Future Skills: The Future Needs More Than Technology

Artificial intelligence, automation and sustainability are rapidly transforming the processing and packaging industry. New technologies offer significant opportunities, but their full potential can only be realized when people understand, apply and further develop them. That is why Future Skills have become one of interpack’s key hot topics.

The demands on companies and their employees are increasing. Production processes are becoming more digital, sustainability targets more ambitious, and innovation cycles faster.

For Michael Heinecker, Senior Vice President Blown Film Extrusion at Hosokawa Alpine, this means that skills connecting different disciplines will be particularly important in the future: “In the blown film industry, the skills most in demand will be those that combine sustainability, digitalization and process expertise.”

These include expertise in recyclable packaging solutions and post-consumer recyclates, as well as a solid understanding of extrusion technology and materials science. For Heinecker, automation, data analytics and digital production processes are equally important. “At the same time, interdisciplinary thinking, innovative strength and a strong customer focus are becoming increasingly important in order to successfully meet new market and sustainability requirements.”

As automation advances, job roles in production and engineering are evolving. Intelligent systems are increasingly taking over routine tasks, creating more room for higher-value activities such as process optimization, analysis and quality improvement.

“Topics such as data analytics, automation and the use of AI are becoming increasingly important,” says Tobias Lanksweirt, Sales Director at Brückner Maschinenbau. At the same time, a deep understanding of production processes, materials and sustainability requirements remains essential. “Equally important is a strong customer focus in order to translate technological developments into tangible customer value. The companies and professionals that succeed will be those who can quickly turn innovations into commercially viable, sustainable and practical solutions.”

As these developments continue, digital skills and an understanding of connected production processes are becoming increasingly important. Companies are looking for employees who not only operate technologies, but also understand interrelationships, identify opportunities for improvement and actively help shape change. “At the same time, self-initiative, teamwork and problem-solving skills are becoming even more important.”