FMCG manufacturers are facing mounting operational complexity as regulatory demands, cost pressures and evolving consumer expectations converge across production and packaging. Against this backdrop, industrial marking and coding specialist Markem-Imaje has outlined four structural trends reshaping the sector, ahead of its participation at interpack 2026 (7–13 May, Düsseldorf).

The company will use its presence at Hall 8b, stand E47 to demonstrate how identification, traceability and connected packaging technologies are becoming central to compliance and operational performance across global supply chains.

According to Rémy Fontanet, “four key trends are shaping the future of FMCG production and packaging”.

Regulation And Standards Driving Digitalisation

The first of these trends is the acceleration of digital transformation through regulation and global standards. Initiatives such as the EU Digital Product Passport, the US Food Safety Modernization Act and GS1 Sunrise 2027 are pushing manufacturers towards wider adoption of 2D barcodes and more structured data systems.

The shift from traditional 1D codes to GS1 Digital Link QR codes allows brands to embed more detailed product and manufacturing data within a single identifier, creating a foundation for traceability and compliance while also enabling broader operational use of data.

Markem-Imaje is positioning its portfolio to support this transition, including its CoLOS® software platform, designed to centralise packaging operations across multiple sites while supporting security and uptime requirements. The company is also highlighting its 5940 G Touch Dry® solution, which enables direct-to-box printing, eliminating labels and supporting recyclability requirements through solvent-free, wax-based inks.

Efficiency Pressures Intensify Amid Labour Constraints

Alongside regulatory change, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to improve production efficiency while managing labour shortages and rising costs.

Markem-Imaje’s approach focuses on maximising uptime and simplifying operations through printing and coding technologies designed for flexibility and speed. Thermal transfer overprinters (TTO) are positioned for use on flexible film and foil packaging, while high-speed inkjet technologies such as Super Piezo Inkjet are capable of printing high-resolution 2D codes with dynamic data at line speeds.

The company is also emphasising the role of integrated vision systems for real-time quality control, aimed at reducing rework and avoiding disruptions. For high-throughput environments, systems such as the SmartLase® UV500 and the 9712 Bi-Jet continuous inkjet printer are designed to maintain coding quality without constraining line performance.

Traceability And Data Requirements Expand Across The Value Chain

A third structural shift is the growing demand for data, traceability and transparency across the FMCG value chain. Retailers, regulators and internal operational teams are all requiring greater visibility over product information and movement.

GS1 Digital Link barcodes are central to this development, acting as a bridge between physical products and digital data. Markem-Imaje is promoting its QR and 2D code solutions alongside serialisation and aggregation capabilities, enabling tracking from unit level through to pallet.

Through its CoLOS® software ecosystem, the company is also focusing on integration between enterprise systems and production equipment, allowing real-time data exchange and more responsive inventory and production management.

Packaging Evolves Into A Consumer Engagement Channel

The final trend identified by Markem-Imaje is the transformation of packaging into a direct communication channel with consumers.

With GS1 Digital Link QR codes, packaging can provide access to dynamic content including product information, sustainability credentials and promotional material. This development allows a single code to serve multiple stakeholders simultaneously, from retail inventory management to consumer engagement and authentication.

At interpack, the company will demonstrate how connected packaging solutions enable this convergence, linking physical products with digital ecosystems while creating new opportunities for brand communication.

Positioning For Integrated Supply Chain Solutions

As these trends converge, Markem-Imaje is positioning itself as a provider of integrated, end-to-end solutions spanning hardware, software, vision systems and serialisation technologies.

The company argues that manufacturers increasingly require unified systems capable of handling compliance, efficiency and data management simultaneously, rather than standalone components.

Live demonstrations of these capabilities will be available throughout the exhibition at Hall 8b, stand E47.