There are common themes and recurring trends in all of these formats. Take sustainability, for example: this topic has long since become a mega-trend in the packaging industry and has recently been replaced by the term circular economy. So-called “pauperization,” i.e. the replacement of plastic with paper, is a trend in the consumer goods industry that is particularly well represented in marketing. For many products, this substitution is also relatively straightforward in technical terms, but for others it is much more difficult, as plastic has a number of properties that paper does not. For example, antistatic packaging is required for a range of electronic products or components. The ESD paper bag by WEBER Verpackungen provides this antistatic function. In contrast to the standard, dissipative ESD packaging made from plastic, the ESD paper bag is made from 100 percent recycled paper and is recyclable. In addition, the paper bag has no minimum shelf life as its dissipative properties are permanent, according to the manufacturer.
The challenge that comes with packaging food is that the goods must be protected from moisture or oxygen to prevent spoilage. The packaging uses an appropriate barrier to ensure that moist or greasy food, for example, does not penetrate the packaging. Until now, however, these barriers have been a problem in the recycling process. Paper packaging manufacturer Mondi has developed the innovative Functional Barrier Paper range, which can be recycled in the existing European paper waste streams.
Design for Recycling
Design for recycling is the credo – the industry agrees on this. However, there is still disagreement when it comes to the choice of materials. Even more so because the list of packaging materials is constantly growing. Mono-material is usually the most sustainable solution and as it can now also be used to wrap food, the trend towards its increased use is continuing.
According to experts, however, multilayer films are still being used for packaging that requires high barriers and, therefore, high impermeability (best before date).
At FACHPACK, interested visitors can find out which sustainable, economical solutions packaging machine manufacturer Schubert has on offer for consumer goods manufacturers. As an example of the new “Power Compact” machine concept – high output in the smallest of spaces with lean technology – a bar packer with single-lane erector and feeding via Comfort Feeder will be working on the stand. In addition, the Schubert experts will be demonstrating how sustainable potential can be exploited in the interaction between packaging and machine technology.
Reusable solutions also offer sustainable solutions and are now not only used for glass packaging. Returnable and reusable packaging often bring sustainability benefits, but these must be paid for with higher costs in terms of administration, logistics, and cleaning. To minimize this effort and keep the process as efficient as possible, Sykell has developed a cloud-based software model specifically for deposit and reusable systems. A variety of different primary and secondary packaging, such as bottles, molded trays, or other containers, can be mapped. The software also integrates various third-party providers such as logistics partners and cleaning companies to enable efficient operation throughout the entire supply chain.
Digitalization in the Packaging Industry
Digitalization has been driving innovation in the industry for years. Significant innovations in packaging technology almost always have to do with the development of digitalization in this area. From the perspective of packaging machine construction, digital engineering, AI, (digital) service offerings, and user experience design play a special role.
Lenze’s intelligent NUPANO Open Automation Platform enables the integration, management, and protection of innovative technological applications that are tailored to the machines.
Protection against counterfeit goods is becoming increasingly important in all sectors. Scribos GmbH (KURZ Group) uses the example of honey packaging to show how it can be achieved with the help of digitalization. Using digitally printed packaging with printed QR and letter codes, consumers can check the authenticity of the product by simply scanning it with their smartphone and at the same time also receive additional information – without having to install a separate app. In this way, every single jar can be checked and traced. The innovation receives the German Packaging Award during FACHPACK.
