From a 'dumb box' to a 'smart device': How packaging has become a strategic lever within the automotive industry
Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe 2026 debuted a dedicated packaging stream – indicative of the growing influence of packaging in the automotive supply chain. Philip Bittermann, editor-in-chief of Neue Verpackung, reflects on the key packaging insights shared over the two days of the conference.
As editor-in-chief of Neue Verpackung – Automotive Logistics' sister title in Germany focusing on all things packaging – Philip Bittermann is no stranger to the world of packaging, and following ALSC Europe 2026, he reflected positively on the event's key takeaways.
"Packaging is becoming more and more important to the automotive industry... not only in the packaging department but to the companies [in general], because packaging is becoming more and more a strategic lever within the industry, for example to lower cost within the logistics supply chain," he commented.
Bittermann also touched on the growing value of data as a tool in packaging and the wider supply chain. "The former dumb box is becoming now almost a smart device," he said. "Using the right tools, you open up doors for technologies like condition monitoring, tracking devices or even AI tooling."
Finally, he highlighted the theme of sustainability that ran through the packaging stream at ALSC Europe 2026 – especially when it came to preparing for compliance with the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). "The new legislation from Brussels is forcing the industry to reevaluate answers to questions like what materials we have to use reusable packaging versus disposal packaging and how we achieve compliance," he elaborated.
