The organisation said that the digital revolution presents the industry with its biggest challenge for over 40 years and it will have to get to grips with interactive technology and multi-media packaging to maintain its position.
CPI Director of Packaging Affairs, Andy Barnetson, said: "The digital revolution could see the biggest change to the corrugated industry since the introduction of the casemakers back in the 1960s and 1970s. It will require investment but the corrugated packaging industry is laying the foundations to take advantage of future innovation, especially when costs for intelligent packaging are likely to reduce as interactive technology becomes more readily available.
"At the turn of the 21st century, corrugated confirmed its position as the bulk carrier of choice after supermarkets began to populate shelves 24/7. Digital technology could now provide the industry with another opportunity for growth. We do need to focus on corrugated packaging providing digital services as I believe it is the future of the Corrugated Industry."
The CPI believes corrugated's flat printable surface is ideal for printing Smartphone apps and QR codes. It is convinced that, through working with digital print specialists, the sector can develop the most precise and effective technologies to handle the interactive tools that will meet the growing appetite of consumers for instant access to product information.
