Pack Expo International 2024, held in Chicago, was nothing short of a milestone for the packaging industry. As the largest event of its kind, this show brought together more than 2,500 exhibitors and attracted tens of thousands of industry professionals from around the globe. With innovations spanning from automation and sustainable packaging to advancements in artificial intelligence, Pack Expo was a showcase of the latest technologies and a deep dive into the trends shaping the future of packaging. Here’s a recap of what we saw as the major highlights, the key trends and takeaways.
1. Automation and Robotics: The Future of Packaging Efficiency
One of the most prominent themes at Pack Expo 2024 was the continued rise of in the packaging process. With labor shortages still a concern across industries, packaging companies are increasingly turning to automation to increase efficiency and reduce operating costs.
Many of the booths featured robotic arms, cobots (collaborative robots), and AI-driven machines handling everything from case packing to palletizing and even quality control. The takeaway was clear: automation is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a necessity for staying competitive in a fast-paced market.
The shift towards modular, scalable automation solutions that can be quickly reconfigured to handle different packaging needs was another important development. Attendees learned that investing in flexible automation technology can future-proof packaging lines. With 30 years of modular conveyance under our belt (pun intended) this is nothing new for Dynamic Conveyor. We’re excited to continue working with manufacturers in meeting their automation goals with modular and reconfigurable conveyor solutions.
2. Sustainability: Redefining Packaging Operations for a Greener Future
Sustainability is still at the forefront of the packaging industry, and Pack Expo 2024 highlighted a range of innovations aimed at reducing environmental impact. From recyclable and biodegradable materials to energy-efficient machines, the industry is increasingly embracing circular economy principles.
The energy efficient technologies that power packaging lines were also a key theme. Like other equipment, energy-efficient conveyors are a valuable part of sustainable packaging operations.
Energy-Efficient Motors and Components
One of the standout features of Dynamic Conveyors is the development of conveyors powered by energy-efficient motors and components. Traditional conveyor systems can consume significant amounts of energy, particularly in high-throughput operations. However, newer systems equipped with DC Brushless High Efficiency motors are reducing energy consumption while maintaining high performance.
By upgrading to energy-efficient motors, packaging operations can significantly lower their energy bills and reduce their overall carbon footprint, making them more environmentally responsible and cost-effective in the long run.
Reconfigurability: Flexibility to Meet Evolving Needs
Another sustainable advantage of Dynamic Conveyor modular conveyor systems is reconfigurability. In today’s fast-moving packaging industry, manufacturers face frequent changes in production requirements—whether it’s changes in product size, packaging formats, or production speed. Conveyors that are modular and easy to reconfigure allow packaging lines to adapt quickly to these changes without requiring entirely new systems.
The modular nature of these conveyors allows for easy expansion or reconfiguration as production demands shift allowing manufacturers to scale production up or down in response to market changes. This flexibility reduces the need for costly equipment replacements, thereby lowering the total cost of ownership over time.
We make conveyor systems that are designed to reduce energy consumption, increase reconfigurability, and lower maintenance costs—all supporting a total sustainability initiative.
Easy Cleaning and Maintenance: Keeping Operations Running Smoothly
Sustainable packaging is not just about reducing energy consumption; it’s also about increasing the lifespan and efficiency of equipment. Easy-to-clean conveyor systems especially those like Dynamic Conveyors that are designed with quick-release components, smooth surfaces, and modular parts that can be cleaned and maintained with minimal downtime and some without tools. This innovation is critical for improving hygiene standards, particularly in food and pharmaceutical packaging, while also lowering labor and maintenance costs.
Low Cost of Ownership: Driving Sustainable Investment
When it comes to sustainability, low cost of ownership is an essential factor that combines both environmental and economic benefits. Conveyor systems are engineered to not only cut down on energy use but also to require fewer repairs, have a longer operational life, and lower the overall costs associated with their operation. This combination of energy efficiency, ease of maintenance, and reconfigurability results in a sustainable solution that drives both environmental benefits and significant cost savings for businesses in the long term.
3. Artificial Intelligence: Advancing Packaging Automation and Optimization
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; it is actively being integrated into packaging lines to optimize processes. At Pack Expo 2024, AI applications in packaging operations were featured, from improving packaging design to predictive maintenance and even supply chain optimization.
- Predictive Maintenance – AI-driven software is being used to predict when machines are likely to break down or require maintenance, allowing companies to schedule repairs before issues arise, reducing downtime and extending equipment life.
- Intelligent Quality Control – AI-powered vision systems can now detect defects and inconsistencies in packaging, providing real-time quality control and reducing human error.
- Efficiency Gains – AI is helping reduce the time spent on design iterations, enabling packaging teams to quickly arrive at optimal solutions. Attendees learned that AI-driven design tools are reducing the time-to-market for new products.
4. Dynamic Conveyor’s Innovative Products Receive Strong Praise
Dynamic Conveyor’s full line of conveyor innovations was featured and received strong praise as key solutions to address the industry’s ongoing labor shortages, meet stringent sanitary requirements, and optimize production space. Attendees were attracted to the simple designs and configurations available to optimize space on the production floor. The ten foot DynaClean Z conveyor on showcase in the booth was a big draw giving recognition to the height possibilities and belt variations for conveyance.
Other popular innovations and features in the booth were:
- Modular Design: Easily configured and reconfigured to meet the unique needs of any packaging line, allowing for quick adjustments and scalability without costly downtime.
- Simple End of Line Solutions: Designed with simplicity in mind, Dynamic featured an end of line pack out solution including right angle transfers and package accumulation. This design has proven to be a cost effective and reliable solution in applications such as robot palletizing, print & apply, end of line pack out.
- Sustainability: Built with and durable materials with recyclable and renewable properties and energy-efficient components like motors, drives and controls systems, these systems help reduce the environmental footprint while supporting long-term operational goals.
- Low Maintenance: Designed for simplicity, our conveyors include tensionless belting, no bearings to grease, and are easily disassembled to reduce cleaning time and maintenance. Our conveyors are ideal for industries with stringent sanitation requirements and for companies who can’t slow down for complicated maintenance protocols. Toolless disassembly continues to be a compelling attraction for manufacturers as it makes cleaning simple and quick to execute.
- DynaClean-S Series: The show was also the first introduction of the company’s latest product designed specifically for the food processing industry—the DynaClean-S series. This full washdown, sanitary conveyor series is engineered to meet the rigorous hygiene standards needed in food production environments. This conveyor line incorporates Dynamic Conveyor’s DynaClean patented design elements ensuring ease in disassembly and cleaning and is now available with a standard delivery time of just 3-4 weeks. Many attendees were wowed by the ease of disassembly of the DynaClean conveyor systems demonstrated in the booth. Seeing is believing!
Equipment with sanitary design features, such as smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces and materials resistant to contamination, attracted many in the food and pharmaceuticals industries where hygiene is critical. Additionally, the compact conveyor systems with space-saving configurations grabbed the attention of manufacturers looking to maximize floor space in their crowded production environments.
As manufacturers were looking for automated, modular conveyor systems that can be quickly adapted to changing production needs, minimizing reliance on human labor, we were thrilled to able to connect and meet their needs.
Pack Expo International 2024 was an overwhelming success, bringing together the most innovative technologies in the packaging industry. The biggest takeaway was clear: The future of packaging is smart, sustainable, and highly automated. Companies that embrace these trends will be better positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive and eco-conscious market. As technology continues to evolve, Pack Expo will remain an essential event for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in packaging innovation. Dynamic Conveyor will be there with solutions to serve the industry.