The impact of changing and diversifying consumer demands were key takeaways from the 2015 State of the Industry—US Packaging Machinery Report shared by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, Reston, VA, at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2015. The study highlighted these shifts toward on-the-go and clean-label products while, more than ever, brand owners must also tackle the challenges associated with a growing variety of consumer preferences. As companies plan ahead for 2016, PMMI provides a connection among the processing and packaging communities.

Continuous collaboration between consumer goods manufacturers (CPGs) and technology suppliers is necessary to speed the implementation of new processing and packaging solutions, according to PMMI. Its report notes, “Improved information on nutrition and growing consumer health consciousness, coupled with increased travel and busy lifestyles, have driven demand for different products. This has led to the growth of indulgent yet healthy foods, convenience foods, different portion sizes (e.g. single-serve packaging), different packaging designs and completely new foods.”

Consumers’ demands are pressing the industry for innovative processing and packaging technologies, and they need them now. “Speed matters,” says Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO, PMMI. “As the pressure mounts for CPGs to adapt their operations, immediate access to solutions providers is critical to their success. That’s why it is our No. 1 priority to connect the makers of goods around the world with the suppliers they rely on.”

Evolving consumer demands require faster upgrades in innovation and technology on an industrywide level. PMMI’s offerings to address these needs fall into three categories: The PACK EXPO Portfolio of Trade Shows, PMMI Media Group and PMMI Business Drivers, which encompass PMMI’s collection of market research reports, training opportunities, and educational and networking programs. According to PMMI, these three pillars bring the continuously changing processing and packaging industries together to address the most recent challenges.

“We started this year on the heels of launching PMMI Media Group and continued to see significant growth with the first edition of PACK EXPO East, the announcement of ProFood Tech and the debut of Pharma EXPO in Las Vegas,” says Yuska. “We continue to create and nurture spaces in which end users and suppliers can connect, work together in solving tough challenges and keep manufacturing moving forward.”

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