353 - Adam Page and Adam Peek discuss Packaging Market Trends!

People of Packaging · 14 Jul 2026 · 38m

AI in practice: one real use of AI described

What this episode covers

Adam Page, VP of Reports at Smithers, discusses the limitations of AI in market research and the necessity of human expertise for triangulating data across the packaging value chain. He highlights how e-commerce growth is driving flexible packaging but reducing corrugated volumes through AI-driven right-sizing, while a global shortage of Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) material threatens brand sustainability goals. Page explains that Smithers serves brands, retailers, and suppliers by providing primary research to navigate regulatory changes and supply chain complexities.

AI in practice

Where this conversation describes AI being used to build or deliver a product. Part of the AI in practice tracker.

Logistics & fulfilmentright-sizing AI technology

AI-driven technology is used to shrink the size of shipping boxes to align with the actual product pack size, which reduces corrugated volume demand.

“because of right sizing AI technology. Volumes are actually not as growing as growing as fast. So even though e-commerce is growing. Some corrugated markets are going to be under more pressure, as Amazon is kind of shrinking the size of the box to get it more aligned with the actual pack size.”

Speaker 2 · Hear it at 33:17

Mentioned

Companies
Smithers, PIRA, Amazon, Plastics for Change
Also
GS1 Sunrise 2027

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