PACK EXPO East 2026, held February 17–19 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, once again demonstrated why the event has become one of the most important regional gatherings for the packaging and processing industry. Organized by PMMI, the show brought together thousands of industry professionals and more than 100 exhibitors across 125,000 square feet of exhibit space, showcasing innovations serving more than 40 vertical industries including food and beverage, life sciences, cosmetics, and industrial manufacturing.

As a regional event designed to provide hands-on access to packaging technologies and industry expertise, PACK EXPO East gave AIM some key insights into some key themes in the packaging space.

Key Industry Themes from the Show Floor

Walking the show floor and engaging with exhibitors and attendees revealed several clear trends shaping the future of packaging and processing:

1. Increasing Automation and Digitalization
   Automation technologies, robotics, and advanced controls were prominent across the exhibition halls, reflecting the industry’s push to increase efficiency, reduce labor constraints, and enhance operational visibility.
2. Greater Focus on Traceability and Data
   Packaging and processing operations are becoming increasingly data-driven. Solutions demonstrated at the show highlighted the importance of capturing accurate product, pallet, and asset data throughout production and distribution environments. This aligns closely with our members technologies.
3. The Rise of 2D Codes and Connected Packaging
   Discussions around digital product information, regulatory compliance, and consumer engagement highlighted the growing adoption of 2D barcodes and smart packaging capabilities that enable more information to travel with products across the supply chain.
4. Sustainability and Reusable Packaging
   Sustainability was a consistent theme across sessions and exhibits, including new materials and systems designed to support circular packaging models and reusable transport packaging.

These trends strongly reinforce the importance of standards-based identification and tracking technologies, an area where AIM continues to play a critical role through education, standards engagement, and industry collaboration.

Not only did we walk the show floor, but we also had a booth presence where the team had many productive conversations with packaging professionals, solution providers, and brand owners. These discussions focused on how AIDC technologies support traceability, operational visibility, and automation within modern packaging environments.  This was  particularly valuable for AIM because they bring together the broader ecosystem of packaging machinery manufacturers, material providers, and technology innovators who rely on accurate identification and data capture throughout production and logistics workflows.

AIM also was proud to sponsor a post event dinner at Del Frisco Steakhouse along with the Reusable Packaging Association and ACSIS.  I had the opportunity to briefly speak at this gathering and noted how exciting it is to see so many people within the industry in one area discussing their successes and challenges, collaborating in a way to foster a more transparent and at the end of the day more productive supply chain.

Industry Speaks Session: AIDC in Packaging

On the final day of the show, AIM participated in the Industry Speaks educational sessions, where attendees gathered for discussions on emerging technologies and industry best practices.

During the session, I provided an overview of how multiple AIDC technologies work together to support modern packaging operations. The presentation explored:

• 1D and 2D barcodes for product identification and regulatory compliance
• Passive RFID for automated inventory visibility and asset tracking
• Active RFID and RTLS systems for real-time location tracking
• Sensor-enabled solutions that provide condition monitoring for assets and goods

I explained how these technologies can be integrated within a packaging warehouse environment to create a connected system where materials, products, pallets, and returnable assets can all be identified and tracked automatically.

AIM Board Member John DiPalo then expanded on the discussion by sharing a compelling reusable packaging use case. The example demonstrated how multiple AIDC technologies can be combined to track reusable transport items across a supply chain, improving asset utilization, reducing losses, and increasing operational transparency.

The session highlighted a key message that resonated strongly with the audience: AIDC technologies are most powerful when deployed together as part of an integrated data ecosystem supporting packaging, logistics, and supply chain visibility.

Looking Ahead to PACK EXPO International

AIM greatly values its collaboration with PMMI and the PACK EXPO community. Following a successful event in Philadelphia, AIM looks forward to continuing this partnership at PACK EXPO International, taking place October 18–21, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

At the Chicago event, AIM plans to further engage the packaging community through:

• A booth presence on the show floor
• Educational discussions focused on AIDC technologies
• Networking opportunities connecting packaging professionals with the automatic identification community

Contact me if you would like updates on the work AIM Plans to do at the PACK EXPO International event.

Earlier this February, AIM had the opportunity to attend Manifest 2026 in Las Vegas, one of the fastest-growing gatherings focused on supply chain and logistics innovation. Manifest continues to bring together a powerful cross-section of industry stakeholders, including technology developers, shippers, solution providers, venture capital firms, and enterprise end users. From my perspective, the event serves as a strong pulse check on where supply chain technology is heading and how Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technologies continue to serve as a foundational layer enabling this transformation.

