Packaging of the Future Thanks to the Latest Technology

Even the most sustainable material is of little use if the packaging breaks before it is opened or the label does not stick properly. Innovative packaging technologies that can be used economically and ecologically are essential in the industry. High cycle rates are just as important as flexibility – not only for the machines, but also for devices and components in the packaging periphery, such as inspection machines. The focus is increasingly on resource conservation as well as recyclable and renewable materials to fulfil the requirements of the EU packaging regulation PPWR.

Syntegon will be exhibiting the new SVX Agile vertical packaging machine for the first time at FACHPACK. This machine processes all common bag types as well as paper-based and mono-material-based films, is particularly suitable for frozen food thanks to its hygienic design and can be modularly adapted to new requirements. The Waiblingen-based company will also be showcasing the new Kliklok ACC carton sealer for secondary packaging. It enables tool-free format changeovers and is ideal for automated line solutions thanks to its precise control and energy-efficient drive technology.

Syntegon is one of the member companies of the Packaging Valley Germany e. V. packaging cluster, which will once again be exhibiting on a large joint stand at FACHPACK. Under the new slogan “Your network for packaging excellence”, 21 exhibitors will be showcasing their solutions for the packaging industry. “The importance of collaborative action is constantly growing in an increasingly volatile world – that’s why we are using the strength of the community to send a clear signal about our orientation and our self-image,” explains Martin Buchwitz, Managing Director of Packaging Valley. 

In addition to the co-exhibitors at the joint stand, a further 23 FACHPACK exhibitors are also members of Packaging Valley: Gerhard Schubert, SEW-EURODRIVE GmbH & Co KG, SÜDPACK Verpackungen, KOCH Pac-Systeme – and the entire Uhlmann Group as well as Mosca, for example.

Schubert Presents Space-Saving Technology

Although the industry often talks about lines and roads, packaging machines do not have to take up a lot of space. This year at FACHPACK, Schubert will be demonstrating that compact packaging is also possible with a cartoner from the “lightline” series and a new, variable high-performance erecting unit. Also on show: the manoeuvrable Cobot tog.519, which will be picking biscuits remarkably quickly at the stand of partner company Barsch. With the lightline range, Schubert is targeting manufacturers who have standardized packaging tasks and need to be ready for production quickly. The lightline program includes cartoners, case packers, picker lines, and flow-wrapping machines from pre-configured modules. They enable short planning and assembly times.

The lightline cartoner on show at FACHPACK – on display at the stand as a bar packer – pays tribute to the targeted efficiency: Thanks to the single-lane A3 erector with vertical magazine, the machine saves a significant amount of space. Up to 4,000 blanks fit into the cartoner’s newly developed vertical magazine. Schubert is also presenting the single-lane A3 erecting unit for the first time as an independent machine unit in the form of the tog.101: “The 100 percent standardized tog.101 carton erector can guarantee a high output of up to 60 cartons per minute in different packaging systems,” explains Ralf Schubert, Managing Partner.

Packaging Valley with Joint Stand 

APS Tech Group GmbH will be presenting a fully automated robotic palletizing system at FACHPACK. The compact, quickly convertible solution ensures flexible and efficient palletizing processes – even with changing packs and stacking patterns – and can be easily integrated into existing packaging lines. Bucher Automation will also be presenting a pick-and-place demo with robots at FACHPACK. The company will be presenting its motion control ecosystem with JetControl, JetSym, JetMove 2000, and the JX4 system. 

With decades of experience in packaging technology, Harro Höfliger is one of the leading providers of precision solutions, particularly for the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries. At FACHPACK, the Swabian machine manufacturer will be demonstrating what characterizes its processes in these special areas. Regarding the process chain, the company will demonstrate how all steps are seamlessly interlinked – from customized product feeding and highly efficient cartoning using MKT and MKC through to comprehensive quality control using the MQS system.

High performance at the lowest price – the HERMA eco labeler demonstrates this for the first time as part of a labeling machine. In the redesigned 652C, it ensures extremely efficient top and bottom labeling.

Ishida will be showcasing efficient, newly developed systems for fully automatic weighing, packaging and quality control. One highlight is the CCW-AS multi-head weigher, which processes even challenging products with high performance. 

