Why Contract Packagers Shouldn’t Miss the 2026 Tampa Bay Packaging Open House

The latest State of the Industry Report from the Contract Packaging Association paints a clear picture: contract packaging and manufacturing are growing twice as fast as the food and CPG brands they serve, with a projected 10.2% annual growth rate through 2030.

That explosive growth comes with both opportunity and challenge — and it’s shaping the future of every packaging floor in America.

If you’re a contract packager, the 2026 Tampa Bay Packaging Open House (February 4–6) is your chance to see how top OEMs in the region are helping the industry meet those challenges head-on.

1. Automation Is the New Competitive Edge

The report highlights an accelerating shift toward automation and robotics, driven by labor shortages, SKU expansion, and the need for faster turnaround times.

At the Open House, attendees can see this automation in action across multiple local OEMs — from high-speed shrink bundlers and robotic palletizers to real-time data monitoring and maintenance tablets that make it easier to keep lines running.

At Polypack, automation is more than just speed — it’s about smart design. Visitors can see how our systems help co-packers handle shorter production runs, private label projects, and complex multipacks with quick changeovers and minimal downtime.

2. Private Label and Emerging Brands Are Reshaping the Industry

According to the report, we’re now in the “era of private label ascendancy.” Retailers and start-up brands are flooding the market with new SKUs, forcing co-packers to become more flexible than ever.

That agility starts with equipment that can handle multiple film types, package configurations, and label requirements — all while maintaining consistent performance.

The Open House is the ideal setting to see how machinery from companies like Polypack, AlliedFlex, Mamata, and Balpack give contract packagers the tools to scale up, adapt, and win more business in this new landscape.

3. Sustainability Is Moving Upstream

The CPA report also points to a major shift: sustainability is no longer just about packaging recyclability — it’s about upstream efficiency.

Co-packers are being asked to help brand partners reduce waste, lower energy use, and support circular economy goals.Polypack’s Clearprint and thin-film systems are engineered for exactly that: less film, less waste, and energy-efficient shrink tunnels that help operations hit sustainability targets without sacrificing throughput.

4. The Power of Collaboration

One of the most striking findings in the report is the rise of “platform companies” — large, private-equity-backed CP/CM networks with multiple facilities under one umbrella.These companies thrive by standardizing best practices and building relationships with OEMs that understand their long-term goals.

That spirit of collaboration is what the Tampa Bay Packaging Open House is all about. It’s a rare opportunity to tour multiple manufacturers in one region, meet with engineers, and see how equipment from different suppliers integrates into a complete, high-efficiency line.

See the Future of Contract Packaging — Right Here in Tampa Bay

Whether you’re managing a growing co-packing facility or investing in automation to stay ahead, the insights from the State of the Industry Report make one thing clear:the companies that innovate, automate, and connect will lead the next decade of growth.

Visit Tampa Bay Open House February 4–6, 2026, for tours, live demonstrations, and networking with the region’s top OEMs — including a panel discussion on Preventive Maintenance in Capital Equipment Projects and an evening reception at the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum.

Register Now

Plan your visit and see how Tampa Bay’s packaging manufacturers are shaping the future of contract packaging.👉 Register at tampabaypackaging.com