Asia: The fastest growing packaging market in the world

wong-tsz-hinWong Tsz Hin
Editor
Asia Pacific Food Industry

Summarizing the Asian packaging market trends in one column is not an easy task. Asia is characterised by a wide spectrum of markets. On one end, there are the developed countries like Singapore, Japan and South Korea, where packaging markets are mature and behave very much like that of North America. On the other end of the spectrum are the developing economies like Laos and Myanmar, where purchasing power is low and packaging is only required to fulfil its basic functions. In between, there are fast growing markets like China, Indonesia and Thailand. Read more

An American’s stance on global packaging trends

pat-reynoldsPat Reynolds
VP / Editor
Packaging World

Each geographical zone, whether it be Asia, Europe or North America, dictates its priorities based upon consumer habits, the weight of state in the economy and how much the companies invest in innovation. The packaging industry is no exception; each zone pushes the industry to progress in specific directions. Often a zone is a trend setter, encouraging its neighbors to follow in its wake. Read more

Innovation is the key to increasing industrial competitiveness

jean-camille-uringJean-Camille Uring
President of SYMOP (French Association for Manufacturing Machine and Technologies), a member of FIM (French Federation of Mechanical Industries)

Integrating technology in manufacturing is one of the pillars of industrial competitiveness. It enables the industry to respond to the fundamental market requirements : quality, flexibility and sustainability. A company that neglects its production tools weakens its competitiveness. On the opposite, placing it at the top of its priorities is a competitive advantage. Read more

Innovative solutions based on ultra-specialized sleeving

eric-fresnelEric Fresnel
CEO
Sleever international

Sleeving technology (the film and machine combination) is a mature technology with a proven track record. It must now follow a new direction and switch from a standard to a specialty technology. A technological shift is underway with the aim of meeting the future requirements of brands. This relates both to entry-level products, requiring high speed and performance, and value-added products requiring flexibility and quick format changeover; like the dairy industry in the first case, and the make-up industry in the second case. Although these industries are completely different, common keys for the future must be found. Read more

Packaging, a key vector of innovation

philippe-thuvienPhilippe Thuvien
Packaging & Development Director
L’Oréal

Packaging and design are now key vectors of innovation in the world of cosmetics, especially in the current global economic environment which calls for faster innovation processes, in line with the macro-economic trends. Cosmetic companies must innovate more and faster in order to remain competitive. Read more

Focusing design innovation on sustainability

eric-drapeEric Drapé
Executive Vice President – Technical Operations
Ipsen

In the pharmaceutical area, packaging is very important, and it is becoming an integral part of new drug development. Traceability, new materials, formats and ergonomics are the focuses for improving packaging. Traceability is critical for the safety and service provided to patients. Read more

Committing to smart packaging

bruno-garnierBruno Garnier
Quality Packaging & Sustainable Development Expert
Carrefour

There is no such thing as good or bad materials but there are choices to be made as to packaging components in connection with consumers’ health/safety, marketing strategy, and essential packaging functions, while remaining price competitive.
Following market trends and implementing source reduction, assisting consumers when consuming, committing to reduce the environmental impact, all these amount to offering smarter packaging! Read more

Robotics automation: towards more flexibility and added value

florence-bertauxFlorence Bertaux
Business Development Director
Fanuc France

From the end of line where they were first employed and have revolutionized palletizing through the parallelogram construction brought in by Fanuc, robots have moved to primary and secondary packaging operations for all kinds of products.
This development is a consequence of the tremendous technical progress made over the past 15 years, coupled with a significant decrease in acquisition costs. With such a decrease, robots can now be part of any manufacturer’s toolbox for automation. Read more

New challenges for tomorrow’s packaging machines

andrea-barboliniAndrea Barbolini
Application VP Packaging
Schneider Electric Automation Gmbh

The transition from a mechanical process to the mechatronic approach has led to a true sophistication of machines used in the packaging industry. The high degree of complexity makes it now possible to adapt to end-users’ new requirements and gives rise to a new vision about future issues. Read more

Flexibility, a key priority for the industry

Pierre-Yves Berthepierre-yves-berthe
Managing Director – Equipment Department
Mecapack PROPLAST Group

Flexibility and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) have become keywords to industrial production.
Today optimizing downtime when production formats are changed is a priority. The solution lies in machines that are more and more innovative and flexible. Read more

Offering complete lines with an overall performance warranties

pascal-de-guglielmoPascal de Guglielmo
President of Synerlink
Arcil Group

The packaging market is facing growing customer expectations. Machinery must not only be flexible and efficient, but also adapt to changes in formats, products and materials. In this context, finding complete line solutions that warrant overall performances is a strategic focus.
This is the mission of Synerlink, the global line engineering business of the Arcil Group. Read more