Packaging equipment market: problems and prospects of the industry
The Russian packaging equipment market continues to grow despite all external challenges. Moreover, Russian consumers are interested in supplies of exactly domestic packaging, which stimulates the production of equipment within the country.
Next, we will talk about the current situation on the Russian packaging equipment market and its prospects.
Current market position of packaging equipment
The volume of the Russian packaging equipment market is estimated at approximately RUB 70 billion. Its growth is driven by the increase in packaging production; at the end of 2023, this indicator rose by 6.5% to nearly 550 million square metres.
Until 2022, almost 60% of packaging equipment for Russian enterprises was imported, with German and Italian manufacturers leading in terms of value. The only exception was the segment of glass container production, where most companies used domestic equipment. China ranked first in terms of import volume both before 2022 and in 2023–2024.
It is worth noting that most Russian packaging consumer companies are now interested in working with domestic packaging suppliers. This undoubtedly encourages manufacturers to reorient themselves to meet the needs of the domestic market.
A significant challenge for producers of packaging equipment is the rise in the key interest rate. To combat inflation, the Central Bank is forced to tighten monetary policy, which affects the availability of credit funds required to finance modernisation projects. As a result, under such conditions, some companies may refrain from investing in production expansion, as their available funds will likely be allocated to cover current expenses.
The shortage of personnel is another serious challenge, affecting both "blue-collar" (labour professions) and "white-collar" (engineering staff) roles. It is likely that the issue of staff shortages will become even more acute over time and require urgent action.
Prospective trends in the packaging machinery market
Experts expect demand for packaging to remain stable and continue growing, albeit at a slower pace, in the absence of significant external shocks. Accordingly, in the medium term, packaging manufacturers will need to re-equip their plants, which will positively impact demand for packaging equipment.
Like many other industries, the packaging equipment segment is actively "getting smarter". Automation and digitalisation of such equipment have clear objectives: increasing labour productivity and output, reducing costs and waste, and creating a transparent production management system. Additionally, automation and digitalisation will partially address the labour shortage, which has become increasingly acute in recent years. Solutions for integrating packaging machines into fully automated lines are becoming more prevalent at domestic enterprises. Furthermore, artificial intelligence-based solutions are now being actively utilised in both the production process and planning stages, enhancing quality control and improving planning and forecasting accuracy.
Another promising trend is the growing demand for flexible and integrated machines. In a dynamically changing market, manufacturers are opting for flexible machines capable of handling various types and formats of packaging when modernising and re-equipping their plants. This enables quick adjustments to meet new and evolving market demands.
The share of Russian equipment is also expected to continue increasing. Currently, the machine-building industry is tasked with not only producing domestic equipment but also developing analogues that match or exceed global standards. The government is actively supporting such projects by offering tax incentives, grants, land allocations on favourable terms, and other measures to stimulate manufacturers.
An additional trend in recent years, which is likely to remain relevant in the medium term, is the move toward a closed-cycle economy to reduce environmental impact. In line with this trend, manufacturers are introducing equipment that consumes less energy and minimises waste during packaging production. Moreover, demand for equipment capable of processing recyclable and biodegradable packaging is expected to grow steadily.
Importance of participation in RosUpack for manufacturers and suppliers of packaging equipment
The growth of packaging production and the preference of consumers to collaborate with Russian manufacturers have had a positive impact on the packaging equipment market. This is why industry events, where manufacturers of such equipment can find new partners while avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy and steps, are becoming increasingly important.
An example of such an event is the International Exhibition of Packaging Industry RosUpack — the largest and only event of its kind in the CIS, showcasing the entire process of packaging equipment for various industries.
The exhibition enjoys consistently high popularity among its target audience. In 2024, it attracted 29,537 specialists from 44 countries and 85 regions of the Russian Federation, with 67% of attendees holding managerial positions within their organisations. Its value is further confirmed by survey results: 93% of visitors reported finding new partners and customers at the event, while 81% attended to source suppliers. Notably, the packaging equipment section was the second most popular segment, drawing interest from 12,437 visitors.
If your company manufactures or supplies packaging equipment, participating in the 29th International Exhibition of Packaging Industry RosUpack offers a valuable opportunity to find new partners, strengthen relationships with existing customers, expand your sales geography, and gain up-to-date insights into industry developments.
