More Recyclates and Lighter Packaging
Another session on Monday will focus on the PPWR. The targets set by the regulation pose considerable challenges for the entire industry. Innovative solutions are needed, particularly for the use of recyclates in contact-sensitive packaging that is not made of PET, as well as for the implementation of alternative or recyclate-containing materials in existing packaging and filling systems.
In addition, weight and volume optimization of packaging concepts and reusable requirements for transport packaging must be taken into account. The Fraunhofer Institute is working on various research projects to develop solutions and digital tools that help to find answers to these open questions.
Felix Lange from the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV will talk about “2K Sandwich Injection Molding: PCR-Use and Process Control on Thin-Walled Plastic Closures,” while logistics expert Dr. Volker Lange from the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML will talk about the PPWR in the focus of logistics. Lukas Lehmann, also from IML, will talk about more environmentally friendly shipping packaging. He will present the CASTN software and will show how costs can be reduced and resources conserved through targeted adjustments to shipping cartons.
PPWR Sentiment Index Presented
Fabian Bahnsen from the start-up Logistikbude will present the topic “PPWR as an Opportunity – What Contribution Can Software Technology Make?” Logistikbude GmbH, which digitalizes the management of reusable assets such as pallets and transport containers, surveyed German companies on the PPWR together with the Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg and the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics. The “PPWR Sentiment Index German Economy 2025” shows the extent to which companies are prepared for the new regulations. The results will be presented at FACHPACK for the first time.
Under the title “Meaningful Change: Creating Value with Inclusive and Intelligent Design,” moderated and organized by Epda (European Brand and Packaging Design Association), experts will discuss the packaging of the future. They ask: “What if packaging could do more than just protect a product? How could smart packaging – powered by 2D codes, AI, and inclusive design – make supply chains more transparent, improve consumer interaction and create meaningful experiences for all? Lucy Burgess, Strategy Director at Touch Design, Stefan Casey, Head of Ecosystems at io.tt and Tim Gelzleichter, Head of Digital at Win Creating Images will discuss this issue.
International Packaging Trends
The second day of the trade fair will be more international. Trade visitors can talk about the effects of climate change on their industry, look at new solutions, and find out about global packaging trends. As a partner of FACHPACK, the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) will moderate a session in the morning and allow experts from abroad to have their say.
Till Isensee from Tillisco GmbH will talk about the technical limits of polymer-coated fiber materials for food packaging on the second day of the trade fair. Prof Dr. Sven Sängerlaub from Munich University of Applied Sciences and member of the FACHPACK advisory board will moderate the subsequent Q&A session. The presentation will use examples to shed light on the delta between the actual performance limits of coated fiber materials and the requirements of various product groups, particularly in the area of foodstuffs that require high barriers. The focus will be on the question: What is technologically possible today – and how far is this from the actual requirements? An outlook on the regulatory framework and the effects on recyclability and the microplastics problem will round off the presentation and a possible discussion.
New Packaging Project From Coca-Cola
The third day of the trade fair will focus on digitalization, technology trends, as well as news from mechanical engineering and packaging printing. One presentation will be dedicated to the exciting topic of digitalization and the circular economy at Coca-Cola using QR codes. Thomas Krämer, Director APAC Global Account Manager Productmarking from Wipotec-OCS GmbH, will give an insight into a Coca-Cola project in Latin America. Coca-Cola is serializing RefPet bottles there using a laser QR code and launching a digital deposit system. The project centers on the development of permanently legible labelling for refillable PET bottles. This labelling must remain in place even after several intensive cleaning cycles in order to make the bottles identifiable throughout their entire life cycle.
An early attempt with vulcanized labels and data matrix codes initially failed due to a lack of durability and poor legibility. After many of those involved withdrew, Wipotec nevertheless continued its work. “Despite initial setbacks, the team developed an innovative solution based on a new type of laser marking system. The technical challenges were considerable: laser beams damaged the PET material, codes became illegible, and production could not keep up with the required speed,” says Krämer. It was only by trialing alternative laser technologies that a breakthrough was achieved. A new laser system made it possible to “apply high-resolution, durable codes directly to the bottle – without damaging the material.”
These codes fulfil the international GS1 Digital Link standard and can be read with any smartphone, it was said. This means that every bottle can be digitally recorded, tracked and integrated into a take-back system via an app. The solution enables complete transparency across the bottle life cycle and the entire supply chain – from the manufacturer to the consumer.
While initial implementations are underway in Latin America, further projects are in preparation worldwide – also with a view to lighter rPET bottles and even glass containers in the future. This presentation is organized by Packaging Valley.
The Packaging Valley session on the third day of the trade fair will also focus on the use of AI in packaging machine engineering. Dipl.-Ing. Reinhold Schlechter, Segment Manager CPG at Schneider Electric, will talk about AI-written software and the opportunities AI offers for the mechanical engineering industry – with regard to the shortage of skilled workers and new sustainable solutions.
The detailed program can be found on the FACHPACK website.
By Anna Ntemiris, Editor
