In today’s fast-evolving landscape, packaging data has become a critical asset for CPG & FMCG manufacturers, driven by stringent regulations, sustainability goals, and the rising demand for transparency. For midsize to large packaged goods manufacturers, managing this data accurately and efficiently is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative.
Packaging data requirements are growing rapidly, fueled by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD), and national packaging tax schemes. Manufacturers are now required to provide granular details about their packaging materials, including sustainable sourcing information, material composition, recyclability, and more. This data must also be shared seamlessly with trade partners via platforms like GS1-GDSN.
Traditional tools and processes are simply not equipped to handle this complexity.
The Challenge: The Complexity of Packaging Data
Gone are the days when packaging data was limited to simple dimensions and packaging types like bottles, boxes, or cans.
Today, packaging data requires a multi-layered approach:
- Multiple Packaging Components: Consumer units often comprise several elements (e.g., cups, lids, labels, foils) that each require detailed documentation.
- Material-Specific Metadata: Each component can consist of one or more materials (e.g., PET, aluminium, paper), each with its own sustainability data, such as the percentage of recycled or bio-based content.
- Regulatory Compliance: Data must align with diverse national and international standards, including GS1-GDSN requirements for eCommerce and retail compliance.
- Sustainability Reporting: Granular packaging data is foundational for ESG reporting and achieving sustainability targets like those set by the PPWD for 2030 and 2040.
Traditional PIM systems, spreadsheets, or ad-hoc processes struggle to manage this multi-dimensional and contextual data, often leading to inefficiencies, errors, and non-compliance.
How SyncForce Circular PIM Solves the Packaging Data Challenge
SyncForce Circular PIM was built to address the Real-World complexities of packaging data management in CPG and FMCG. Here’s how:
1. Comprehensive Packaging Data Manager
SyncForce Circular PIM provides a dedicated module for managing detailed packaging data. This module allows manufacturers to create packaging components (e.g., bottle, cap, label) that can be reused across multiple finished goods. Once linked, data is automatically inherited by the consumer unit or finished product, saving time and improving data accuracy.
2. Multi-Layer Complexity Handled Seamlessly
With SyncForce Circular PIM, you can efficiently manage multi-layer packaging components, including composite materials and their layers. Whether it’s tracking the percentage of recycled content in a label or the bio-based origin of a bottle, SyncForce ensures every data point is captured accurately.
3. Ready for GS1-GDSN Integration
SyncForce Circular PIM simplifies the process of mapping real-world packaging data to GS1 standards, even when GS1 models lack logical consistency. This readiness ensures manufacturers can seamlessly share data with trade partners, avoiding delays and maintaining compliance.
4. Improved Data Accuracy and Completeness
By centralizing data and automating inheritance for reusable components, SyncForce reduces administrative work by over 60%, driving better data quality and compliance. This is critical as inaccurate data can lead to penalties or lost retailer trust.
5. Sustainability and Tax Reporting
SyncForce provides foundational data for sustainability reporting, national packaging tax declarations, and consolidated packaging data analytics. With features designed for upcoming requirements, like consolidated reporting for PPWD and ESG metrics, SyncForce is future-proofing packaging data management.
Real-World Benefits for Packaged Goods Manufacturers
By using SyncForce’s Packaging Data Manager, manufacturers can achieve:
- Time Savings: Automating repetitive tasks like data entry ensures faster time to market.
- Regulatory Compliance: Stay ahead of packaging data requirements for ESG, PPWD, and national packaging taxes.
- Scalability: Handle complex data for hundreds or thousands of SKUs without breaking your workflows.
- Accuracy and Trust: Provide consistent, high-quality data to internal teams, trade partners, and regulatory bodies.
Future-Proofing Packaging Data Management
SyncForce Circular PIM isn’t just solving today’s packaging data challenges—it’s preparing CPG & FMCG manufacturers for tomorrow.
With a roadmap that includes consolidated reporting and tax declarations for 2025, SyncForce continues to evolve with the industry’s needs.
Whether it’s meeting retailer demands, achieving sustainability goals, or navigating new regulations, SyncForce Circular PIM empowers your team to succeed in the ever-changing world of packaged goods.
Time Savings:
Automating repetitive tasks like data entry ensures faster time to market.
Regulatory Compliance:
Stay ahead of packaging data requirements for ESG, PPWD, and national packaging taxes.
Scalability:
Handle complex data for hundreds or thousands of SKUs without breaking your workflows.
Accuracy and Trust:
Provide consistent, high-quality data to internal teams, trade partners, and regulatory bodies.
