The packaging machinery industry is successfully resisting global challenges and demonstrating remarkable resilience, innovation, and growth momentum. While other areas of mechanical engineering are experiencing a decline, the packaging industry is looking forward to the future with optimism. This positive outlook stems from the industry's ability to quickly adapt to changes in market demands, embrace advanced digital technologies, and prioritize sustainable manufacturing practices. Richard Clemens, the executive director of the German Association of Machinery Manufacturers (VDMA), emphasized: This industry holds tremendous future potential. Although the overall mechanical engineering sector is expected to decline by 7%, the packaging industry is expected to achieve a 3% growth in 2025.
| Which markets are leading the international packaging trends?
In 2024, the global export volume of German packaging machinery exceeded 27.6 billion euros, maintaining its leading position in international packaging machinery trade. However, market dynamics are changing: the European market is stagnating, while the importance of regions such as Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East is increasing. Countries like India, Mexico and Colombia are emerging as dynamic growth markets.
This transformation highlights that packaging machinery manufacturers must adjust their international growth strategies to adapt to the new geopolitical realities and the constantly changing customer demands. Moreover, the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and advanced automation technologies in these regions presents significant opportunities for innovative enterprises that aspire to expand their global influence and respond actively to local market needs.
| From machinery manufacturers to solution providers: The path of industry growth
The packaging industry is undergoing a transformation: from being merely a supplier of packaging, sealing and winding machinery, it is shifting towards becoming a comprehensive solution provider. Successful enterprises are focusing on the following aspects:
- Digital business model utilizing intelligent data
- Realize the modular equipment concept that enables flexible and scalable production
- Enhance the regional service centers for on-site customer support
- Application expertise that brings genuine added value to customers and consumers
This transformation is not merely about technology - it reflects a new way of thinking. As Richard Clemens said: The key is not in selling machines, but in providing a complete system that includes digital services. This also includes the ability to analyze process data and present it to customers in a user-friendly manner.
| Which technologies and strategies enable modern packaging machinery suppliers to stand out?
The message is clear: Both the packaging machinery industry in Germany and globally are well-prepared to face the future and are determined to blaze new trails in terms of productivity, innovation and sustainability. Thanks to strong export performance, digital transformation and customer-centric innovation, this industry is setting new standards globally.
Technological advancements such as automation and artificial intelligence have enabled manufacturers to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of their production lines. As a result, enterprises in this field not only respond to the constantly changing customer demands, but also actively shape the future of the packaging industry by developing sustainable solutions and more intelligent machinery.
Furthermore, the strategic emphasis on sustainable materials and equipment, flexible manufacturing, rapid customized packaging operations, and the provision of value-added services to consumers is driving enterprises to establish competitive advantages both regionally and globally. As the international market continues to develop, the adaptability and innovation capabilities of packaging machinery suppliers will remain the key factors ensuring the long-term growth and leading position of the industry.
