The global packaging industry is experiencing its digital revolution. New research from Smithers for Packaging Innovations & Empack reveals how Generative Artificial Intelligence is redefining a 1.2 trillion dollar market, accelerating innovation and sustainability.
From creativity to circularity
AI's impact extends beyond design. Josh Brooks from Easyfairs emphasises: "Global investment in AI infrastructure will reach $2 trillion by 2026. For packaging, this means completely rethinking design, production and distribution at scale."
The numbers speak volumes: bespoke designs generated on demand, rapid prototyping and real-time customisation are breaking down traditional creative barriers.
Efficiency and sustainability integrated
AI is transforming sustainability into concrete operational advantages:
- Automatic right-sizing: optimised packaging to reduce waste and transport costs
- Predictive supply chains: intelligent stock management and waste reduction
- Self-learning circular economy: systems that automatically adapt to maximise reuse
E-commerce and personalisation
Online commerce is driving innovation: custom-sized packaging for individual deliveries, micro-fulfilment centres for 24-hour delivery, and systems responding instantly to demand changes or weather conditions.
Collaborative robotics
Collaborative robots improve production flexibility without compromising speed, whilst integration with digital printing and automated finishing is creating completely adaptive lines.
The future is today
By 2030, AI output is expected to outperform professional designers and developers, marking an epochal shift in packaging creative productivity.
The encounter with these innovations will be at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 (11-12 February, NEC Birmingham): 450 suppliers, 7,400 professionals and over 80 speakers to explore where AI, automation and sustainability converge.
