Trends and technologies to watch at PACKEX Montreal 2026

Automation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable packaging: discover the innovations shaping the future of the packaging and industrial marking industry.

On November 11 and 12, 2026, the Palais des congrès de Montréal will host PACKEX Montreal, as part of the Advanced Design & Manufacturing (ADM) expo. This event brings together stakeholders from the manufacturing industry around the technologies that are transforming production processes, from packaging design to identification and distribution.

As companies look to improve productivity, reduce operational costs, and meet new market demands, the packaging industry is undergoing significant transformations.

At DMS Marquage Codage, we monitor these developments closely to offer our clients solutions adapted to the realities of their production lines.

As PACKEX Montreal 2026 approaches, here are the five major trends that have our attention.

1. Automation and robotics: towards more efficient production lines

Automation continues to transform the packaging industry. Facing challenges related to labor and increasing productivity requirements, manufacturers are seeking to optimize their operations while maintaining high quality standards.

Collaborative robots, automated handling systems, and interconnected production equipment help simplify repetitive tasks, improve operational consistency, and limit manual intervention.

But automation is not just about product packaging. It also touches on the essential steps of product identification and quality control.

What role does industrial marking play in this transformation?

By integrating printing systems directly into automated lines, companies can ensure their products are identified without interrupting their production process.

Continuous inkjet (CIJ), thermal inkjet (TIJ), and label applicator systems help automate the application of codes, expiry dates, batch numbers, and other essential information.

Machine vision: a technology complementary to marking

Automation now goes beyond printing. Machine vision systems also allow for the automatic verification of information printed on products and packaging.

For example, there are Cognex brand cameras, which can be integrated into existing production lines to automate certain quality control steps.

Depending on the chosen model and configuration, these systems can, among other things, allow you to:

• Verify the presence and readability of printed codes.

• Detect printing errors or missing codes.

• Read and verify batch numbers, dates, and barcodes.

• Detect certain non-conforming products and transmit the information to an automated rejection system.

By combining printing technologies and machine vision systems, manufacturers can strengthen the reliability of their identification while reducing manual checks.

For DMS marquage codage, the challenge is helping manufacturers integrate marking and control solutions that are adapted to the pace of their operations.

2. Artificial intelligence in the service of production

Artificial intelligence is taking on an increasing role in manufacturing environments. Long associated with experimental applications, it is gradually becoming a concrete tool for improving the operation of industrial equipment.

In the field of packaging, AI can particularly contribute to:

• Anticipating certain maintenance needs through data analysis.

• Detecting anomalies on production lines.

• Facilitating quality control using intelligent analysis systems.

• Optimizing equipment operating parameters.

One particularly interesting development is predictive maintenance. By analyzing the data generated by machines, companies can spot signs of failure before they cause a production stoppage.

What about industrial marking?

Artificial intelligence is also opening new perspectives for marking and coding technologies.

By analyzing data from equipment, intelligent systems can help identify performance variations, anticipate certain maintenance needs, or facilitate the tracking of operations.

Eventually, these advances could allow manufacturers to better plan their technical interventions and reduce unforeseen interruptions.

For DMS marquage codage, the evolution of artificial intelligence represents an important trend to watch in order to better understand how connected technologies will be able to support the industrial operations of tomorrow.

3. Intelligent traceability: a priority for manufacturers

Traceability has become an essential element of many industries, particularly in the agri-food, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors.

Companies must be able to identify their products and quickly retrieve information regarding their manufacture, distribution, or origin.

This evolution is fueling interest in identification systems capable of communicating more information and integrating with digital production management tools.

Among the technologies to watch, 2D codes, notably QR and DataMatrix codes, occupy an important place.

Unlike traditional barcodes, these formats can contain more data in a relatively compact space.

They can, in particular, facilitate access to information such as batch numbers, expiry dates, or product identifiers.

An opportunity for the evolution of coding technologies

For manufacturers, this transition implies paying particular attention to the precision and quality of printing.

A code containing more information must remain readable, even when printed on difficult surfaces or on high-speed production lines.

This evolution is part of the GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative, which encourages the preparation of point-of-sale scanning systems for 2D codes, while allowing them to coexist with traditional barcodes.

Marking technologies and machine vision systems thus become complementary: the former ensure the printing of data, while the latter allow for the verification of its presence and readability.

At DMS marquage codage, we assist companies in choosing marking technologies adapted to their products, their packaging, and their traceability needs.

4. Sustainable packaging: new challenges for industrial printing

Sustainability remains one of the major drivers of innovation in the packaging sector.

Manufacturers are exploring different solutions to reduce their environmental footprint, notably by using more recycled materials, lightweighting packaging, or rethinking their design.

These changes, however, have repercussions on the entire production process, including identification technologies.

Why do new materials represent a challenge for marking?

Each surface has its own characteristics. Recycled cardboard, plastic films, glass, and flexible materials may require different printing technologies or ink formulations.

When a manufacturer changes their packaging, they must therefore also ensure that the printed codes maintain adequate adhesion and readability.

Marking technologies must be able to evolve along with packaging materials.

At DMS marquage codage, this reality is part of our approach: finding identification solutions that are compatible with the technical constraints of manufacturers and their production goals.

5. Equipment flexibility: meeting constantly evolving production needs

Manufacturing companies must now adapt to an increasing variety of products, formats, and identification requirements.

This multiplication of product references represents a challenge for traditional production lines.

Manufacturers are therefore seeking equipment capable of switching quickly from one format to another, while limiting downtime and complex adjustments.

Modular systems, simplified control interfaces, and programmable printing technologies are thus becoming increasingly important.

In the field of industrial marking, this flexibility can translate into the ability to quickly modify printed messages, adapt coding parameters, or integrate different equipment into the same production line.

Flexibility also applies to quality control. Adding machine vision systems, such as Cognex cameras, can allow manufacturers to strengthen their verification processes without necessarily replacing all of their production equipment.

For DMS marquage codage, this is an essential aspect of supporting companies: offering solutions that not only meet current needs but can also support their evolution.

PACKEX Montreal 2026: an appointment to discover the innovations of tomorrow

On November 11 and 12, PACKEX Montreal will bring together packaging, automation, and manufacturing technology professionals at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.

For DMS Marquage Codage, this event represents an opportunity to discover the industry's technological advances, exchange with suppliers, and meet companies looking to improve their operations.

We will pay particular attention to innovations likely to transform marking, coding, and industrial identification practices.

From the automation of production lines to the integration of machine vision systems, the technologies presented in the industry bear witness to an evolution toward processes that are more connected and better controlled.

Come meet the DMS team at PACKEX Montreal!

Do you have a marking, coding, or production line automation project? Take advantage of PACKEX Montreal to come and talk with our team, discover our solutions, and discuss your needs.

Enjoy a 20% discount on your registration with our promotional code: INVITE908064.

Register for PACKEX Montreal 2026

Dates: November 11 and 12, 2026
Location: Palais des congrès de Montréal
Promotional code: INVITE908064