Taking place once in 3 years, interpack in Dusseldorf is the largest trade fair for processing and packaging.

Circular Economy

A comprehensive presentation of the various ‘vision cells’, each dedicated to a specific product line, with a wealth of technological innovations to streamline management and broaden the field of application.
A first for the fair: integration between SACMI DMD digital printing and the ECLIPSIM DECO metal sheet vision system
Building synergies to stay ahead of market developments is what SACMI is all about: hence our presentation, at Metpack 2023 (Messe Essen, 2-6 May), of the latest range of metal packaging vision systems.
A fresh design philosophy built around customer needs focuses on modularity, space savings and effective systems operation. In parallel, SACMI delivers increasingly accurate controls, with dedicated systems for each specific product.

Integrating digital printing with vision inspection
Key developments on show at the fair include the first solution on the market to integrate both production and quality control of digitally decorated metal sheets.
    SACMI DMD is the digital alternative for decorating the metal sheets used to make packaging in food, beverage and other industries.
Why go digital? Traditionally screen-printed, decoration is a vital packaging component as it enhances product quality and brand recognizability. Hence the need for ever-increasing customization which, in turn, has led to generally smaller batches, consequently reducing the efficiency of traditional decoration lines (high-speed systems that can produce more than 7,000 sheets per hour but are too rigid when small batches and fast changeovers are required).
DMD is revolutionary in two ways, Firstly, it can decorate at rates as high as 2,500 sheets/hour). Secondly, it releases decoration from the rigidity of conventional systems (size changeover times slashed, no excess stock).

Now available with heads offering resolutions as high as 600 dpi, SACMI proposes a DMD that is - for the very first time - integrated with the ECLIPSIM DECO vision system. The advantages? Primarily, with SACMI, manufacturers can count on a sole provider who guarantees quality, reliability and worldwide assistance. Secondly, this pairing lays the foundations for ‘smart’ line management, which begins with the customer's order placement and continues with proactive (and, in the future, retroactive) control of any production drifts.

Intelligent, light, dedicated: the complete range of SACMI vision systems for metal
SACMI provides the market’s most comprehensive range of metal packaging inspection systems. That means coated, lithographed sheets yet also caps, lids, containers and cans. All these systems share the latest-generation CVS (Computer Vision Software) and patented solutions (Chrometriq and ElioScan) that deliver the best reliability in the metal inspection field.

Modular and flexible, fast and precise: SACMI has now enhanced all its systems in terms of both technology and scope. The up-to-the-minute systems on show at the fair feature several innovations such as the lighter, more compact architecture of the electrical panel. SACMI also presents MetalSight, the new all-in-one platform that summarizes the SACMI approach to vision systems for metal... an approach that begins with the customers’ needs.
Metpack visitors will have a unique opportunity to see a range of inspection cells, each dedicated to a specific product line.
    And that’s not all. These systems are increasingly used on production lines and SACMI now takes things to the next level on the ‘control’ side with a new operator interface. Called Classy-AI, it features advanced artificial intelligence algorithms that classify defects and generate warnings and statistics in real time. This means operators can run the systems, even if they’re not vision system experts, with a valuable helping hand from an interactive dashboard.

Constantia Flexibles, a leading manufacturer in the flexible packaging industry, is excited to announce the completion of its acquisition of Lászlópack Kft., a Hungarian flexible packaging producer specializing in flexo printing.

Constantia Flexibles is taking an opportunity to extend its European flexo printing platform through this acquisition. Pim Vervaat, CEO of Constantia Flexibles, expressed excitement over the newest addition to the Group, “We are growing with Lászlópack! We share a common vision to serve our customers with more eco-friendly, innovative packaging solutions. This acquisition further seizes new growth opportunities for Lászlópack to grow outside of Hungary as well as for us to support their customers with our more sustainable product offerings.” Lászlópack is a local champion in its domestic flexible packaging market and has shown a strong track record of growth. Over the recent years, Constantia Flexibles was able to expand its European flexo printing platform through the international acquisitions of Propak in Turkey, FFP Packaging Solutions in Great Britain, Drukpol in Poland, and now Lászlópack in Hungary.

