Artificial intelligence (AI) is undoubtedly one of the most prominent technology themes in the packaging industry. While years of bold claims have led to AI becoming seriously overhyped, we are moving past this phase, and packaging companies are beginning to see the tangible benefits of AI and its role within Industry 4.0.  

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According to GlobalData’s Global Emerging Technology Trends Survey 2020, 21% of packaging sector executives believe that AI is already disrupting their sector, and 41% of respondents believe that AI will disrupt the packaging sector in the next 12 months. 

Leading packaging companies in artificial intelligence (AI) 

Within the packaging sector, some companies have a more mature AI strategy than others. In the coming years, AI as a service (AIaaS) will drive uptake. AI technologies hosted in the cloud and delivered as a service will increasingly enable businesses to rent rather than build an AI platform. AI technologies require a lot of data and computing power, two things not all companies possess. The cloud has democratised the use of AI and made the technology available to new customers. Through on-demand access to algorithms and application programming interfaces (APIs) using a pay-as-you-go model, AI becomes both scalable and affordable. 

Machine learning (ML) is the most applied AI technology within the packaging sector. Companies are using ML for predictive maintenance and to improve their cybersecurity defences. Computer vision (CV) is another important investment area used to carry out automated visual inspections. Companies are also experimenting with smart robots that automate repetitive tasks, freeing up human workers for higher-value tasks. 

Leading adopters of AI in packaging include SIG Combibloc, Tetra Pak, Stora Enso, Metsä Board, Ardagh, Sealed Air, Mondi, Berry Global, Westrock, Verallia, DS Smith, and Georgia-Pacific. 

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Discover the leading AI in the packaging industry 

Using its experience in the sector, Packaging Gateway has listed some of the leading companies providing products and services related to artificial intelligence.  

The information provided in the download document is drafted for packaging executives and technology leaders involved in packaging AI solutions. 

The download contains detailed information on suppliers and their product offerings, alongside contact details to aid purchase or hiring decisions. 

Amongst the leading suppliers of AI packaging solutions are Amazon, Microsoft, GE Digital, ABB, Otto Motors, Universal Robots, Clarifai, Neurala, Basler, Deepsense.ai Osaro and SparkCognition. 

Future of artificial intelligence in the packaging industry 

Covid-19 acted as a catalyst for AI adoption and significantly boosted digital transformation. Throughout the pandemic, companies used AI to automate tasks and make data-driven decisions. 

According to GlobalData forecasts, spending on AI platforms by manufacturing companies will reach $7.1bn globally by 2024, having grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.6% between 2019 and 2024.