Pack Protocols went and checked out Pack Expo 2026 once again. We have provided five quick observations about this year’s show if you could not attend. These are our thoughts and opinions that may differ from what others perceive.
Economy appears to have impact this year on show.
Pack Expo 2026 had less booths compared to 2024. Larger companies had multiple booths in multiple halls, some with intent; while others felt like they were there as empty space fillers. Pack Protocols LLC has been attending Pack Expo International for years now. The in person attendance felt like it was not as busy as Pack Expo 2024.
Companies are improving balance sheets by vertically integrating.
Pack Protocols saw numerous companies taking a step into the deep end by offering full-service solutions such as packaging materials and actual equipment. Are these businesses trying to gain what they learned from the pandemic? Are these firms venturing into new markets because of customers: demands, or lack of resources and knowledge? Time will tell if this trend continues.
Packaging business acquisitions and mergers remain.
While at the show two well-known packaging companies made announcements of acquisitions of other packaging companies. One of the acquisitions made sense. The other acquisition was struck to gain market share in an industry where growth is minimal or not as high as they forecasted.
One thing Pack Protocols has learned about acquisitions and mergers with companies is nothing changes immediately. Eventually one company with higher investment/power forces their strategy and thinking into the company. As a result, this can lead to divestures, reductions in force and plant closures. In certain instances; mergers and acquisitions can lead to break-ups because they were “not the right fit” or were conducted for financial/tax reasons.
Pack Expo is oversaturated with Sustainability, Automation/Robots, and Artificial Intelligence.
These three themes have been hammered home to attendees for years now and the impact is not as great. Pack Expo’s in the past had attendees screaming with excitement about these breakthroughs. Pack Protocols believes the industry and end users may be in a transition/bridge phase. The demeanor towards these items is muted and been replaced with concern and uncertainty about their own working futures.
The deluge of effects by EPR/PPWR, the current state of flux for human labor, as well as the residual pandemic effects have magnified these emotions on packaging industry workers.
Tariffs, energy prices, and material increases are impacting firms.
Many firms informed Pack Protocols that they intended to raise their costs of machinery, materials and packaging in 2027. Businesses responded that they have been “eating the cost increases” as much as they could, but it has come to the point where they must raise prices to remain open. End users and brands are trying to implement cost cutting measures and programs. This has caused a major disconnect between suppliers and end users that needs to be resolved. The packaging industry is at a financial crossroads.
Pack Protocols LLC can provide observations and findings in the packaging industry that may be critical to your business. Contact us today at +1 657-204-6093 or info{at}packprotocols.com to learn more.