As we step into the new year with cautious optimism, one trend ready to shape the future of packaging is AI. While artificial intelligence has been around for some time, it is gaining more traction in the packaging sector year after year. With its ability to enhance processes at nearly every touchpoint of packaging’s life cycle, AI will continue to drive innovation and streamline processes throughout the industry. Here are just a few ways AI is expected to improve efficiencies across packaging operations:
Product Design—Building the Best Package
AI algorithms are being employed to optimize package design. From identifying the best form of product protection to reducing raw material usage, AI can analyze a wide range of data to create packaging ideally suited to a manufacturer’s specific needs. Judson Gibbs, Director of Creative Services for PCA, says, “Data analysis is where AI can make an impact in the industry. Instead of manually analyzing data, with the click of a button, we’ll eventually be able to analyze a portfolio of boxes, or list of product SKUs and their usage rates to make an optimized material spec, style and size recommendation.”
Additionally, AI tools enable manufacturers to right-size packaging to help reduce raw material consumption supporting overall sustainability efforts. Companies like Amazon have been using AI for years to help in product design. Amazon’s Package Decision Engine, an AI model that works to identify the most efficient packaging method, while ensuring adequate product protection, has helped the company reduce millions of tons of packaging materials over the last decade. Their AI model identifies the best product packaging for shipping, but it also helps fulfill the company’s sustainability goals by reducing unnecessary packaging.
Package Branding and Design—Increasing Consumer Appeal
Packaging can convey a brand’s story by highlighting its history, values, and mission, allowing consumers to better connect with a brand. Accordingly, the packaging industry is seeing a growing demand for customized packaging. AI-powered solutions enable personalized designs, messaging, and branding to assist in creating unique packaging designs and brand identities. Solutions can help generate design elements, automate tasks, and even accelerate the creative process.
A notable example of AI in action is a recent initiative by Diageo, the maker of Johnnie Walker whisky. The company leveraged generative AI to personalize the packaging experience for customers. Diageo offered customers the opportunity to receive customized label designs based on their responses to questions. The labels were printed within minutes of submitting their answers, resulting in one-of-a-kind bottle designs. Companies like Diageo are transforming branding and the customer experience through AI.
Manufacturing and Handling
Look to any industry and you’ll find them trying to find ways to increase efficiencies across all areas. The packaging industry is no different. AI can help streamline packaging processes. From predictive maintenance that can anticipate faults before they occur to tools used for quality control and inspection, AI can help manufacturers maximize efficiencies throughout the production process, including identifying the most efficient way to process and optimize order sequences. The same goes for shipping and handling. Manufacturers need their product to get to its final destination in good condition. Organizations like the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) are incorporating AI to help make packaging and supply chain improvements.
Sustainability
Sustainability also continues to be a top priority in packaging manufacturing. Consumers want their products to come from companies committed to environmental responsibility. AI is playing a crucial role in helping packaging companies achieve their sustainability goals, helping them develop eco-friendly materials and optimize package designs to reduce material use.
If you are looking for a corrugated solution that helps your company fulfill any of the above requirements, please contact us.
