Even cardboard isn't immune to disruption. Startups are pioneering new packaging and labeling methods focused on e-commerce, environmental sustainability, and increased shopper engagement.
The packaging landscape is changing rapidly in 2018 amidst pressure from corporate shareholders and shifting consumer preferences.
Consumers want packaging that’s easier to manage, better suited to e-commerce, and more environmentally friendly. Brands are looking for packaging that enhances the purchasing experience by including augmented reality features, preventing food spoilage, and more.
Over the past few months, we’ve seen notable corporate moves, including:
- Kodak shared plans to sell its flexible packaging division for roughly $400M — a price tag nearly 1.5x the size of Kodak’s current market cap. The business saw $145M in sales in 2017.
- Engineering giant Bosch plans to sell its packaging technology division, which brought in $1.5B in sales in 2017.
- Global packaging provider WestRock will acquire competitor KapStone, effective September 30, for $4.9B.
At the same time, some legacy packaging providers are struggling to adapt — so startups are emerging to fill in the gaps.
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