The current Germany report „Future Industries 2025-2040” by FutureManagementGroup AG, Eltville, presents a ranking of the ten most promising future industries in Germany. In 2nd place: the logistics and packaging industry.
According to the latest FutureManagementGroup AG report, the logistics and packaging industry is one of the most promising sectors up to 2040. The report, which is based on an assessment of around 25 industrial sectors, identifies the ten most future-proof industries based on their potential to successfully adapt to far-reaching transformation processes. With 34 out of a maximum of 40 achievable points, the sector is ranked second - only just behind the biotech industry.
2nd place: Logistics and packaging industry, it says:
Opportunity potential: very high
Disruption potential: also high, but manageable overall
Transformation dynamics (2025-2040)
The industry is caught between massive technological changes, new market opportunities and structural risks. Increasing digitalisation, automation and sustainability are having a significant impact on developments.
Opportunities
- Intelligent packaging with IoT sensor technology enables end-to-end tracking and condition monitoring during storage and transport.
- AI-supported logistics systems optimise demand forecasts, routes and warehouse processes - e.g. through predictive maintenance and automated unloading and sorting robots.
- Sustainable packaging is becoming a growth area: bio-based, recyclable, compostable - also thanks to new material innovations such as edible packaging.
- Green logistics & circular economy offer new business models for taking back, reusing and recycling materials.
- Combination of AI + blockchain creates trustworthy, transparent supply chains.
Threats & risks
- Technology pressure: Companies that do not invest in new IT and robotics solutions will quickly lose touch.
- Cybersecurity deficiencies: Digital attacks can paralyse supply chains.
- Shortage of skilled labour in high-tech logistics areas threatens in the absence of further training.
- Competitive pressure from fourth party logistics (4PL) and digital-native providers with a high degree of automation.
- Regulatory burdens: Stricter CO₂ levies or environmental laws can influence competitiveness.
Source: FutureManagementGroup AG
