The Future of Packaging is Sustainable: Smarter, Leaner, and More Efficient
- Greg Marsh
- Sep 24
- 2 min read
Packaging industry leaders are turning to smarter, leaner, and more sustainable solutions
The packaging industry is experiencing unprecedented change. Sustainability pressures, shifting consumer demands, and rising operational costs are all reshaping the way manufacturers design, produce, and deliver packaging solutions. In our recent edition ofWebinar Wednesdays, “The Future of Packaging is Sustainable: Smarter, Leaner, and More Efficient,” Beckhoff Industry Managers, Greg Marsh and Derrick Colyer, explored these challenges and highlighted the technologies and strategies that help OEMs and manufacturers stay competitive.
Download the full recorded webinar here:
Market forces driving packaging innovation
Packaging has always been about protection, functionality, and appealing designs. But today, it also carries the weight of environmental sustainability and hyper-personalization. Consumers expect more eco-friendly packaging materials, while regulations — especially in Europe — push companies to phase out plastics and other non-recyclable materials. Alternatives like paper-based trays and biodegradable substrates are becoming standard, but these require packaging lines to adapt to new processes, formats, and materials.
At the same time, consumer trends such as premiumization and customization are driving an explosion of SKUs. Personalized labels, limited runs, and “made-for-you” packaging demand greater flexibility on the production floor. Manufacturers must deliver faster, shorter runs while maintaining high quality and throughput. Combined with rising energy costs and ongoing workforce challenges, the industry is at a critical inflection point.
Beckhoff’s approach: smarter, leaner, more efficient
Beckhoff addresses these challenges with open, modular automation platforms that allow packaging machines to be more adaptable and resource-efficient. Instead of relying on rigid, cabinet-bound control systems, Beckhoff technologies are designed for scalability and flexibility — ensuring manufacturers can meet today’s needs while staying prepared for tomorrow’s.
Equally important is collaboration. Beckhoff emphasizes a holistic approach that brings together OEMs, system integrators, end users, and technology suppliers to co-create solutions. This ensures that equipment design not only meets the immediate packaging requirements but also aligns with long-term goals for sustainability, digitalization, and efficiency.
Technology spotlight: sustainable packaging in action
The webinar featured several innovative technologies designed to transform packaging operations. Beckhoff’s XTS (eXtended Transport System) and XPlanar maglev system enable completely new approaches to product handling — allowing manufacturers to achieve high-speed, high-variability packaging with minimal mechanical complexity. These mechatronic solutions support greater product diversity while reducing waste and energy use.
Meanwhile, the MX-System reimagines traditional control cabinets with a modular, machine-mountable design. By cutting cabinet size, wiring, and cooling requirements, it reduces both footprint and energy consumption while simplifying engineering. Combined with TwinCAT Vision, which integrates machine vision directly into the machine controller for reliable in-line quality inspection, these technologies help create packaging lines that are smarter, leaner, and more sustainable.
Looking ahead in sustainable packaging
Meeting sustainability and performance demands requires more than incremental improvements — it calls for rethinking how machines are designed, operated, and maintained. Beckhoff’s open automation solutions provide the foundation for packaging manufacturers to thrive in this new era, delivering the flexibility, scalability, and intelligence needed to balance market demands with environmental responsibility.
Ready to transform your packaging machines into something smarter, leaner, and more sustainable? Contact your local Beckhoff sales engineer today!
And don't forget to check out our upcoming and on-demand webinars to stay current on the latest automation innovations from Beckhoff.
Greg Marsh is a Packaging Industry Manager at Beckhoff Automation LLC
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