Package Industry News

 

At BMG, we like to share, be it our perspective on the thermoforming world, technology tips that will help the masses, or just some insight into the days and lives of our employees. Take a moment every quarter to see what we are up to and see if you don’t gather some interesting or entertaining content that will help you better understand who BMG is and what we stand for. 

 

To our valued partners and team,

 

The current global landscape continues to shift rapidly. Recent tariff changes and increasing market volatility are placing pressure on trade networks and reshaping how many companies think about sourcing, production, and delivery. At BMG, we see these changes not as roadblocks, but as a call to reaffirm our commitment to you and the markets we serve.

 

Our vertical integration across materials, tooling, automation, and forming gives us a powerful advantage in times like these. We are built to be resilient. This structure not only allows us to meet the demands of the U.S. market with confidence, but it also gives us the flexibility to pivot, adapt, and scale in response to our customers’ needs across North America, Europe, and beyond.

 

Over the past few months, we’ve taken the time to thoughtfully develop a flexible manufacturing plan—one that balances capacity, capability, and cost. While navigating the volatility made it difficult to land on a final model, we’re confident that the plan now in place positions us to deliver on time and at a sustainable price for the long term. While it required thoughtful planning, this process ultimately made us stronger, reinforcing our ability to respond quickly and strategically to global market conditions. With this groundwork laid, we anticipate minimal disruption moving forward.

 

Whether it's leveraging our multi-site manufacturing footprint or optimizing production across our fiber, plastic, and automation platforms, we’re focused on delivering uninterrupted, innovative solutions. We’re here to protect your supply chain, drive value, and support your growth—even in uncertain times.

 

Our global customers remain a core part of our long-term strategy, and we are committed to maintaining the same level of reliability, service, and innovation, wherever you do business.

To our customers, thank you for your continued trust and partnership. To our internal teams, thank you for staying agile, forward-thinking, and customer-focused as we navigate the road ahead.

 

We remain committed to being a partner you can count on—today and tomorrow.

 

Sincerely,

Jake Kowalewski

CCO, CIO, BMG

 

 

 

 

Lynn is an avid reader and loves to get her hands dirty during the gardening season in Michigan. Her horticultural pursuits not only allow her to mire around in her gardens as things begin the spring thaw but also the start of the outdoor sports season, which means that she will be cheering on her granddaughter in various sports activities. Speaking of sports, Lynn is a huge hockey fan and loves to catch a Red Wings game whenever she gets the opportunity. One of her favorite meals is beef and noodles, a specialty that her husband prepares from time to time. Throughout her life, Lynn’s family has been a constant source of amazement and inspiration that helps to get her through the day.

 

With visions at an early age of being a pilot in the Air Force, she’s now flying high in her career as a Marketing Administration Supervisor at BMG, with just about 40 years at the company (her 40th anniversary is in May of this year) she really loves her current position where, as she puts it, there is never a dull moment and every day is different, providing her with opportunities to utilize her love of numbers and data analysis in her marketing efforts to make the BMG brand experience as great as it can be for fellow employees and clients alike. 

 

 

 

Historically speaking, Esperanza has been with BMG for just over a year and is well on her way to becoming an excellent mill operator as part of our internal apprentice program. When she’s not smoothing out metal and removing burrs from massive metal dies, she likes to go on hikes in the countryside and take in all that nature has to offer. She values friendship and loves to put in a good workout at the gym. Early on in life, Esperanza had visions of becoming a zoologist and still has an affinity towards animals and their well-being. She’s a cat lover at heart, but still has room for other animals, especially dogs. When not at work or working out, she loves to watch baseball and soccer and is an intense follower of MMA (mixed martial arts). She will happily tell you that living an active lifestyle requires energy, and she loves to partake in a good pasta dish every chance she gets to feed the fire. She loves to travel and frequently visits Florida with visions of making a trek to southern Italy in the not-too-distant future. Her guess is they probably have pretty good pasta dishes over there. 

 

On the job at BMG, as is her lifestyle, her day-to-day work routine is ever-changing and never dull, very active, and never rests on any one thing for too long. She has been preparing for this throughout her life. Since she was a little girl, Esperanza has been inspired by her father and his hard work ethic, which seems to have transcended to her, and it shows in the way she is constantly pursuing perfection. 

#OneBMG #ShapingNext #EmployeeSpotlight #TeamBMG

 

 

 

 

As we cautiously move into the second quarter of 2025, the US, as well as all of its business partners around the globe, are working hard to understand the rules of engagement when it comes to tariffs and the general cost of doing business. Everyone is looking for calmer seas before they can make any long-term commitments. That being said, communication is the key, and BMG is nothing if not open to any discussions that will lead to short-term answers and long-term solutions that will steady the industry. Global environmental awareness and regional government regulations are also reshaping the landscape. The demand for new technologies that offer sustainable solutions is influencing the plastics and thermoforming sectors like never before. We will continue to explore key developments in plastics thermoforming and packaging sectors and the growing focus on sustainable manufacturing.