Established in 1998, Lászlópack was founded by the László family, where Szabolcs László is serving as the CEO, “Our partnership with Constantia Flexibles marks a significant milestone in our growth journey. It's a strategic collaboration rooted in our mutual dedication to offering the finest flexible packaging solutions. We can now serve more customers around the world and make a significant impact in developing more eco-friendly packaging options. Customers will benefit from an expanded portfolio of products and services fueled by the cooperation with Constantia Flexibles.”

Lászlópack Kft. operates a plant in Komarom, about 100km northwest of Budapest. Around 87 employees mainly serve food applications to the local market and selected export countries. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Our production and management processes are developed and monitored in accordance with recognized external standards.

The sister companies premiered recyclable & refillable containers, a novel powder dispenser and a mood-matching fragrance line, among other debuts.

Toronto, Canada – At Cosmoprof Bologna in mid-March, sister companies FASTEN Packaging and Orchard Custom Beauty, both Innovative Beauty Group (IBG) companies, debuted an array of innovative products spanning several industry trends, including sustainability, statement cosmetics and science-based skincare solutions. The product launches came in addition to the companies’ broad spectrum of standard product solutions and bespoke customized components.

For starters, FASTEN Packaging unveiled its brand new Create Cream Jars. Developed for solid formulations, the jars house a refillable portion made from polypropylene mono-material. In its special “Innovation Showcase,” FASTEN Packaging also premiered a Mono Metal line. Elegantly designed and refillable, the portfolio showcases the company’s advancing metalworking techniques while capitalizing on a packaging material known for its infinite recyclability.

FASTEN Packaging also debuted its Simple Powder System, a refillable method for dispensing cosmetic powders, as well as its Modular line, an efficient “building block” system consisting of interchangeable parts with polypropylene mono-material refill cups. Available in 30, 50, 100 and 120 ml, the Modular system is designed for disassembly with an easy-to-open bottom structure.

Meanwhile, Orchard Custom Beauty premiered products highlighting three main themes: Happy Home, Express Yourself, and Science Lab.

From Happy Home, Orchard showcased Bonjour, a home fragrance product line intended to take consumers through a different, mood-matching sensory journey for each day of the week. The company also introduced Virgo, a home cleaning product line with 100% natural fragrance and 98% natural active ingredients.

Express Yourself, a theme focused on making a statement and celebrating “festival season,” included products such as metallic eye pencils, biodegradable face glitter, fragranced and color changing nail polish products, hair tinsel, and face jewels.

Science Lab, scientific skincare for face, body, and hair using the latest technology, highlighted a range of products including micro-needling patches, blue light protection face mist, body deodorant, and hair treatment ampules.

Emphasized by a freshly reimagined booth space, Cosmoprof Bologna marked the first time both FASTEN Packaging and Orchard Custom Beauty exhibited under their umbrella company, Innovative Beauty Group (IBG).

About IBG 
IBG (Innovative Beauty Group), a division of the Albea Group, is a leading global beauty solutions provider proudly serving some of the world’s most dynamic mass and prestige beauty brands. Comprised of Orchard Custom Beauty and FASTEN Packaging, IBG applies its industry expertise to support its customers with innovative and responsible custom and turnkey solutions that include design, sourcing, formula development, bespoke packaging and accessories for color cosmetics, skin care, personal care, home care, hair care, and gifts with purchase.
With a global team of beauty experts and a distinctly personal approach, IBG empowers all its clients – from established beauty brands to first-time private label retailers – with strategic partnerships that bring visions to life, and products seamlessly to market. The company has offices in Offices in Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, The Netherlands, Paris, Shanghai, Guanzhou, Shenzen, and Dongguan.
For more information, visit https://innovativebeautygroup.com/.
 

The facility is located in Dunedin and will be the company's first office in the country.

Amid the ban on single-use plastic, paper bags and compostable food containers have found many takers.