Walking the show floor and participating in sessions, it was clear that Manifest is intentionally designed to foster collaboration between innovators and the organizations deploying these solutions at scale. The agenda balanced strategic leadership discussions with deep technical insights, which mirrors the challenges many AIM members are working to solve every day. The event reinforced how critical accurate data capture, interoperability, and real-time visibility have become across global supply networks.

A Strong Emphasis on AI and Intelligent Automation

One of the most noticeable themes throughout the conference was the role artificial intelligence is already playing and will continue to play in supply chain operations. Across multiple sessions, speakers discussed how AI is moving beyond experimentation and into practical deployment.

Discussions centered around AI-driven predictive analytics, demand forecasting, exception management, and automated decision-making within warehouse and transportation operations. What stood out to me was how frequently these AI solutions depend on trusted, structured, and real-time data inputs. This reinforces a message AIM consistently advocates: advanced analytics and AI capabilities are only as strong as the quality and reliability of the data feeding them.

Many sessions highlighted how organizations are combining AI with sensor technologies, RFID, machine vision, and other AIDC solutions to create actionable intelligence. These integrated ecosystems are helping companies improve inventory accuracy, reduce operational disruptions, and gain end-to-end visibility across increasingly complex supply chains.

Supply Chain Visibility and Data Interoperability Remain Central

Another major takeaway was the continued focus on supply chain visibility and the importance of interoperable data sharing across partners. Conversations consistently returned to the challenge of connecting information from manufacturers, logistics providers, distributors, and retailers into unified, transparent data flows.

This is an area where AIM members continue to lead through standards development, technology innovation, and real-world deployment expertise. The emphasis on digital identifiers, connected packaging, and item-level tracking reinforced how critical AIDC technologies are in building scalable visibility platforms. Many presenters highlighted that supply chains are evolving from transactional processes into dynamic, data-driven ecosystems, which aligns closely with AIM’s mission of enabling accurate, available, and identifiable data. 

Collaboration Across the Technology Ecosystem

The networking environment at Manifest was particularly strong and created opportunities to engage with existing AIM members as well as organizations exploring AIDC solutions for the first time. The mix of startups, established technology providers, and enterprise end users created productive discussions about emerging trends and practical implementation challenges.

Several conversations reinforced how organizations are increasingly looking for guidance on standards, interoperability, and best practices. These discussions highlight the growing importance of industry collaboration and education, areas where AIM continues to play a leadership role through committees, working groups, and educational programming.

Looking Ahead to 2027

From my perspective, Manifest provides valuable insight into how rapidly supply chain innovation is evolving and how essential AIM technologies are to enabling that progress. The event highlights real-world use cases, emerging regulatory drivers, and new business opportunities that directly impact our membership community.  It also reinforces the importance of continuing to build partnerships with organizations and events that share our focus on advancing supply chain transparency, efficiency, and resilience.

AIM is excited to continue strengthening our partnership with Manifest as the event expands globally. I want to thank Manifest President Courtney Muller for meeting with AIM and seeing the benefits of this new collaboration.   We look forward to supporting their first overseas event in Lisbon, Portugal in 2027 as well as the stateside show in Las Vegas next February. These collaborations help ensure AIM remains connected to emerging trends while continuing to advocate for the technologies and standards that power modern supply chains.

Manifest 2026 reinforced an important reality: as supply chains become smarter and more autonomous, the need for trusted identification, data capture, and interoperability will only grow. AIM and our members remain at the center of enabling that future.

RFID continues to gain momentum across global supply chains.  AIM’s 2025 Automatic Identification and Data Capture Industry Direction Report highlights just how rapidly the technology is advancing.

Drawing from more than 200 responses across end users and AIDC professionals, the report offers an interesting and comprehensive view of RFID adoption, demand expectations, and the market forces shaping the next two years.

Some Report Insights: RFID’s Growth Outlook Is Strong Even Amid Tight Budgets

While many enterprises face pressure from budget constraints and competing technology priorities, the report found that 84% of AIDC industry professionals expect RFID demand to increase through 2026. RFID readers and smart label printers are among the very top categories for expected demand growth, with more than half of industry respondents anticipating moderate or significant increases.

End users are more cautious than vendors, but the trend still points upward.

The report also shows that organizations investing in traceability, ERP upgrades, industrial IoT, and AI are significantly more likely to increase their RFID spending than those without these initiatives. RFID’s ability to feed real-time, trusted data into higher-order systems (AI, robotics, WMS, 5G infrastructure, and cloud platforms) seems to be cementing its role as a foundational technology in digital transformation efforts.

