Why AI is redefining the packaging industry in real time
Artificial intelligence is not 'on its way' into the packaging industry, it is already firmly embedded in it. Connected packaging provides evidence of the comprehensive role AI already plays in the packaging industry. As a result, they are no longer static objects but have become a compliance tool.
Regulation has become the defining force of the packaging industry. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), deposit return systems, digital product passports for many companies – the pace and scale of changes feel like a compliance tidal wave. Without AI, the complexity becomes unmanageable. With it, the industry gains the ability to turn mandatory changes into competitive advantages. Those still debating the value of AI are already paying the price for late adoption in terms of speed, cost, and credibility.
By processing data along the entire value chain, it accelerates the development of new products and thus AI will soon be able to predict results, allowing packaging teams to plan proactively rather than retrospectively.
Smarter materials, more sustainability
Generative AI accelerates workflows from linear to exponential. To fully exploit the potential of AI in the packaging sector, it must be linked to real production processes. Production must be fully digitised to achieve strong synergy by integrating AI directly into digital and hybrid printing and coding workflows. This added value is particularly significant in industrial logistics environments, where digital identification, coding and traceability systems enable faster changeovers, automated handling, and a direct bridge between engineering design and operational implementation.
How AI reduces waste along the value chain
The true strength of AI lies in linking procurement, design, production, logistics, and industrial users in a single data-driven chain. Waste prevention becomes proactive rather than reactive. When packaging is validated with clean, reliable data, companies can achieve significant savings while offering sustainable, economically viable solutions.
Redesigning production and maintenance
In production, AI improves machine efficiency, detects faults before downtime occurs, and extends the lifespan of equipment through predictive maintenance. As data flows more intelligently through factories, production lines can respond more quickly to material changes and adapt to digital processes. AI also has the potential to guide best practices in design: geometry, material efficiency, structural optimisation, and the reduction of unnecessary over-engineering. Nevertheless, companies must proceed clearly. Fragmented ecosystems, lack of standards and organisational silos remain significant obstacles.
What comes next?
The future is arriving much faster than expected. Artificial intelligence models will evolve in the coming years and bring about systemic changes by being not just a tool but a cooperative partner. We can already observe that this revolution is taking place.
Strategic thinking, autonomy and AI will shape the next era. AI is no longer an optional experiment. It is the backbone of the next wave of packaging innovations, and companies that use it with clarity, creativity and responsibility will set the standards that the rest of the industry will follow.