Mondi, one of the global leaders in sustainable packaging and paper, has collaborated with Swiss converter ATS-Tanner

 Packaging and process solutions for companies operating in food, beverages, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics will once again be the focal point of this year’s interpack. In Hall 18 / D15, the Schmersal Group will be presenting new products and innovative safety solutions that meet the central requirements of this industry: hygienic design and high plant availability.

New command device series for food-processing machinery

The H series from Schmersal will be showcased at interpack 2023 as a full range of command and signalling devices for hygiene-sensitive applications, particularly food processing. The new H range not only meets the requirements of the new standards for these applications and the ‘hygienic design’ construction principle but is fully modular as well. A total of 147 different devices are available, including 26 mushroom pushbuttons, 24 selector switches and four potentiometer-rotary switches.

New compact safety light barriers for the packaging and food-processing industries

Schmersal has developed the new SLB440 series safety light barriers for hygiene-sensitive applications in the packaging and food-processing industries. With a diameter of 62 mm and a height of 115 mm, the light barriers in the SLB series are extremely compact and achieve protection class IP69. The sealing caps on the SLB440 are made from stainless steel (V4A), while the transparent protective tube is made from robust polycarbonate (PC).

AZM300 solenoid interlock with a hygienic design

The AZM300 RFID solenoid interlock has also been designed according to hygienic design principles. The AZM300 with protection class IP69 is an innovative safety interlock that finds particular use in the food-processing and packaging industries. The AZM 300’s features include the patented operating principle with a rotating shaft and star handle. It allows the safety door to be held virtually without play when closed. An RFID sensor is used to identify the actuator reliably, thus providing three different code levels and, consequently, protection against tampering.

With dimensions of 119.5 x 40 x 20 mm, the AZM40 is the smallest electronic solenoid interlock in the world. With these compact dimensions, the AZM40 is particularly suitable for installation on machinery equipped with small flaps or rotating/sliding doors. Due to extensive integrated monitoring functions, the AZM40 can be switched in series with all other electronic safety switchgear from Schmersal. This makes monitoring multiple safety doors in a single system much easier and more cost effective. The AZM40 is especially suited to use on packaging machinery and in complex packaging lines.

Visit Schmersal at interpack in Düsseldorf between 4 and 10 May 2023:
stand D15, hall 18.

About the Schmersal Group

The Schmersal Group is an international market and expertise leader in the challenging field of machine safety. With the world’s most comprehensive range of safety switchgear products, the Schmersal Group develops safety systems and solutions for special requirements in a variety of user industries. Schmersal’s tec.nicum business division offers a comprehensive service portfolio to complement the range of solutions offered by Schmersal.

Founded in 1945, the company is represented by seven manufacturing sites on three continents with its own companies and sales partners in more than 60 countries. The Schmersal Group employs more than 1900 people worldwide.

European Bioplastics sides with specific EU Commission proposa

European Bioplastics (EUBP) supports the intention of making single-serve coffee units mandatorily compostable and calls on the EU Parliament and Council to uphold this specific proposal to not undermine its effectiveness

“While we regret that currently only a limited number of applications have been suggested to mandatorily be compostable, we wholeheartedly support the Commission’s inclusion of coffee capsules in the listing of products that, in the future, shall be allowed to be placed on the EU market only if certified compostable, as part of the Commission’s proposal for a revision of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)”, says Hasso von Pogrell, Managing Director of EUBP.

Coffee makes up approximately 80% of a coffee capsule, by weight. Capturing the capsules’ main component – the coffee – via organic recycling ensures the greatest value retention from the used application, which is in line with the fundamentals of circularity. For instance, compost containing coffee grounds has several benefits when used as a soil amendment, such as an improved C/N ratio. In any other end of life option, the valuable organic material is simply lost.

The Commission’s own Impact Assessment concludes that compostable coffee capsules are a preferred option from a Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) point of view. EUBP reiterates the findings, which clearly indicate that compostable coffee capsules significantly increase the capture of biowaste, reduce the contamination of compost with non-compostable plastics, and do not lead to increased contamination of other waste streams.