Some Report Insights:  Traceability Is the RFID Growth Engine

One of the most important findings in the report is the influence of traceability initiatives on RFID adoption.  The report found:

• 69% of enterprises investing in traceability plan to purchase RFID systems, compared to just 5% among companies not prioritizing traceability.
• These same organizations are also more likely to invest in sensors, WMS platforms, and RTLS, illustrating the broader ecosystem RFID supports.

Upcoming and expanding compliance programs are major accelerators as well, including:

• EU Digital Product Passport (DPP)
• GS1 Sunrise 2027
• FSMA 204 food traceability rules
• UDI/GUDID medical device requirements

The report stresses that many enterprises may not yet fully understand their obligations and that AIM members will be uniquely positioned to educate and lead in these areas.

Some Report Insights:  Where RFID Spending Will Happen

In the reports findings it was also observed that the top RFID-related product categories for end users include:

• Handheld RFID readers: Strong growth indicators, especially where mobility and in-process automation are needed.
• RFID smart label printers: Ranked highly by both end users and solution providers, signaling sustained investment in item-level encoding.
• RFID readers integrated into mobile computers: A favored option in environments where workforce flexibility is essential.
• Fixed RFID infrastructure: While more budget-sensitive, these systems remain critical in high-volume and high-accuracy environments.

Industry professionals; whose forecasting historically correlates well with real-world adoption, ranked RFID readers and smart label printers as the #1 and #2 categories for demand growth across the entire AIDC industry.

RFID’s Expanding Role in Enterprise Digitalization

The report notes that enterprises pursuing IoT, warehouse automation, robotics, cloud migration, and AI initiatives are far more likely to adopt or expand RFID in the same timeframe.

This signals a shift in RFID’s role:
From stand-alone technology → to a strategic data layer powering next-generation digital systems.

With nearly every emerging enterprise program relying on highly accurate, real-time data, RFID is increasingly viewed as an enabler—not an accessory.

The RFID insights highlighted here represent just a small portion of the findings in AIM’s 33-page report. The full publication includes additional details on:

• RFID adoption trends by industry
• Comparative analysis of AIDC technologies
• Key motivators and barriers for enterprise investments
• Compliance-driven opportunities
• Forecasts for adjacent technologies such as sensors, IoT, and machine vision

AIM members can receive a complimentary copy by emailing Bethany Deane to request a free download code.

Download the report:
https://www.aimglobal.org/2025-industry-direction-report/

My recent trip to Bangkok, Thailand in the Asia region offered a unique opportunity to see the incredible progress being made in logistics, supply chain, and digital identification technologies. It was an honor to represent AIM Global at the AIM Asia VIP Tour and LogiMAT Southeast Asia; a premier international trade show dedicated to intralogistics solutions and process management as well as at several meetings in the area focused on learning and collaboration.

The meetings I attended started with LogiMAT Southeast Asia, which  showcased the future of supply chain innovation, from automated material handling and warehouse robotics to AI-driven logistics visibility and digital transformation tools. The event brought together leaders from across Asia and beyond to explore solutions that optimize speed, accuracy, and sustainability in modern logistics networks.

The AIM Asia delegation was warmly received by the event organizers and key regional leaders. We had the privilege of joining guided tours, meeting with solution providers, and learning about new advances in smart warehousing, AI-powered systems, and connected supply chain infrastructures that align with AIM’s mission to enable trusted, interoperable data capture and identification worldwide.

The next day, I was a part of a board meeting hosted by AIM Asia, where I had the opportunity to present on “How AI, IoT, Robotics and AIDC Technologies Are Coming Together in Industrial Environments.” The discussion centered on how Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, Robotics, and automated data capture tools including  barcodes, RFID, RTLS, and machine vision, are rapidly converging to create smarter, more responsive industrial systems

Some key discussion points were:

• Technology convergence is driving measurable efficiency gains, cost reductions, and improved quality across operations.
• AI and IoT depend on accurate, standardized data from AIDC technologies to make reliable decisions.
• Autonomous robots and AI-driven workflows are reshaping warehouse and manufacturing environments, with smart robots projected to outnumber frontline workers by 2028.
• Data visibility and product authentication remain central to enabling traceability and regulatory compliance.

Our board meeting also featured excellent discussions around product identification, the future of 2D codes, and further talk on product transparency, particularly how regional collaboration can accelerate global interoperability and the adoption of standards for Digital Product Passports (DPPs), Unique Device Identification (UDI), and smart labeling systems.

Later that day we had a great meeting at the HIP Global Office where we heard from their Executive Director Mr. Thaweechai Yang, who also is the President of the Thai Security Systems Operators Association.  This meeting ofr me highlighted the power of cross-regional collaboration in advancing the effective uses of identification technlogies. I extend my sincere appreciation to the organizers of LogiMAT Southeast Asia, as well as Mr. Yang and his team for their warm hospitality.

