The consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry faces an escalating shortage of skilled operators and technicians, with 95% of companies surveyed by PMMI reporting hiring difficulties. Nearly 60% expect the situation to worsen, according to PMMI’s new research study 2025 Inside the Workforce Gap.
“The CPG firms interviewed said the labor problem is exacerbated by the retirement of experienced staff, high turnover among new hires, and intense competition for technicians, leaving many companies unsure how the labor pool will improve,” said Jorge Izquierdo, vice president, market development at PMMI.
The report highlights persistent challenges around training and knowledge retention. Many manufacturers rely heavily on hands-on learning and shadowing, despite the variability such methods introduce and the risk of losing “tribal knowledge” as experienced employees retire. Printed documentation remains the most common onboarding tool, even though only 14% of surveyed CPG companies consider manuals or SOPs the most effective method of training.
Digital tools and embedded machine guidance remain significantly underused. Although many companies view automation as part of the solution—particularly for loading, unloading, inspection and changeovers—implementation barriers such as ROI concerns, limited floor space and downtime during installation continue to slow adoption.
PMMI’s research suggests that original equipment manufacturers could play a decisive role in reducing workforce pressure. Close to two-thirds of OEMs surveyed said customers “often or always” raise labor challenges in discussions. CPG companies report that sophisticated machinery frequently lacks the built-in guidance needed for real-world troubleshooting, with operators struggling to understand complex or customized systems.
Respondents expressed strong interest in modernized training formats, including short task-based videos, picture-driven manuals and digital libraries accessible directly through machine interfaces. PMMI notes that CPG firms “view video content as a flexible, accessible format that could support operators on demand,” indicating a clear opportunity for OEMs to expand support models and improve the usability of equipment.
The report argues that pairing traditional shadowing with documented digital formats would reduce operational risk and improve consistency in operator performance. Machine builders are encouraged to integrate practical design features, intuitive HMIs and embedded tools to reduce errors, cut downtime and support less experienced workers.
PMMI also points to PACK EXPO East—taking place in Philadelphia from 17–19 February 2026—as a venue for companies seeking to strengthen internal capability. The event aims to help CPG firms “motivate and mentor younger employees,” “foster leadership development,” and “build a stronger, more engaged team,” according to the association.