If all single-serve units on the market are compostable in industrial composting facilities, in compliance with EN 13432, consumers are not confused where to dispose their coffee capsules after use. At the same time, the organic recycling operators have the peace of mind that whatever single-serve unit enters their facilities is safe, in a sense that it can biodegrade like the rest of the input material and does not leave persistent microplastics.

In addition, given that separate collection of biowaste will be mandatory from beginning of 2024 in EU, there is no need for a dedicated separate infrastructure build up for collection, sorting and organic recycling of certified compostable coffee capsules. The structure is anyways needed to organically recycle the separately collected biowaste. This is, however, not the case for other forms of coffee capsules on the market. Even if recycling schemes exist in very few countries, investments are needed to build up sorting, and efficient recycling of the packaging material at scal

“We, therefore, strongly believe that organic recycling is the most environmentally sound end of life option for single serve coffee units and call on the European Parliament and Council to keep coffee capsules on the positive list for mandatorily compostable packaging applications as set out in Art. 8 of the Commission’s proposal for a revised PPWR”, von Pogrell concludes

The full position of EUBP on compostable coffee capsules can be found here: https://docs.european-bioplastics.org/publications/pp/EUBP_PP_Compostab…

About European Bioplastics:

European Bioplastics (EUBP) is the European association representing the interests of the bioplastics industry along the entire value chain. Its members produce, refine and distribute bioplastics i.e. plastics that are bio-based, biodegradable, or both. More information is available at www.european-bioplastics.org

SÜDPACK and ULMA Packaging will present two sustainable packaging con-cepts at this year’s interpack trade fair – in Hall 5, Stand C23. The flow pack and the thermoformed packaging are based entirely on mono-materials – and are therefore fully recyclable. Visitors will be able to watch the production of flow packs live on the FM 500 horizontal flow pack machine as well as the pro-duction of thermoformed packaging on the TFS 600.
With this flow pack concept
... the focus is on Flow Pack mono material solutions as sustainable alternatives to conventional flow pack films. These mono-structures are designed to ensure efficient processing with a high output on standard flow pack machines. They can be equipped with different barrier properties and together with a wide sealing range, results in high process and packaging reliability. At the same time, the structure of the sealing layer allows the simple and efficient in-line applica-tion of common zipper systems. 
Despite their reduced material thickness, the attractive flow packs based on Pure-Line films offer a level of product protection that is comparable to con-ventional packaging systems and thus prevent food from premature spoilage. They also contribute to a significant reduction in packaging weight – for exam-ple, material savings of up to 60% can be achieved by substituting rigid tray packaging with flow pack solutions. 
At ULMA’s stand in Düsseldorf, Landjäger salami will be packaged in a modified atmosphere on the FM 500 horizontal flow pack machine. This robust and reli-able high-speed machine can output up to200 packs per minute and is equipped with an LD (Long Dwell) cross-sealing head, which ensures the pack-ages are 
airtight even at high production rates thanks to a long sealing time combined with a rotary motion. 
This recyclable flexible film concept for the production of thermoformed pack-aging
... is based on SÜDPACK’s PurePP film and is processed on ULMA’s hygiene-certified TFS 600, a thermoform packaging machine designed for the produc-tion of both modified-atmosphere and vacuum packaging for a wide variety of food products. This machine combines maximum flexibility and efficiency in the packaging process – and impresses with fast format changes, easy opera-tion and cleaning, as well as a high level of packaging and process reliability even in high-performance mode.
Thanks to its excellent thermoforming properties and good machinability, the Multifol PurePP bottom film can be processed on standard machines such as the TFS 600 with only minor adjustments – even at high cycle rates in continu-ous operation. The top web, an Ecopol PurePP Peel, ensures good sealability. These perfectly matched films are a guarantee for high process and packaging reliability. This flexible film concept is suitable for a wide range of applications, such as stackable packaging, large-volume gastronomy applications and even fresh pasta. 
More information:
 