I would also like to express my deep gratitude to:

• Dr. Pui Yi (Anna) Lau, President of AIM Asia as well as Kenneth Yung, for leading the coordination of the tour and facilitating valuable regional engagement.
• Masaki Ehara, President of AIM Japan, for his partnership and meaningful dialogue throughout the event.
• Yaw Peng, NG, and our colleagues from AIM and GS1 China, for their hospitality, guidance, and thoughtful discussions on regional innovation and standardization efforts.

This trip reinforced the growing importance of international cooperation in building a more transparent, data-driven future. As technologies continue to converge, AIM’s role in fostering standards, trust, and interoperability will remain essential to connecting technologies, and people, across borders.

Together with our chapters leadership and our global network, we are laying the foundation for a more visible, intelligent, and sustainable supply chain ecosystem.

AIM held its quarterly global chapter call on September 24, 2025, bringing together leaders and members from across regions to exchange updates, share progress, and identify opportunities for collaboration.

AIM Germany, Austria & Switzerland

Peter Altes reported on ongoing regulatory and policy initiatives, including the EU Digital Product Passport, Cyber Resilience Act, and Frequency Harmonization. He highlighted AIM’s sponsorship of Wireless IoT Tomorrow in Wiesbaden this October and upcoming preparations for LogiMAT 2026 in Stuttgart. AIM Germany is also preparing its spring meeting, which will include board elections. Even with broader economic uncertainty globally, outreach through new channels, including a LinkedIn company page and a website relaunch, is underway and helping create new contacts and dialogue across the region.

AIM Russia

Michael Allen provided an update from Gregory Slusarenko. AIM Russia continues to serve as a hub for innovation, representing 19 member companies across the AIDC spectrum. Two new national standards were approved in 2025, covering 2D barcode verifiers and RFID supply chain applications.  These align Russian standards more closely with global frameworks. AIM Russia is also actively involved in national traceability initiatives alongside GS1 Russia, supporting implementation with training and consultation.

AIM North America (NA)

AIM CEO Mary Lou Bosco shared that AIM NA recently welcomed five new members. The team has been highly active at industry events, including GS1 US Connect, BlueStar and ScanSource partner conferences, and is preparing for AIM activities at PACK EXPO Las Vegas. Work groups continue to drive thought leadership, with the Cannabis Work Group launching a podcast and the Food Supply Chain Work Group preparing a December webinar on AI applications in food. A survey on 2D barcode adoption in food traceability is also underway. Also involving food, AIM NA recently produced a video campaign for the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste.

AIM Japan

Masaki Ehara reported on recent exhibitions in Japan, noting a visible presence from Chinese companies and highlighting the strong promotion of QR code’s 30th anniversary through NHK media coverage. AIM Japan also celebrated presenting the AIM Lifetime Achievement Award to Masahiro Hara of DENSO, inventor of the QR Code. Discussions are ongoing with universities and partners to address EMC/RF interference challenges and explore future white paper opportunities.

AIM Asia

Anna Lau detailed AIM Asia’s busy third quarter, including work group meetings on EMC/RF, three webinars on smart retail, dual-frequency RFID, and healthcare testing standards, and participation in the Shenzhen IoT Show, where AIM Asia signed new MOUs with partners in Malaysia and China. Preparations are underway for AIDC Connect Asia in Bangkok, which will feature board meetings, technical work group discussions, company visits, and joint programming with LogiMAT Asia.

AIM Global

Michael Allen and Mary Lou Bosco outlined global initiatives. AIM’s industry groups are developing interactive web-based resources on RFID, visibility technologies, and supply chain applications. The Technical Symbology Committee (TSC) is advancing Ultracode standardization and raising awareness of new calibration card standards. AIM Global also hosted a widely attended QR Code phishing awareness webinar, and continues to address the opportunities around 2D codes moving forward.

Mary Lou further highlighted AIM’s submission of comments on the Digital Product Passport via DIN, upcoming recognition of five industry award recipients, and the release of the 2025 Industry Direction Report, available free to AIM members. Two global surveys, on tariffs and regulatory impacts, remain open until October 31, 2025.

Finally, the call looked ahead to AIDC 101/102 training workshops, which are expanding hands-on learning opportunities, and to the AIM Summit 2026, with chapters invited to suggest potential co-location events in Europe or Asia.

Contact AIM Chapters Liaison Michael Allen for any questions you have on chapter initiatives.