Machine Design will have staff on site at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2025 to explore the trends and applied technologies that are propelling innovation in the packaging industry in 2025.
The comprehensive packaging and processing solutions trade show takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, and features 2,300 exhibitors straddling more than 40 verticals.
We’ll be engaging with packaging machinery makers tasked with designing and manufacturing equipment and looking at motion systems powered by components and technologies, such as automated changeovers, servo-driven systems and adaptable machinery designed to handle emerging and legacy formats.
Stats-to-Go: Market Opportunity and Global Trends
The U.S. packaging machinery market reached $11.3 billion in sales in 2024. The growth rate forecast for 2025 is a modest 2.2%, according to the 2025 Packaging State of the Industry data compiled by PMMI (The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies).
Key drivers in the sector include the rise and growth of e-commerce; adoption of automation and servo-driven systems; the need for flexibility in machinery and equipment to accommodate changing packaging formats; labor-saving technologies that address labor cost pressures; adherence to safety and labeling standards to meet regulatory compliance; and machinery upgrades driven by a demand for sustainable packaging and materials.
READ MORE: eBook: PACK EXPO 2024: A Nexus for Packaging and Processing Industries
Other factors affecting packaging machinery makers are the design of compact equipment to accommodate existing footprints, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and shifts in U.S. government policies.
Scale, Relevance Networking and Special Events
This year marks the biennial show’s 30th year since its debut. With the event now spanning more than 1 million net square feet, there’s a lot of ground to cover:
- The Partner Program includes more than 30 participating organizations. The Association Partner Pavilion (located in the West Hall) will serve as a focal point for industry collaboration and for networking with organizations across the packaging and processing. Included among participating associations are: MxD, National Confectioners Association, NSF—The Public Health and Safety Organization, OMAC—The Organization for Machine Automation and Control, OPC Foundation, PLCopen, Reusable Packaging Association and U.S. Plastics Pact.
- Targeted pavilions have been organized for logistics, processing and healthcare packaging, as well as packaging innovations, which will feature award-nominated solutions.
- Educational content is planned at more than 100 dedicated stages and special forums such as the Packaging & Processing Women's Leadership Network (PPWLN) Breakfast, Young Professionals Network (YPN) Reception, and the Pack Give Back annual networking and entertainment event.
- Pack Expo will roll out two newly curated guided show floor tours, the Pack Expo Discovery Tours (“aimed at first-time buyers and senior-level decision-makers looking for automation solutions”) and the Pack Expo Sustainability Tour (“for consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand owners seeking eco-conscious solutions”).
- The winners of this 2025 Technology Excellence Awards, which recognize the best innovations in packaging and processing will be announced. Eighty solutions suppliers submitted nominations for this year’s awards. These have been narrowed down to three finalists in four categories: Food/Beverage; General Packaging & Processing; Personal Care/Pharma; and Sustainability.
Registration for Pack Expo Las Vegas 2025 is now open.
