP-OEM: Why should suppliers and end users connect on different planes? (In-person, through trade media, etc.)
CY: In order to understand the needs of the industry as a whole, it is important to bring leaders within each sector together to brainstorm and share ideas on the best ways to move forward. As an industry that is constantly evolving due to consumer demands and shifting regulations, it is imperative that members of the supply chain develop strong relationships with end users and other suppliers to keep up. The more connected an individual OEM is to the end user, the faster that company can provide solutions to the brand owner’s challenges. The more connected we are – both as a community and to the issues and trends that affect business – the more capable we are as an industry in making collective progress.
Visit PMMI.org to watch PMMI’s latest video and learn more about resources that can help your company in 2016.
