Sustainability Is Reshaping Equipment Requirements, PMMI Report Finds

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, has released a new report, The Ripple Effect: CPG Sustainability and the New OEM Spec Sheet. The report reveals how sustainability initiatives are fundamentally changing the relationship between consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The report finds that sustainability is no longer a future consideration — it is actively influencing equipment design, material selection, operational requirements, and supplier expectations throughout the packaging and processing supply chain.

Based on research conducted among CPG companies, co-packers, OEMs, and component suppliers, the study found that 82% of end users are actively engaged in sustainability initiatives, while 64% of OEMs say sustainability directly influences equipment design decisions. Additionally, more than half of end users report that limitations in packaging machinery are preventing them from achieving their sustainability goals.

The report highlights growing demand for equipment capable of handling lightweighted packaging, post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, smaller pack sizes, elimination of secondary packaging, and handling other sustainable formats. It also underscores the increasing importance of energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainability reporting, and compliance with evolving regulations such as Extended Producer Responsibility programs.

“The sustainability conversation has moved well beyond packaging materials,” says Jorge Izquierdo, vice president, market development, PMMI. “Today, sustainability is influencing equipment specifications, production processes, reporting requirements, and supplier relationships. Companies that want to successfully navigate these changes need access to the latest technologies, expertise, and industry insights. PACK EXPO International 2026 brings all of those resources together in one place, making it an essential destination for organizations looking to advance their sustainability goals.”

Taking place Oct. 18–21, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, PACK EXPO International 2026 will provide attendees with direct access to thousands of packaging and processing solutions designed to help companies address sustainability challenges and opportunities.

Attendees seeking sustainable solutions will find a wide range of resources throughout the show floor, including:

• Sustainability Central, presented by Packaging World, sponsored by EFP Engineered Foam Packaging, a dedicated destination where attendees can connect with experts, explore emerging trends, and gain practical guidance on sustainability strategies and technologies.
• The Sustainability Solutions Finder, an online planning tool that helps attendees quickly identify exhibitors offering equipment, materials, and services that support sustainability objectives, making it easier to build a customized show-floor experience focused on specific environmental goals.
• The Reusable Packaging Pavilion, sponsored by the Reusable Packaging Association, showcases the latest innovations in reusable transport packaging, reusable containers, tracking technologies, and circular economy solutions designed to reduce waste and improve supply chain efficiency.
• Sustainability-focused education on the show floor, featuring expert-led sessions on regulatory developments, sustainable materials, circular economy initiatives, package design trends, energy efficiency, and best practices for sustainability programs. These sessions and sustainable solutions can be identified by the PACK EXPO Green logo.
• The Showcase of Packaging Innovations, sponsored by Smurfit Westrock, where attendees can explore examples of groundbreaking package designs and sustainable packaging solutions from around the world, providing inspiration and insight into the latest market trends and consumer-focused innovations.

Beyond these featured destinations, attendees will discover machinery and technologies engineered to run recyclable, compostable, paper-based, mono-material, and PCR packaging formats; reduce material usage through lightweighting initiatives; improve energy efficiency; minimize operational waste; and generate the data needed to support sustainability reporting and compliance efforts.

According to PMMI's research, both OEMs and end users agree that greater collaboration, earlier engagement, and improved communication will be critical to meeting future sustainability goals. PACK EXPO International 2026 provides a unique environment where brand owners, manufacturers, suppliers, and technology providers can come together to address these challenges, evaluate new solutions, and accelerate progress toward a more sustainable future.

PACK EXPO International 2026 will bring together North America’s largest showcase of packaging and processing innovation. Featuring 2,600 exhibitors across 1.3 million net square feet, the event gives 48,000 attendees from 40+ vertical markets direct access to live machinery, emerging technologies, and industry-leading solutions. Held only once every two years, PACK EXPO International is the premier destination to evaluate equipment, discover trends, and make smarter investment decisions – all in one place.

Access "The Ripple Effect: CPG Sustainability and the New OEM Spec Sheet" here.

Source: PMMI