Quick Take: Do Companies Need to Rethink Packaging?

"We take a sustainable approach to packaging. As a manufacturer of pharmaceutical packaging machinery, we develop strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of medicines. One key approach is targeted energy savings, for example in blister packaging production. We achieve this through intelligent energy monitoring, which measurably reduces electricity and compressed air consumption, as well as through the optimal use of space in our machines operating in energy-intensive cleanroom environments.

In addition, we are expanding the decentralized production of spare and format parts in our global markets. This not only shortens delivery times but also reduces transport-related emissions.

In recognition of these efforts, we were awarded the EcoVadis Gold Medal sustainability rating for the first time in 2024, and we are also being assessed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). After all, climate protection means health protection, and that is exactly what Romaco’s pharmaceutical packaging lines stand for."

"Today, companies need to rethink packaging on multiple levels. At the heart of this challenge lies the balance between product protection, sustainability and regulatory requirements. The market is evolving at a rapid pace. While sustainable materials open up new possibilities, they are also significantly more demanding to process. As a technology partner to the food industry, we develop packaging machines that support this transition by offering material flexibility, future-proof performance and process reliability.

Packaging holds enormous potential for innovation and has long become part of the overall product experience. It serves as a brand ambassador, particularly in food retail. Sustainability, in particular, is increasingly becoming a core element of modern brand identity. At the same time, sustainable packaging must not come at the expense of user experience. Ease of opening, reclosability, product protection and freshness remain key requirements. Especially for fresh products, hygiene, shelf life, ease of handling and attractive product presentation must be maintained despite the use of more sustainable materials.

Packaging is a complex and dynamic field that presents significant challenges, but also great opportunities. The key is for companies to view packaging as a strategic lever. Those that act early and make use of strong technology partnerships can successfully combine regulatory compliance, sustainability and brand management."

"Packaging is far more than just a product container. It connects brands, products and consumers, combining protection, functionality and a consistent brand experience across global markets. Packaging solutions must be reproducible worldwide and convey the same values regardless of where they are produced.

Innovation is being driven by material reduction, new materials and intelligent design concepts, all while meeting the requirements of a circular economy. Regulatory frameworks such as the PPWR, SUPD and EPR are accelerating this transformation. Shape, tactile qualities and user-friendliness have a significant impact on purchasing decisions and brand loyalty. Sustainability, too, should be an integral part of the product experience.

This makes packaging a complex topic, but one that offers considerable potential for brands. Optimizing existing packaging can reduce material consumption and costs while simultaneously driving innovation and future-ready solutions. It creates an opportunity to combine responsibility, global scalability and user experience into a sustainable competitive advantage."