62 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk Issue 357 - November | December 2025 ity extends through sourcing, production, and end-of-life. It is not just about meeting compliance standards but about building credibility and resilience in an increasingly regulated market. Industry voices, including members of the Packaging Council, have highlighted that environmentally responsible design must be systemic. Substrate selection, ink formulation, and barrier coatings influence recyclability, durability, and user experience. Reports following Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 noted that biodegradable films, recycled paperboard, compostable plastics, and advanced barrier technologies are defining the next generation of packaging. These materials are now being tested and applied commercially, supported by supply chains adapting to sustainable production. A leading example is Swiss Pack Europe’s FORMIL refill spout pouch, developed with Algramo for Lidl. Recognised at the 2025 Innovation Gallery Awards, it enables in-store refills that reduce single-use plastic and promote circular consumption. For printers, this demonstrates the importance of understanding how new substrates perform on press, how inks adhere, how materials respond to moisture and heat, and how they can be finished at speed. Technological progress underpins these shifts. Modern presses and finishing systems are now designed to handle flexible films, coated boards, and compostable laminates with precision. Automation, robotics, and AI are improving efficiency and consistency, while digital workflows make short runs and customisation more viable. As Packaging Innovations & Empack speaker, Stefan Casey of SharpEnd/io.tt observed: “AI will take over some jobs – we have to think differently across the entire supply chain. Technology is reshaping packaging in ways we couldn’t have imagined.” Printers that invest in adaptable equipment, data-driven processes, and sustainable materials will be best placed to meet evolving consumer and regulatory expectations. Digital Integration, Smart Systems, and Inclusive Design As packaging becomes increasingly sophisticated, technology has evolved beyond the press. Software and data-driven tools now sit at the core of packaging production, shaping how printers design, plan, and deliver value. Workflow automation, MIS (Management Information Systems), design and prototyping software, and AI-enabled prepress optimisation are transforming once-manual processes into agile, intelligent systems. These digital frameworks not only improve speed and precision but also enhance sustainability ▲Packing Innovations 2025 reported over 7,400 visitors Many speakers and exhibitors at shows point to a convergence between print, data, and digital engagement, urging printers to view packaging as part of a connected ecosystem PACKAGING OPPORTUNITIES
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