Fall 2025 has been busy filled with travels. We stopped and checked in at Pack Expo Las Vegas. This year was unique. The trade show continued to operate while the venue was under construction. Also having the option to use the “hyper-loop” to go from hall to hall was interesting. Below are four further findings Pack Protocols wanted to share if you could not make it this year.
This year everyone was more open to interaction with each other
Pack Expo – Las Vegas was engaging compared to years past. There were more exhibitors that would actively interact with attendees both on the floor and outside the show. When going down one hall aisle; a few exhibitors went out of there way to grab our attention. Could it because there are companies that are hungry for business? Or was it a different sales approach? Our belief was the former because so many companies appear to be competing in a changed industry. Whatever the case, Pack Protocols hopes the additional interaction continues as long as there is no ill intent!
Sustainability is still relative
There is still a continued push for sustainable packaging efforts highlighted by the announcements and implementation of EPR rules in the United States. There has been a large shift in thinking from the United States Federal Government approach. These developments have not yet to have a significant impact as packaging manufacturers and brands still have to support local, state, and other countries sustainability initiatives. Since a lot of companies have invested heavily in the sustainable packaging movement don’t expect a tectonic shift as these companies need to get a return on their investments. The best part of the show from Pack Protocols LLC findings in regards to sustainability was bringing in MRF’s/recycling machinery or end use companies so attendees could have a large picture view of the sustainability process.
Businesses are in a holding pattern for equipment and machinery
A large portion of business’s are cutting back on across the board including new packaging equipment. The pandemic era where companies were seeking high and low for any equipment or machinery available has past. With uncertainty of future business and the overall costs of packaged associated costs generally increasing, a lot of firms are content with their current equipment. Firms are making due or modifying with what equipment they have and holding off on any new capital expenditures. One way specific companies are approaching new equipment and machinery purchases is having clients allocating financial resources directly to the project. This action will alleviate the new equipment cost burden.
Sentiment in Packaging Industry is not varied
Overall the sentiment of the packaging industry is consistent with the ever-changing global tax implications: shaky. Whether it being acquiring materials for packaged product to manufacturing; firms and employees are trying to deal with the situation the best they can until there are financial patterns or models that make sense. Companies are trying to take it one day at a time as these changes in taxes affects countless businesses and overall outcomes.
Pack Protocols LLC can provide future trends 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