The Mexican packaging industry is increasingly becoming dynamic due to sophisticated consumer trends. The need for higher quality packaging in industries such as food, beverages, pharmaceutical, and personal care has fueled the growth of packaging machinery in the region.
In this article we’ll view the various end-user verticals experiencing this growth. Read on.
Table of Contents
The global market of packaging machinery
4 industries boosting demand for packaging machines in Mexico
Conclusion
The global market of packaging machinery
The surge in demand for fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) has driven growth in the global packaging machinery market at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6%, to reach a market value of US $52.83 billion by 2027.
Moreover, transport and logistics companies are inclining towards adopting packaging machines safe for transportation of goods. Further, the growth of the e-commerce industry is expected to augment the demand for the packaging machines.
In response, prominent market players have launched integrated packaging machines that reduce operation time. These machines are adapting to the fast-changing packaging formats with features including, a simplified human interface and minimal maintenance requirements.
Asia-Pacific is expected to continue leading the global industry with a current revenue share of 36.5%. High population growth and increasing consumer purchasing power are likely to propel the demand for the region’s machines.
4 industries boosting demand for packaging machines in Mexico
1. Food and beverages
Mexico is home to a large and diverse consumer market of food and beverages, which contributed approximately US $39.4 billion to its 2020 GDP. This industry continues to grow due to:
- Large and growing population
- Growing tourism industry
- Increasing disposable income
- Rich and varied culinary traditions
- Strong export market of food and beverage products
The type of food and beverages that account for a large portion of Mexico’s packaged food industry include:
- Convenience foods: These are ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare foods that are popular with consumers who are looking for quick and convenient options. Examples of convenience foods include frozen meals, microwavable foods, and snack foods such as chips and crackers.
- Processed meats: These are meats that have been processed and preserved through techniques such as curing, smoking, or canning. Examples of processed meats include bacon, ham, and sausage.
- Bakery products: These are baked goods such as bread, pastries, and cookies that are often packaged for long-term storage or for convenience.
- Dairy products: These are products made from milk and milk-derived ingredients, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.
- Soft drinks: These are non-alcoholic, carbonated beverages that are often packaged in cans or bottles. Examples of soft drinks include soda, lemonade, and iced tea.
- Bottled water: This is water that has been packaged in bottles and is often used as a convenient and portable source of hydration.
Mexico’s general population makes up the leading consumers of packaged food and beverage products based on convenience, nutrition, and taste. This has led to the increasing demand of the products, driving companies to invest in more tech-advanced packaging machinery. Some of these machines include:
Food vacuum packaging machine
This machine removes air from a package of food and seals it tightly in order to extend the shelf life of the food. It’s commonly used in food processing, retail, and restaurant environments for common foods such as meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables.
Mexican companies such as Propack Mexico, Empacadora del Pacífico, and Envases y Empaques de México employ the following emerging technologies in their food vacuum packaging services:
Food packaging printing machine
This machine is used to print images, text, and other information onto food packaging materials. Mexican companies including Impresiones Industriales, Impresiones Modernas, and DPI Printing use food packaging printers to:
- Brand
- Print product information such as ingredient lists
- Print barcodes and other tracking information
- Print marketing and advertising messages
- Create custom packaging materials for special events, promotions, or other occasions
There are several emerging technologies for food packaging printers in Mexico, including:
- Flexible packaging printers
- Digital printers
- Intelligent packaging machines
- Biodegradable packaging machines
- Augmented reality packaging machines
- Edible food printing machines
2. Personal care and cosmetics
Mexico rallies behind the US and Brazil in producing cosmetics worldwide. In 2021 alone, the sector had a value estimated at US $10 billion, dominating close to 0.7% of the manufacturing GDP. Increasing population and purchasing power coupled with the flourishing macroeconomic power in the country are some of the reasons this sector is steadily growing.
Women between ages 18–35 are the leading consumers of personal care and cosmetic items in Mexico. This urge is driven by a desire for self-improvement and the need to maintain personal grooming and appearance.
A few examples of the products include:
- Perfumes and toilet waters
- Make-up products
- Hair products
- Oral and dental hygiene products
- Shaving and bath products
- Deodorants
- Soaps
- Razors
Consequently, more and more Mexican manufacturing companies are investing in new packaging technologies to meet this demand. Some include:
- Collaborative robot palletizers and case packing machines: These machines are used in the personal care and cosmetics industry to automate the process of palletizing, or the act of placing packaged goods on a pallet for storage or transportation.
- ROPP cap sealing machine: The ROPP capping machine uses servo-driven motor systems to control the capping process, resulting in more precise and accurate cap placement, as well as increased efficiency and productivity.
3. Home care
The steady growth of Mexico’s home care industry is greatly increasing the demand for packaging machinery, as home care products often require packaging for storage, transportation, and distribution.
Examples of these products include:
- Air care
- Bleach
- Dishwashing
- Home insecticides
- Laundry care
- Polishes
- Surface care
- Toilet care
- Detergent
- Fabric softeners
- Bathroom deodorant tablets
The targeted end users of home care products in Mexico are mainly households and individuals. These products are designed to help with cleaning, personal hygiene, and laundry needs, and are typically used by people of all ages and backgrounds.
In response to the increasing demand for these products, the Mexican home care industry is investing in modern technologies to improve their packaging. Some of these include:
- Automatic filling capping machine: This is a high-tech filling machine with a touchscreen programmable control using a microcomputer (PLC), sensor, and pneumatic execution.
- Automatic powder dishwasher cartoning machine: This equipment has an advanced PC control system with a colorful touch screen control panel where you can easily set or change packing parameters.
4. Pharmaceutical
Mexico is a significant player in the global pharmaceutical industry, with a well-developed domestic market and a strong export sector. Mexico’s pharma industry is experiencing strong growth due to increasing demand for affordable and high-quality pharmaceutical products.
This growth is being driven by the country’s expanding population, rising incomes, and improving healthcare infrastructure.
A significant portion of Mexico’s pharma consumers are primarily individuals in need of prescription medications for various health conditions, as well as individuals seeking over-the-counter remedies for minor ailments.
This demand has increased the need for high-quality packaging that is safe, convenient, and visually appealing, leading to a rise in the use of advanced packaging machinery in the industry. An example includes:
Blister packing machine
A blister packing machine is used for packaging tablets, capsules, and other small items in plastic blisters that are sealed with a paper or foil backing. There are several new technologies being used in blister packing machines in Mexico, including:
- Robotics and automation to handle tasks such as filling, sealing, and labeling. This allows for faster and more accurate packaging, as well as reduced labor costs.
- Smart sensors that can detect and correct errors in the packaging process. For example, if a blister is not properly sealed, the machine can automatically adjust to ensure it is sealed correctly before moving on to the next blister.
- Advanced materials such as multilayer films and foils to create more durable and tamper-resistant packaging.
- Intelligent software to optimize the packaging process and reduce waste. This includes algorithms that can predict and prevent potential issues during the packaging process.
Conclusion
Investing in the right packaging machinery can greatly benefit your business in Mexico by increasing efficiency, improving product quality, and reducing labor costs.
With the rise of e-commerce and increased competition in the market, investing in advanced packaging machinery can help you to stand out from the competition and meet consumer demand.