About SÜDPACK
SÜDPACK is a leading manufacturer of high-performance films and packaging materials for the food, non-food and medical goods industries. Our solutions ensure maximum product protection as well as additional pioneering function-ality with minimum material input. 
The family business, which was founded by Alfred Remmele in 1964, is head-quartered in Ochsenhausen. The production sites in Germany, France, Poland, 
Switzerland, the Netherlands and the USA are equipped with the latest plant 
technology and manufacture to the highest standards, including the capacity to operate under clean room conditions. The global sales and service network 
ensures a high degree of proximity to the customer and comprehensive appli-cation technology support in more than 70 countries.
With its state-of-the-art Development and Application Center at its headquar-ters in Ochsenhausen, the innovation-oriented company offers its customers an 
optimal platform for carrying out application tests and for developing individu-al and tailor-made solutions.
SÜDPACK is committed to sustainable development and fulfills its responsibility as an employer and towards society, the environment, and its customers by 
developing packaging solutions that are highly efficient and sustainable.
www.suedpack.com 

About ULMA
ULMA Packaging is the leading packaging machine supplier who specializes in the design and manufacture of packaging equipment and services.
With an extensive experience of more than 50 years together with a highly qualified team of professionals, we offer an extensive and innovative solutions of Packaging equipment and systems to provide extra value to your customers.
With seven product lines, we are proud to say that we are the only supplier capable of offering such a wide range of packaging solutions for the food & fresh food and medical sectors. 
Our capabilities goes beyond primary packaging machines, we offer Complete Line Solutions which represent the highest level of automation, being capable of carrying out comprehensive installations from the automatic loading of the product to the palletizing of packaged products.
www.ulmapackaging.com
 

Global paper-based packaging leader Smurfit Kappa is proud to have won two awards at the prestigious Fastmarkets Forest Product PPI Awards for its sustainability and safety.

The awards are dedicated to recognising the achievements of companies, mills and individuals in the worldwide pulp and paper sector.

The HYFLEXPOWER project, which is located at the Smurfit Kappa Saillat paper mill in France, took home the Green Energy and Biofuels award. The ‘100 Stories on Safety’, a project created by employees at the Smurfit Kappa Tijuana plant in Mexico which highlights the safety challenges of working alongside machinery, took home the Risk and Safety award.

The HYFLEXPOWER project is the first in the world to introduce an integrated hydrogen gas turbine demonstrator and involves significant collaboration across industries, academic bodies and research institutes.

The overarching aim of the HYFLEXPOWER is to demonstrate the industrial feasibility of the concept of storing electricity in the form of hydrogen and ultimately using hydrogen as a source of renewable energy. The pilot phase of the project, which saw hydrogen successfully trialled with a mix of 30% hydrogen and 70% natural gas, took place in November.

Smurfit Kappa Tijuana’s ‘100 Stories on Safety’ looks at the value of safety from an employee’s perspective. It was delivered in book format that included illustrations by a local artist. The project has been very positively received and although it initially included only stories from the Tijuana corrugated plant employees, it is now branching out to include further Smurfit Kappa sites.

Commenting on Smurfit Kappa’s success at the awards, Saverio Mayer, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Europe, said: “We are very proud of winning these two awards in the global PPI awards which has a very high standard of entries. It is great that the hydrogen pilot has been recognised because at Smurfit Kappa, we are focused on reducing our emissions with the best available technology whilst at the same time trialling new technology to help us achieve our Better Planet 2050 goals.”

Juan Pablo Perez, CEO of Smurfit Kappa North America, added: “It is a great honour to see Tijuana’s 100 Stories on Safety project acknowledged at this year’s PPI Awards. Safety is a core value so we felt it was important to reinforce safe behaviour in a new and engaging way from the perspective of our employees working both in plants and offices. It has been a huge success so far and one we are keen to replicate across multiple sites.”

Now in their 14th year, the PPI Awards took place last month in Prague, Czech Republic.

PPI Awards

Company’s VRI Series provides precision, high-speed. 
visual inspection & leak detection of liquids in glass containers. 

Antares Vision Group – a leading global provider of hardware and software Track & Trace solutions and a prominent player in inspection systems and intelligent data management – will showcase an automatic visual inspection machine capable of inspecting up to 400 liquid-filled glass containers per minute at INTERPHEX NYC, Booth 2821, April 25-27. The company’s Visual Rotating Inspection (VRI) series combines sophisticated particle & cosmetic detection able to integrate with high voltage, vacuum, and headspace gas analysis (HSGA) technology-driven closure integrity verification at an exceptionally rapid production pace. 