As an international sensor expert in automation technology, Leuze electronic GmbH + Co KG will be presenting robust and hygienic sensors in stainless steel housings for all process steps in food packaging. 

OPTIMA packaging group GmbH will be presenting the OPTIMA Moduline Smart, which impresses with its high flexibility and fast format changeovers. New: the integrated OPTIMA RPS pack and seal picker, which provides additional automation. OPTIMA will also be presenting fiber-based packaging solutions and digital services at FACHPACK 2025. The experts will be inviting visitors to live demo productions on site.

MULTIVAC will be presenting itself as a leading automation and system solution partner for the food sector. The exhibits include a fully automated tray sealer line for the sustainable packing of ready meals, which in addition to the high-performance, compact TX 620 tray sealer also includes a conveyor belt labeler with an AI-based inspection system for product inspection at the infeed and a label and print inspection at the outfeed, as well as a complete solution for packing convenience products and delicatessen.

Dealing with staff shortages and the increasing demand for flexibility in production is important for the future viability of the food industry. “Many of the tasks on our customers’ packaging lines used to involve a great deal of manual labor. Therefore, our aim is to automate as many of these processes as possible, with integrated fully automated lines, but also by using artificial intelligence,” explains Dietmar Bohlen, Vice President at MULTIVAC Germany.

As a system provider with a holistic approach, Weber stands for processing and packaging solutions along the entire process chain. One of the exhibits on the Weber stand: a high-performance complete line from slicer to thermoformer including cross web labeler, which is specially tailored to the needs of food manufacturers with a wide range of products and changing production requirements. This line provides full-range producers with an economical solution for small batches as well as medium and high output ranges, without having to compromise on flexibility or product quality. A key feature of the line is its design for film skin packaging – an increasingly popular packaging format. 

In addition to the complete line, Weber will also be exhibiting a packaging concept at FACHPACK consisting of the wePACK 7000 high-performance thermoforming packaging machine, the new wePICK record picking robot, and the weSORT 3000 belt separator for high-performance processing and attractive packaging of sliced products or piece goods. The highlight of this concept is the new wePICK – currently the fastest delta robot in its class.

Bluhm Systeme GmbH will be exhibiting labeling systems with labels, ink, and laser specifically designed for the packaging industry. The labeling systems of the Geset 200 series, for example, impress with their high level of user-friendliness. Their modular design makes them flexible to use, for example for labeling top or bottom sides, single or double-sided applications on primary packaging, or wrap-around labelling of cylindrical products. They can be seamlessly integrated into existing production lines and are ideal for labelling food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic packaging. 

Technology highlights will also be presented at the German Packaging Award ceremony, which will once again take place at FACHPACK this year. ILLIG is the winner in the packaging machinery category. As a system provider for thermoforming and packaging technology, ILLIG will be presenting new technological developments at the Nuremberg trade fair – including the resource-saving Dry Fibre technology, which won the German Packaging Award – and demonstrates how sustainable packaging concepts can be realized efficiently and economically.

With the ILLIG Dry Fiber Systems, molded parts can be produced automatically from cellulose fiber material. A test line for the Dry Fiber System has been running successfully at the company’s Technology Centre since March – test series with pilot customers and development partners have shown excellent results.

The technology enables the production of fiber-based packaging with a draw depth of up to 120 mm, high-quality haptics, and barrier properties for food applications. This makes Dry Fibre packaging ideal for demanding applications in the food and FMCG sectors. Compared to conventional solutions, the Dry Fibre process reduces the use of fossil raw materials, saves water, and lowers energy consumption, especially compared to wet-molded pulp applications. Cups, trays, and lids for food and non-food products can be molded. Barrier properties, such as for sensitive contents, are integrated through inline lamination or functional coatings. The process also impresses with short cycle times and high cost-effectiveness in industrial use.

This results in sustainable packaging that combines protection, functionality, and brand presentation at a high level – while also offering economic benefits through reduced manufacturing costs.

“Under the motto ‘Peak Performance – Sustainable Impact’, we will be demonstrating at Fachpack how we combine innovative packaging solutions with genuine sustainability,” explains ILLIG CEO Christoph Gusenleitner.

By Anna Ntemiris, Editor