Page 62 - Plastics News - January 2024

technology, which sets a benchmark equipped with Hellweg’s digital Smart conditions, while minimizing efforts
in terms of cut quality and dust-free Control system. Together with an by operational personnel. The forced
operation, according to Hellweg. internal logic processor, the control feed can be precisely tailored to spe-
All versions of the grinders are system ensures maximum operat- cific shredding tasks by way of numer-
ing efficiency, regardless of operating ous parameters.

What’s next? Exploring 5 Key Packaging Trends for 2024

increase in companies embracing sus-
tainable initiatives, and this trend is
expected to gain even more traction
in 2024. Companies are recognizing
the importance of aligning with eco-
conscious consumers, defining their
ESG goals, and working to reduce
carbon emissions in support of the
United Nations Sustainable Develop-
ment goals.
Beyond the push for paper-based
packaging solutions, there is also
growing awareness around the im-
he packaging industry is constant- pact of inks and coatings, prompting and even create production-ready
Tly evolving, driven by changing a shift towards more environmentally graphics (though we caution “buyer
consumer preference and techno- friendly options. The BoxMaker is at beware” when it comes to copyright
logical advancements. In 2024, the the forefront of these eco-friendly and understanding how AI images are
packaging landscape is poised for sig- options, utilizing HP True Water- generated).
nificant transformation. Staying ahead Based inks on our HP PageWide C500 In 2024, we expect AI to impact not
of these changes is crucial for brands presses. These inks are not only food only packaging design but also other
seeking to thrive in a competitive safety compliant but also fully repul- facets of the packaging management
market. pable and recyclable. process, including manufacturing,
In this article, we'll explore five key We anticipate that brands that put in supply chain management, and auto-
packaging trends that will shape the effort to use sustainable materials and mation. AI may soon be leveraged to
market in 2024. adopt sustainable packaging strategies estimate demand, manage inventory
Trend 1: Sustainable Materials will be favored by the market. levels, reduce shipping costs, and find
new ways to streamline business op-
Are Expected Trend 2: Mass Adoption of AI-Aid- erations.
Sustainable materials have become ed Design Brands that embrace AI tools are po-
a focal point in the packaging indus- Artificial Intelligence (AI) made an un- sitioned to outperform their counter-
try, and this trend is set to intensify deniable splash in 2023 across almost parts that do not.
in 2024. With consumers becoming every industry. In the field of packag-
increasingly aware of packaging’s im- ing, AI is revolutionizing the design Trend 3: Adopting Digital Print
pact on the environment, demand will process as AI-aided design continues from the Start
continue to rise for eco-friendly pack- to rise. As AI tools become more in- Digital print and finishing continue
aging solutions that are biodegrad- tegrated into professional software to reshape the packaging industry by
able, compostable, and made from platforms, we will see an increased revolutionizing packaging production.
recycled materials. use for both graphic and structural More and more brands are opting for
In 2023, we witnessed a significant design, offering more efficient ways to digital print from the start due to its
ideate and refine packaging concepts,

62 PLASTICS NEWSASTICS NEWS January 2024
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