 

 

The Asian thermoforming market is currently experiencing robust growth, driven by several factors, including increasing demand from the food and beverage sectors that is directly related to continuing rapid urbanization across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in countries like China and India. The cost-effectiveness of thermoforming, coupled with relatively lower labor costs in many Asian countries, further bolsters market expansion. This has positioned Asia as a dynamic and rapidly expanding hub for both the production and consumption of thermoformed products and the manufacturing of thermoforming machine systems used to serve primarily local industry needs.

 

Asian Thermoformed Plastic Market Size & Outlook:

 

Based on the most recent available data and forecasts, the Asian thermoformed plastic market was valued at approximately US$6.87 billion in 2024, and by 2030, it is expected to reach around US$10.1 billion, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate of 5.6% from 2025 to 2030.

 

China Thermoformed Plastic Market Size & Outlook:

 

China is still considered the leading thermoforming market in Asia. In 2024, the China thermoformed plastic market was valued at approximately US$4.8 billion, which is three times the size of the US market. Growth is expected to stay high during the next decade, as the Chinese central Government continues to support efforts to urbanize the country, with the goal of doubling the size of the country's middle class by 2040. Furthermore, the double-digit annual growth of e-commerce in China is another key factor driving growth.

 

Tariffs and the effect on the US market:

 

Recent tariffs imposed by the US Government, specifically those of a higher magnitude imposed on Asian countries, are impacting both the machinery used in the process and the final thermoformed plastic product.

 

Tariffs imposed by the US on imports of thermoforming machines from China directly increase the cost of this equipment for U.S. companies and refocuses US companies to reevaluate domestic US options. Similarly, tariffs on thermoformed plastic products from Asia increase their pricing for US buyers, but present opportunities for US domestic producers to increase their market share by offering more competitive prices.

 

Conclusion:

 

Looking ahead to the next decade, the Asian thermoforming market is projected to continue its upward trajectory despite external factors like tariffs. Furthermore, the growing emphasis on sustainability will drive innovation in eco-friendly thermoforming materials, such as biodegradable polymers and recycled plastics. The integration of advanced technologies like automation and artificial intelligence into manufacturing processes will enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality, further contributing to market growth. Asia is an essential market for BMG, one where we continue to grow our sales presence and share our knowledge in support of our customers in the Asia Pacific region.

 

 

It has always been BMG’s perspective that an educated client is a prosperous and successful client. When you succeed, we succeed. Because everything that we create is a very intricate collection of various precisely engineered processes that are constantly in need of attention in order to operate at their potential, we feel it is necessary to share technical information as often as possible in order to give our clients the information they need to succeed in a fast paced industrial environment. As a continuation of our relationships with our clients, we want to share some key insights and process information every quarter that may be of assistance in keeping production technology up and running without a hitch. We are all well aware that downtime is the demon we work very hard to keep at bay. So, please check back every quarter to see what we have included in this section. You won’t want to miss any of it. 

 

Hey everybody, this is Billy Schwartz. I’m the automation systems manager at BMG Knoxville. I thought I would share some items that you might find helpful as you migrate through the minefield of maintenance and problem solving. Sometimes, there are a few items that you can check that will give you some of the answers up front that you will need when you reach out to contact BMG for assistance. We’re not saying they will solve all your issues, but it will get you pointed in the right direction. These will help to put the easy back in automation.

 

Early quick check items to look at before you get on the phone with us: This is just a short list of tasks that you can perform before you place your call to BMG. It will facilitate a more succinct solution to whatever issues you might be experiencing.

This is sometimes a common consideration that can easily solve some issues, but gets overlooked. I like checking to see if the pressure is even on, if it is live, and if it is at a sufficient continuous supply. The relative standard setting is 80 psi.

 

You will want to make sure that the technology is in a neutral state, meaning that all of the faults or e-stop locations are cleared and reset. It’s a little like putting your car in neutral before you check the fluid level in your transmission.

 

You will want to make sure that all of the products and consumables are still within the original manufacturing specifications. Items that you would be checking include the gauge, pitch, dimensions, and other definable specs that might impact productivity.

 

Take the time to see if the technology has been wiped down or cleaned recently. During these processes, residual dust or debris can be left on sensors or photo eyes, and should be removed. After you have made a quick check of those items, check the alignment and position of sensors and photo eyes.

 

It’s also essential to check and confirm whether all of the adjustment locations have been marked on the machine for the best efficiency possible.

 

High-level preventative maintenance prevents unwanted downtime: Regularly scheduled due diligence is an essential step in keeping any technology up and running at peak performance. If there isn’t a schedule in place, you may want to contact BMG to develop one. Here is a start to one that will get the ball rolling.

Regular cleaning.   

Take the time to carefully clean the machine and the surrounding area of any dust, dirt, or debris.

 

Get familiar with and follow the manufacturer's suggested lubrication schedule for greasing bearings and necessary wear components.

 

Be on the lookout for any significant defects on all contact surfaces, such as residual adhesives from consumables, platform roughness, and bent, broken, or scratched parts.

