After 30 years of showcasing the best technology, innovation, collaboration, and machinery in the packaging and processing industries, PMMI’s 2025 Pack Expo continues to be the premier global stage for manufacturing excellence. Members of our manufacturing team took flight to Las Vegas to join thousands of industry leaders to explore the future in packaging and processing, and to leave our mark on this year’s event.

With 2,300 exhibitors, over 400 product categories and 2.5 million square feet of cutting-edge solutions spread across three convention halls, we had a lot to see and only a few short days to see it. Our team hit the ground running, laser-focused on innovations that directly benefit our clients and partners. These categories include conveying, feeding & handling, e-commerce, material handling & warehousing, processing equipment, and more. Here’s what stood out as the top transformative trends at this year’s Pack Expo:

1. Sustainability Takes Center Stage

The focus on sustainability was abundantly clear throughout the expo. One of the halls housed a pavilion titled “Reusable Packaging” which included 285 exhibitor booths. The message throughout this pavilion was a repetitive one: consumers and regulators are demanding change. Their expectations are clear—to reduce packaging waste, reduce carbon emissions, eliminate artificial dyes, and improve recyclability.

Manufacturers are responding by reimagining their facilities, investing in eco-friendly materials, and adopting technologies that align with both EPA standards and consumer expectations. Sustainability is no longer optional— it’s a competitive advantage.

2. AI and Smart Tech Revolutionizing Automation

There was no shortage of conversation throughout the expo halls that didn’t center around AI and how we’re seeing more of it throughout the industry. From automated packaging systems to predictive maintenance and data-driven decision-making, smart technology is transforming how manufacturers operate.

AI is teaming up with data analytics to integrate data from across numerous channels such as manufacturing processes, consumer insights, and supply chain logistics. Data-driven decisions are increasing efficiency, transforming operations, and ultimately setting manufacturers up for current and future success.

Integration of AI software is making organization and storage simpler for companies. AI is streamlining workflows, making it easier for teams to manage everything from RFIs to maintenance logs with intuitive software solutions.

According to the experts at Pack Expo, the rise in AI-supported vision systems is making automated inspections faster and more reliable than manual inspections due to their use of high-resolution cameras and trained algorithms to detect defects that humans otherwise might not be able to see.

3. Autonomous Systems Driving Simplicity and Speed

In a world where consumers expect product more quickly than ever before, manufacturers are turning to autonomous, simplified systems to meet that demand.

The most crowded booths at this year’s Pack Expo weren’t those showcasing complexity- they were wowing attendees with how simple automation can be. Combining simplicity with autonomous operations is one of the latest solutions for achieving quicker production rates. This industry-wide shift to connected systems comes from a critical need due to labor shortages and consumer demands. These end-to-end systems streamline all stages of the production line while reducing waste and maximizing throughput. By embracing autonomous operations, manufacturers are achieving faster production cycles, lower energy usage, and greater operational efficiency- all while keeping pace with evolving market expectations.

Pack Expo 2025 wasn’t just a showcase, it was a vision of what’s next. From sustainability and AI to autonomous innovation, the trends we witnessed are reshaping the future of manufacturing and our McCownGordon manufacturing team is proud to be a part of it.