CHICAGO — Sustainability has become a core factor in packaging equipment purchasing and design decisions, reshaping how consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) collaborate, according to new research released by the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI).

PMMI’s latest report, The Ripple Effect: CPG Sustainability and the New OEM Spec Sheet, found that 82% of end users are actively pursuing sustainability initiatives, while 64% of OEMs say sustainability now directly influences equipment design.

The findings suggest that environmental performance is no longer an optional specification but an essential requirement for new packaging machinery.

Equipment Limitations Slow Sustainability Progress

The report also highlights a significant gap between sustainability ambitions and current manufacturing capabilities.

More than half of surveyed end users said existing packaging equipment is limiting their ability to achieve sustainability goals, creating opportunities for machinery suppliers to develop more flexible and environmentally focused solutions.

According to PMMI, sustainability considerations now extend beyond packaging materials to influence equipment specifications, production processes, supplier relationships and sustainability reporting requirements.

Demand Grows for Flexible Packaging Equipment

The research found increasing demand for machinery capable of processing a wider range of sustainable packaging formats while maintaining production efficiency.

Key requirements include equipment that can handle:

• Lightweight packaging materials
• Post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials
• Smaller package sizes
• Reduced or eliminated secondary packaging
• Alternative sustainable packaging formats

In addition to material flexibility, manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on energy efficiency, waste reduction, environmental data collection and compliance with evolving regulations, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs.

These changing priorities are expanding traditional equipment specifications beyond speed and productivity to include measurable sustainability performance.

Pack Expo 2026 to Spotlight Sustainability Solutions

The report was released ahead of Pack Expo International 2026, which will take place October 18–21, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

The event is expected to feature approximately 2,600 exhibitors across 1.3 million square feet of exhibition space and attract around 48,000 attendees representing more than 40 industry sectors.

PMMI said the exhibition will showcase technologies designed to address sustainability challenges throughout the packaging and processing industry.

Collaboration Seen as Key to Future Progress

According to the research, both CPG companies and equipment manufacturers agree that closer collaboration will be essential as sustainability requirements continue to evolve.

Earlier supplier engagement, improved communication and joint technology development were identified as important factors in helping manufacturers meet environmental objectives while maintaining operational performance.

As regulatory requirements tighten and demand for sustainable packaging grows, PMMI expects cooperation between brand owners, machinery manufacturers and technology providers to play an increasingly important role in future packaging innovation.

Last Updated on 21/07/2026 by Jota Machinery