Share

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the use of connected sensors and actuators to control and monitor the environment, the things that move within it, and the people that act within it. Following exponential digitalisation within the sector, IoT packaging companies now play a pivotal role within the packaging ecosystem.

Recommended Buyer's Guides

IoT is the foundation of digitalisation within the packaging industry. Peripheral technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud, and edge computing support and enhance IoT. IoT collects the data, 5G transmits it, and AI extracts insight from it.

IoT packaging companies and solutions

Packaging companies are using IoT to enhance the efficiency of their operations. Connected sensors allow assets to be monitored in real-time and, when combined with AI, can be used to predict faults before they occur. Packaging manufacturers are turning to the Industrial Internet to achieve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets. The Industrial Internet is helping companies to monitor a range of environmental parameters, like water and energy use. 

Thanks to the declining price of sensors and tech vendors offering IoT as a service (IoTaaS), IoT deployment is becoming more accessible to packaging companies. Companies should resist flashy, gimmicky IoT features, and should define clear and targeted-use cases before implementing IoT devices across factories.  

Leading adopters of IoT in packaging include Amcor, Crown Holdings, Packaging Corp of America, Stora Enso Tetra Pak, Westrock, SIG Combibloc, Mondi, and DS Smith. 

Discover the leading IoT companies in the packaging 

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

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

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

Leading suppliers of packaging IoT solutions include ABB, ColorSensing, Is It Fresh, KaiosID, Magic Add, Roambee Thaddeus, Vesta Smart Packaging, and ePac Flexible Packaging.

Related Buyer’s Guides which cover an extensive range of packaging equipment manufacturers, solutions providers and technology, can also be found here.

Future of IoT in the packaging industry 

The global IoT market was worth $622bn in 2020, up from $586bn in 2019, and will grow to reach $1,077bn by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13% over the period, according to GlobalData forecasts. Enterprise IoT dominates the overall market, generating 76% of total revenue in 2020. This dominance will continue for the foreseeable future.  

GlobalData expects this segment to still occupy 73% of the overall IoT market in 2024. The enterprise IoT market will grow at a CAGR of 10.8%, and consumer IoT revenue will increase at a CAGR of 13.9% between 2020 and 2024. The global IoT revenue in the manufacturing sector is forecast to reach $91bn by 2025, up from $69bn in 2020, growing at a CAGR of 5.7%.

For full details (including contact details) on the leading companies within this space, download the free Buyer’s Guide below:

Frequently asked questions

  • How is IoT revolutionising the packaging industry?

    The Internet of Things (IoT) in packaging enables real-time monitoring of assets, predictive maintenance, and enhanced operational efficiency. By integrating IoT with AI, packaging companies can track environmental parameters, such as energy usage, to meet ESG goals. IoT-driven data insights also help reduce operational costs and improve supply chain management, making production more sustainable and streamlined.

  • What are the main benefits of IoT adoption in packaging?

    IoT enhances visibility and control over production lines, optimising processes and reducing waste. Predictive analytics powered by IoT helps prevent equipment failures and improve machine uptime, while smart packaging solutions ensure real-time tracking, improving supply chain efficiency and product quality.

  • How does IoT improve sustainability in packaging?

    IoT solutions monitor energy consumption and material use, helping packaging companies reduce waste and lower carbon footprints. Real-time data collection supports decisions on resource optimisation, making operations more sustainable while maintaining production efficiency.

  • What industries benefit the most from IoT-enabled packaging?

    Industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and logistics benefit significantly from IoT-enabled packaging. These sectors use IoT for tracking product conditions during transport, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and enhancing the traceability of goods throughout the supply chain.

  • What are the challenges of implementing IoT in the packaging industry?

    Challenges include high initial costs of IoT infrastructure, the complexity of integrating IoT with legacy systems, and potential cybersecurity risks. Additionally, companies need clear use cases and strategies to avoid implementing costly, non-essential IoT features. However, with proper planning, IoT adoption can yield long-term benefits.