Packaging Machinery is one of the important segments of the food processing industry. It caters to the packaging needs of a diverse range of food products from solid food to liquid food, from perishable to non-perishable food, and from hot to cold food. These different kinds of food items have chemical properties such as acidic and basic. Further, the presence of microplastics and Nano-plastics in food due to packaging materials has led to the development of sustainable packaging solutions across the packaging landscape. This diverse nature of the packaging segment provides ample potential and opportunities for the expansion of the market.
Packaging Machinery: New Developments, Major Companies and Innovations
The packaging segment is the most important part of the food processing industry. The diverse range of food products needs different types of packaging materials. Further, the evolution of new food products has called for innovation in the packaging landscape. The new developments and innovations in packaging solutions have been enlisted.
Seaweed-Based Packaging
The increasing plastic pollution in food materials due to packaging has led to the development of green packaging solutions. The natural polysaccharides obtained from seaweeds such as alginates, carrageenan, ulvans, fucoidans, and laminarins have film-forming ability, making them ideal for packaging. Companies like Notpla, Sway, Zerocircle, PA Consulting, and Searo Labs are major companies producing seaweed-based packaging material. The packaging companies use centrifuges, photobioreactors, and dryers to form seaweed-based bioplastics.
Plant-Based Packaging
Bioplastics
These bioplastics are derived from renewable resources such as corn, sugarcane, or potato starch. These plastics are also produced from biomass derived from agricultural waste and hence are a sustainable option.
Polylactic Acid
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a common type of plant-based plastic. The manufacturers use fermented plant sugars to make it. Corn, cassava, sugarcane, and sugar beet pulp are the main raw materials.
Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)
It is a biodegradable and readily compostable thermoplastic. The industry uses the microbial fermentation of carbon-based feedstocks to make these plastics. Microorganisms that produce plastic from organic materials aid in their production. EuroPlas, BASF, TIPA, Futerro, TotalEnergies Corbion, and Plantic Technologies are major companies in this field.
Cellulose Based Packaging
These materials are derived from cellulose. Wood pulp, cotton, and other plant fibers are the main raw materials. This packaging includes cellulose film, paperboard, and coating for other packaging substrates. The companies that manufacture such packaging are BillerudKorsnäs (in partnership with Borregaard), Tetra Pak, International Paper Company, Mondi, Oji Holdings Corporation, Borregaard, and Sappi Ltd.
Mushroom Mycelium
The root network of a fungus is the main source of Mycelium. It is the part of the mushroom that is typically underground. This natural composite material has properties similar to synthetic foam plastics such as Styrofoam and thus has multiple utilities. The foam is also breathable, resilient, insulating, hydrophobic, and flame-resistant in nature. Ecovative, Mushroom Packaging, and MycoWorks are major players in this field.
Sugarcane Bagasse
Bagasse is a dry and pulpy residue that is formed after the extraction of juice from sugar cane. The pulp possesses the physical properties suited for manufacturing printing paper, newspaper, cardboard, plywood, particleboard, furniture, and biodegradable plastics. The food processors are extensively using this type of packaging. Growood, Ecolates, Servous, and Ecosphere are major companies that form such packaging.
Coconut Husk
Coconut husk or coir is a natural fiber. It contains fibrous material which can be formed into packaging. Food Processing industry currently uses such packaging materials due to their eco-friendly nature. These materials are rich in lignin. When mixed with finely ground wood and other natural fibers, it produces plastic granulates and hence acts as a packaging alternative to plastics.SKM Coir Products and National Coir are major companies dealing with such packaging materials.
Market Analysis: Forecast of Packaging Machinery Companies
According to the Maximize Market Research, Food Packaging Equipment Market stood at US$ 21.91 Bn. in 2024. The total Food Packaging Equipment revenue is expected to grow at 4.97 % through 2025 to 2032 and will reach nearly US$ 32.30 Bn.
Drivers of Growth
Flexible Packaging Equipment
Flexible packaging machines are in great demand. Various industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements, hardware, and non-food products are major customers. There are several alternatives that are available to ensure that food is safely packaged and delivered to the client without any interference.
Automated Packaging Solutions
These solutions help manufacturers to minimize the risks arising from the manufacturing process. The advanced material handling abilities due to cutting-edge robotics technology have helped automated packaging with an upper hand on manual packaging.
Major Manufacturers of Food Packaging Machinery
Krones AG
It is a German packaging and bottling machine manufacturing company. Krones AG manufactures machines for beverages in plastic and glass bottles or beverage cans. It deals in stretch blow-molding machines for producing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, plus fillers, labelers, bottle washers, pasteurizers, inspectors, packers, and palletizers.
Tetra Pak
It manufactures packaging, filling machines, and processing for dairy, beverages, cheese, ice cream, and prepared food. Tetra Pak also distribution tools like accumulators, cap applicators, conveyors, crate packers, film wrappers, line controllers,s and straw applicators.
Syntegon
It is a major food packaging equipment manufacturer with reliability and innovation. It produces various types of packaging machinery for food and beverage.
Bosch Packaging Technology
It is a leading global supplier of packaging solutions. Bosch Packaging Technology manufactures form fill seal machines, cartons, and flow wrappers. It provides efficient and reliable solutions for various packaging needs of the food processing industry.
Uflex Ltd
It is one of India’s largest flexible packaging companies. Uflex is known for its innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. It also manufactures a range of packaging machines, including rotogravure printing machines, laminators, and slitting machines.
Conclusion
The evolving landscape of food packages has followed up in the machinery segment too. Further, the government’s policies across the world are changing amid ‘Sustainable Development Goals’. Traditional plastic packaging is now done away. It has transformed the machine segment too. Further, the advent of plant-based packaging solutions is also being catered by machinery manufacturers. The nascent technologies such as Robotics aided by IoT and AI have transformed the automotive packaging landscape.