PACK EXPO 2025: Key Trends Shaping the Future of Manufacturing and Packaging

Insights from the Softengine Team on the Show Floor in Las Vegas

Last week, our team joined thousands of innovators, manufacturers, and technology providers at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025, and the energy was electric. We attended to visit our customers, reconnect with industry peers, and experience firsthand the cutting-edge solutions reshaping packaging, processing, and manufacturing operations.

Between exhibitor demos, customer conversations, and educational sessions, one thing became clear: the industry is evolving rapidly to balance efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. Below are the major trends we observed on the show floor and how modern ERP solutions are helping companies rise to the challenge.

Sustainability Takes Center Stage

Sustainability wasn’t just a discussion point this year, it was a movement. From recyclable films to compostable containers and low-waste automation, manufacturers are rethinking every step of production to minimize environmental impact.

End users are demanding traceability and transparency in sourcing, while brands are setting ambitious carbon and waste reduction goals. The focus has shifted from “how can we be sustainable?” to “how can we prove it?”

How ERP Supports Sustainability Goals

• Real-time visibility: ERP systems track yield, waste, and energy usage across production.
• Traceability compliance: Systems like Softengine WMS+ support audit-ready tracking for FSMA 204 and sustainability reporting.
• Supply chain insight: With centralized data, companies can analyze material use, supplier performance, and carbon impact.

Automation and Robotics: Addressing Labor Shortages

Automation was everywhere at PACK EXPO from robotic pickers and AGVs to AI-driven inspection cameras and modular conveyor systems. Many exhibitors emphasized how automation can offset the effects of labor shortages and help teams focus on higher-value work.

Attendees spoke about how automation no longer means replacing people but it’s about empowering them with smarter tools that improve safety, accuracy, and throughput.

How ERP Fits In

ERP technology ties automation data directly to production planning, purchasing, and fulfillment. By connecting machine output with business systems, manufacturers gain a real-time pulse on efficiency, downtime, and resource utilization.

With integrations into automation systems, Softengine’s ERP platforms help manufacturers coordinate robotic performance data with order demands, ensuring that every action human or automated, drives productivity.

Digital Technology and Centralized Data

Many booths had a common theme: data centralization. From machine learning dashboards to siloed data, companies are realizing that their biggest challenge isn’t collecting data, rather it’s connecting it.

We heard countless stories about data silos slowing decisions, creating reporting delays, and limiting visibility across plants. Organizations are now realizing the need for unified systems that tie together finance, production, inventory, and traceability.

How ERP Solves the Data Challenge

• One database, many functions: ERP acts as a single source of truth for all departments.
• Traceability and FSMA 204 compliance: Every batch, lot, and shipment can be tracked from raw materials to finished goods.
• Actionable analytics: With real-time dashboards, leadership teams can make informed decisions about performance, cost, and waste.

At Softengine, we heard these pain points echoed across customer conversations. It’s why solutions like SAP Business One and Acumatica Cloud ERP are designed to eliminate fragmentation and make data actionable.

Lead Times and Efficiency Pressures

Supply chain unpredictability remains a top concern. Long lead times, fluctuating demand, and customer expectations for faster fulfillment have forced manufacturers to rethink scheduling and resource allocation.

PACK EXPO exhibitors discussed the need for flexible production systems, predictive maintenance software, and automated line balancing tools all geared toward one goal: keeping products moving efficiently.

ERP’s Role in Reducing Lead Times

ERP solutions give businesses the ability to forecast more accurately, allocate materials efficiently, and identify bottlenecks before they impact orders.

With Softengine’s integrated modules for production planning, scheduling, and purchasing, companies can respond faster to demand changes and optimize resources turning downtime into productive capacity.

Economic Uncertainty and Supply Chain Stability

Tariffs, trade disputes, and raw material shortages continue to challenge global supply chains. Many exhibitors at PACK EXPO discussed sourcing flexibility and cost control as key business priorities heading into 2026.

ERP as the Stability Backbone

Modern ERP systems provide tools for multi-sourcing, supplier scoring, landed cost analysis, and “what-if” scenario modeling.

With visibility into every stage of the procurement cycle, companies can make smarter decisions that protect margins and maintain continuity even when global markets fluctuate.

Looking Ahead: Stability Through Smart ERP

After three days on the show floor, one message stood out across every conversation: the manufacturers succeeding in this climate are those investing in connected, data-driven systems.

ERP platforms like SAP Business One and Acumatica implemented and supported by Softengine, are equipping manufacturers with the tools to stay efficient, sustainable, and resilient no matter how the market shifts.

We left Las Vegas energized by the innovation on display and proud to see our customers leading the charge toward a smarter, more connected manufacturing future.

FAQs: PACK Expo Trends 2025

What were the biggest trends at PACK EXPO 2025?

Major trends included sustainability, automation, data centralization, improved efficiency, and resilience against supply chain volatility.

How is ERP helping manufacturers meet sustainability goals?

ERP provides data visibility for tracking waste, energy usage, and supplier compliance while automating sustainability reporting and material traceability.

Why are automation and robotics gaining traction?

Labor shortages and rising production costs are pushing companies to adopt automation for efficiency, accuracy, and safety.

What role does data play in manufacturing transformation?

Centralized data systems improve decision-making by connecting financial, operational, and production insights in real time.

How can Softengine help manufacturers respond to these trends?

Softengine delivers industry-specific ERP solutions such as SAP Business One, Acumatica, and WMS+, to help manufacturers operate sustainably, trace products accurately, and gain the visibility they need to grow confidently.

Softengine is Here to Help!

Partnering with Softengine, a Premier SAP Business One Partner and a Gold Acumatica Partner, for your ERP implementation not only streamlines the data migration process but also ensures a seamless transition to your new ERP platform. Our team’s expertise, dedication, and commitment to customer success make us the ideal partner for organizations seeking to unlock the full potential of their ERP investment and scaling in the digital economy. Contact us to learn more about how our clients utilize ERP to enhance and scale their organizations, and see our solutions in action for yourself!