The machine allows for the precise detection of cosmetic defects and particles and checks fill levels. The VRI unit can inspect liquids in a wide variety of viscosities, including water-like, oily, suspension, gel, emulsion, lyophilized, and powder products. Vials are also inspected for cosmetic defects such as crimping quality, flip-off color, neck-shoulder sidewalls, and stopper position. Molded glass and plastic containers also can be inspected for particles and cosmetic defects.  

Optional add-on features include code verification, optical character recognition (OCR)-optical character verification (OCR-OCV), and serialization incorporation.

A split-infeed screw setup provides smooth and reliable operation, preventing undesired stops and restarts. A main floating carousel with a torque motor-driven inspection platform allows ideal cleanability and single-point product handling (from the neck), providing a constraint-free optical setup and improving detection capabilities through enhanced Field of View (FOV) and Depth of Field (DOF). Guideless conveying utilizes vacuum-operated star wheels, minimizing container breakage risks and false rejects. Changeover for star wheels and grippers is approximately 30 minutes, thanks to a guided operations sequence that does not require mechanical adjustments. Inspection reconfiguration occurs intuitively according to recipe selection. 
 
Also at INTERPHEX NYC, Antares Vision Group will showcase its new EASY TS EVO, a benchtop unit providing compact, versatile high-voltage leak detection of any liquid-filled container, including glass ampoules, vials, plastic bottles, infusion bags, and blow-fill-seal (BFS) strips. The convenient lab equipment is ideal for offline sample testing, manual small batch inspection, and Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) determinations. 
 
Employing High Voltage Leak Detection (HVLD), the TS EVO provides reliable detection of microcracks or pinholes affecting the sterility of containers. The sophisticated detection system is a quality control differentiator compared to conventional benchtop equipment.
 
“As pharmaceutical companies continue to meet evolving and escalating demands, solutions that provide exacting product inspection without diminishing line speeds are increasingly attractive,” said Andrew Pietrangelo, President of Antares Vision North America. “Our Visual Rotating Inspection series utilizes state-of-the-art technology to combine precision with expedience, despite the difficult-to-inspect niche of liquids in glass containers. We look forward to showcasing its capabilities at INTERPHEX.”

About Antares Vision Group 

Antares Vision Group is an outstanding technology partner in digitalization and innovation for enterprises and institutions, guaranteeing the safety of products and people, business competitiveness, and environmental protection. Antares Vision Group is a technological enabler of supply chain transparency and sustainable transition to protect each country's business competitiveness and uniqueness. 

It provides a unique and comprehensive ecosystem of technologies to guarantee product quality (inspection systems and equipment) and end-to-end product traceability (from raw materials to production, from distribution to the consumer), with integrated data, production, and supply chain management, also achieved through the application of artificial intelligence and the use of blockchains.

Antares Vision Group is active in the Life Science sector (pharmaceutical, biomedical devices, and hospitals), in the beverage, food and cosmetics industries, and has potential in other sectors. The world leader in Track & Trace systems for pharmaceutical products, it provides the major global manufacturers (over 50% of the top 20 multinationals) and numerous government authorities with solutions to monitor their supply chains and validate product authenticity.

Listed since April 2019 on the Italian Stock Exchange in the AIM (Alternative Investment Market) segment, and from 14 May 2021 in the STAR segment of the MTA (Electronic equity market), Antares Vision Group recorded a turnover of Euro 162 million in 2020, operates in 60 countries, employs around 1000 people and has a consolidated network of over 40 international Partners. 

Further information please visit www.antaresvisiongroup.com.
 

Food and beverage brands constantly launch new products and new packages, many of which are posted to social media —

As with all sports, basketball has a lexicon all its own.

Bioplastic packaging made from renewable sources is a high-interest option in the broad market of sustainability.

The market for returnable packaging — materials and structures systematically reused within logistics operations — is