Advanced Packaging Solutions

One of our favorite topics in innovation space enhancement of both protection and consumer engagement.

Packaging solutions: Poised to take off?  in McKinsey

Major trends are reshaping packaging solutions—and that could open new opportunities for players that are prepared to move fast.

By Paolo Baldesi, David Feber, Nick Santhanam, Paolo Spranzi, Abir Tewari, and Shekhar Varanasi 

In the early 19th century, the French government offered a prize of 12,000 francs to the inventor who could create the best container for preserving food for Napoleon’s army and navy. That contest gave rise to the tin can. The number of packaging innovations that have surfaced since that time are too numerous to count. Just a few notable examples are gable-topped milk  

Packaging originally served as just a container, but its role has evolved to include more sophisticated functions, such as advertising. Some packaging is so iconic and easily recognizable that consumers automatically look for it when shopping. Recently companies have begun investigating smart packaging equipped with sensors. The packaging industry has evolved as well. Packaging solutions (PS) is now a $900 billion market and an important segment within the broader industrial sector. Within PS, players are classified as either packaging converters, which produce or provide materials for packaging, or equipment companies. (For an insider view of the industry and its evolution, see our video with WestRock CEO Steve Voorhees). .... "