 

Regularly check all indicated high-wear items, such as the bagging unit seal blade and the seal jaw clamp rubber. There are others. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for what to check when, and make sure to have those items in your inventory.

 

Regularly verify that all cylinders easily extend or retract, and that there is no binding or hesitation.

 

Inventory, inventory, inventory…Verify that all recommended spare parts and wear item inventories are replenished each time something has been removed.

 

In closing, these are just a few key items for consideration, whether you are performing scheduled maintenance or a situation has evolved and you need assistance confirming a solution. It is essential to gather all relevant information and/or parts beforehand and make sure you have everything you need. If you need assistance with a solution, reach out as soon as you can in the repair process, and BMG will assist you with whatever means necessary to get the job done.

 

 

 

Yep, that's right, way back in the early hours of 1961, the use of robotics in manufacturing went from the engineering design table to practical application when General Motors instituted its usage in a few of its automotive assembly lines as a test to see if it would impact its productivity in the positive. Today, as we roll into 2025, there are currently millions of robotic solutions employed by manufacturers worldwide to streamline complex production processes and quantitatively improve the overall safety of present-day manufacturing processes in several verticals. 

 

If we look into the foundational roots of where robotics began its modern-day life, we need to look no further than ancient Greece. The philosopher Plato's robotic alarm clock used a hydraulic system of ceramic jugs filled with water to 'ring' with a chirping sound at a desired time. Modern-day robotics were the foundation of the automatic servant of Philon, A humanoid figure dressed as a maid that held a jug in its right hand and, as hidden gears clicked and whirred, lifted it and poured wine into a cup, a bystander has placed into the palm of its left hand, operating through a complex mechanism of springs, weights and air pressure that also allowed it to dilute the alcohol with water.

 

Whether it was GM or Plato, let's talk about its practical impact on manpower, HR overhead, and the time differentiators for production when it comes to utilizing robotic automation in any process. Quite honestly, the ROI is realized sooner than expected and eliminates many associated overhead costs when considering the management of human laborers. When comparing the costs of human workers to robotics, while human labor often has lower upfront costs, robots can be significantly cheaper in the long run due to their ability to work continuously without breaks, needing fewer benefits, and performing repetitive tasks with high efficiency. 

 

As the timeline moved along to modern-day applications, it became relevant to manufacturers that robotic automation could significantly increase productivity by allowing machines to work tirelessly 24/7/365, and no sick days or paid vacations. Well, there is an occasional refurbishment and a grease job. At first, robotics was doing a lot of heavy lifting. The first production of robotic capabilities came from George Devol in the 1950s, when he developed an industrial robotic system that could be used to lift heavy objects and move them from point A to point B.

 

Complex mass-produced consumables and repeatable functionality have found a great new friend in robotic automation. Verticals such as healthcare, finance, customer service, construction, and even aerospace have all felt the impact of this autonomous technology. Just looking at healthcare as a diverse example, the use of robots has been shown to be a promising area that can act as a driver to increase the capacity to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. In healthcare, like most other fields, robots are currently engaged in tasks such as patient monitoring and evaluation, delivery of medical supplies, prescription fulfillment, and performing diagnostics and surgery.

 

A new era begins — one that is defined by the rapid advancement of AI and its integration into nearly every facet of work and life. As we enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we must thoughtfully consider how to leverage these emerging technologies best to create a brighter future for all. There will always be a certain level of human interaction, as this automation still requires a human's intuitive nature to provide the meaningful coefficient of reasoning that allows AI to make its best contributions. A core question underpins this societal transition: in areas where machines surpass human capabilities, whether we should continue utilizing a ‘human in the loop’ approach or fully embrace the rise of machines. When we examine this debate across the dimensions of efficiency, speed, cost, safety, and scalability, a compelling case emerges for replacing human labor with advanced AI systems wherever they excel. 

 

 

 

As we have improved technology and other unique things in our day-to-day travels down the thermoforming highway, we realized that a lot of the findings and processes we came across might be of interest to our clients and the general public. With that in mind, we have started a repository on our website where you can download our ebooks and read them when you have a free moment. We might even have to do one on creating free moments! Anyway, just scan the barcode below or click the link, and you will have access to all the e-books we have created to date. Don’t forget to periodically check back because we are creating all the time.

 

 

 

 

 

Cobb Galleria Centre and Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia.

 

West, North, & South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

D-40474 Düsseldorf, Am Staad [=Tor 1] Dusseldorf, Germany

 

Guadalajara in Expo Guadalajara, Represented by our agent Grupo Janfrex

 

 

 

In an ever-changing and unpredictable global marketplace, BMG continues to create category-leading sustainable renewable thermoforming solutions, providing best-in-class engineering and manufacturing enhanced by unparalleled support — all provided to a worldwide market from our/your backyard!

 

If there is anything that you would like to see us address in our Tech Talk section in the next edition of Trade Trends, drop us a note here. We will certainly put your suggestion into action, and thank you in advance for helping us provide important information to those who find it useful.