Ms Buhmann, the packaging industry is undergoing profound change. Looking ahead to the coming years, which developments do you believe will shape the market most strongly – and where would you like to set impulses as an entrepreneur?
In the coming years, the packaging industry will be shaped above all by sustainability, automation and the growing need for flexibility. At the same time, the shortage of skilled labour and new regulatory requirements are increasingly influencing our customers’ investment decisions.
Today, there is demand for solutions that are efficient, resource-saving and quickly adaptable – especially when product changes are frequent or new packaging materials are used.
As an entrepreneur, I want to set impulses where technology really helps in everyday operations: through machines with high availability, simple operation and long-term investment security. Our aspiration is clear: technology must deliver measurable benefits.
Sustainability, the circular economy and new regulatory requirements are currently changing many decisions in the industry. From your perspective, how does this affect machinery manufacturing and customer expectations in concrete terms?
Sustainability, the circular economy and new regulatory requirements are now having a very concrete impact on machinery manufacturing. Our customers expect systems that are not only high-performing, but also flexible, energy-efficient and future-proof in the long term. Investment decisions are increasingly based on whether a machine will still be able to respond to new materials, formats and market requirements in the future.
This affects us very directly as a machine manufacturer. Packaging materials are changing significantly: they are becoming thinner, lighter, more recyclable or are made of new material composites. This increases the demands placed on our machine technology. In the end, more sustainable packaging must not lead to lower efficiency or more rejects in production.
For us, this means developing machines that are “future proof”: flexibly convertible, energy-efficient in operation, durable and adaptable to new packaging materials. One important approach here is also “retrofit instead of buying new”. If existing systems can be adapted to new requirements, this conserves resources, reduces costs and makes sustainability practically achievable in everyday industrial operations.
Robotics, automation, data: today, much of this is grouped under the term smart manufacturing. What does this topic really mean to you in the day-to-day practice of a medium-sized packaging company?
For us, smart manufacturing primarily means making production simpler and more robust. As a medium-sized company, we use technology where it provides tangible relief – for example through automation, transparent processes and better planning.
A pragmatic approach is important here: not as much digitalisation as possible, but exactly as much as really helps in everyday operations. For us, smart manufacturing means using technology in such a way that it runs reliably, supports staff and sustainably increases productivity.
You combine entrepreneurial responsibility with a clear view of the future of the industry. What message would you like to give to young talent and, in particular, to young women who are interested in the packaging industry or would like to pursue a career there?
My message is very clear: have the courage to go for it. The packaging industry is an exciting, diverse and highly future-relevant sector, especially for people who want to combine technology, responsibility and opportunities to shape the future.
Of course, machinery manufacturing is still male-dominated. In my view, however, this has less to do with the industry itself and more with the fact that still too few women train for technical professions or choose technical degree programmes. That is exactly why it is so important to encourage young women at an early stage to take this path.
Personally, I have only had good experiences in this industry. What matters is competence, attitude, curiosity and the willingness to take responsibility. The packaging industry needs different perspectives, new ideas and courageous talent. I would like to see many more women seize these opportunities for themselves.
Author: Alexander Stark, Editor FACHPACK360°
