Industry 4.0 continues to reshape manufacturing by connecting systems, data, and processes across operations. In packaging, this shift is becoming more visible as workflows move from isolated stages to more integrated environments. At interpack 2026, this transition will be reflected through demonstrations that show how packaging data moves across the lifecycle.
A joint experience involving Esko and Videojet will focus on how design, artwork, production, coding, and palletisation can be connected through a structured workflow. Rather than presenting individual technologies in isolation, the approach follows a single packaging journey to illustrate how information is carried across stages.
What Industry 4.0 Means for Packaging
In packaging operations, Industry 4.0 is increasingly associated with better alignment between systems rather than full automation of every step. The focus is on improving how data is created, managed, and used across the process.
In practice, this includes:
- Maintaining consistency between design and production data
- Reducing manual intervention in artwork and workflow management
- Applying coding and traceability data accurately across packaging levels
- Improving visibility across packaging operations
The emphasis is not on replacing existing processes entirely, but on connecting them more effectively.
Esko’s Role in Connected Packaging Workflows
Within this environment, Esko’s solutions are positioned around integrating design, artwork, and pre-production workflows. Platforms such as WebCenter, ArtiosCAD, Studio, and Esko S2 are used to support collaboration, structural design, visualisation, and workflow management.
These systems help ensure that packaging data remains consistent from the early stages of development through to production preparation. By reducing the need to recreate or manually transfer information between stages, workflows can become more streamlined and predictable.
Esko will also present its AI-driven compliance capabilities through its Comply solution, which is designed to support artwork validation within increasingly complex regulatory environments.
Click here to register for the guided experience
Videojet’s Role in Production Line Connectivity
On the production side, Videojet will demonstrate how coding and marking technologies support connected packaging operations at different levels of the packaging line.
Its portfolio includes continuous inkjet, laser marking, thermal inkjet, and thermal transfer overprinting systems, along with labelling solutions for cases and pallets. These technologies are used to apply variable data such as dates, batch codes, and machine-readable codes across packaging formats.
Software systems are also used to help manage coding processes, enabling standardisation and reducing the risk of manual errors. This supports traceability and consistency as packaging moves through production and into distribution.
Connecting Design to Production in Practice
A central part of the joint demonstration is the movement of packaging data across the lifecycle. Visitors will be able to follow how information created during design and artwork stages is carried forward into production and coding environments.
Rather than showing direct system automation between platforms, the experience focuses on how workflows can be aligned so that data remains consistent and usable at each stage. This reduces the need for rework and helps maintain accuracy as packaging moves from concept to finished product.
The Business Case for Connected Workflows
The move toward connected packaging systems is being driven by practical considerations. As product ranges expand and regulatory requirements become more detailed, maintaining accuracy and consistency across workflows becomes more challenging.
More connected systems can help:
- Reduce errors caused by manual data handling
- Improve consistency across packaging formats and production lines
- Support traceability requirements
- Enable better coordination between teams and systems
While not a complete transformation overnight, these improvements contribute to more efficient and controlled packaging operations.
Experience Connected Packaging at Interpack 2026
The joint Esko and Videojet experience will take place from 7 to 13 May 2026 at Messe Düsseldorf in Hall 8b, Booth 8BC14. The guided session is designed as an end-to-end walkthrough of a packaging workflow, offering a practical view of how connected systems operate across design, production, and logistics.
For those looking to understand how Industry 4.0 principles are being applied within packaging, the experience provides a grounded look at how workflows are evolving in real-world environments.