Deliveries of aluminum tubes and aerosol cans to the German market were stable in 2021 despite ongoing COVID-19 pressures. Demand picked up significantly, particularly in the second half of the year, leading to an overall satisfactory result for the industry. While demand for pharmaceutical and cosmetic products was rather subdued in 2021 due to declining doctor's visits, continuing mobility restrictions and reduced leisure activities, demand for food, technical and household products increased significantly as consumers spent more time in their own homes. There was also a significant increase in demand for aluminum cartridges, small bottles and rigid tubes in 2021, where existing markets could be expanded and new markets were developed through innovative applications.

Tense situation on the transportation and energy markets

Due to the continuing tense situation in the markets for transportation services, the issue of supply security is playing an increasingly central role in the value chain. The lack of availability of trucks and containers for deliveries within Europe and overseas is putting globally interlinked logistics chains to a tough test. So far, proactive production and transportation planning by aluminum packaging manufacturers has prevented retail bottlenecks and out-of-stock situations. "The industry has distinguished itself as a reliable supply chain partner since the pandemic began. However, the situation will remain extremely tense in 2022, as the rampant omicron variant could negatively impact staff availability at plants, marking another bottleneck," knows Johannes Schick, chairman of AD's Tubes, Cans and Impact Extruded Products Division. "Added to this are the energy prices, which have risen exorbitantly in recent months. These are causing the industry great concern, as they are cutting the scope for necessary investments in the future and for maintaining the industry's innovative strength," adds Schick

Confidence for 2022

Overall, the industry is looking ahead to the first half of 2022 with confidence due to promising incoming orders. "If another COVID 19 variant or a worsening Ukraine crisis with the associated uncertainties among consumers does not throw us off course, we definitely expect overall demand to pick up further; especially also in the key markets for pharmaceutical and cosmetic products," Schick sums up.

The method relies on the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse various physical, spectral, o

• Carton packaging is renewable and made from mostly recycled materials

• Corrugated cardboard is easier to recycle than large plastic pails, keeping plastic out of landfills

• Removal of HI Card further reduces chemicals and extraneous materials in packaging

– Airnov Healthcare Packaging, a global leader in controlled atmosphere packaging, has introduced a new, sustainable packaging option to help reduce plastic waste.

The new packaging takes aim at plastic pails, which are harder to recycle than carton boxes and use non-renewable resins for production. Cardboard originates from trees that can be replanted, and if not recycled, naturally decomposes.

“With this new option from our plant in Belen, we hope to pull hundreds tons of plastic out of use by converting secondary packaging from plastic to cardboard,” said Nicolas Martinez, global product manager at Airnov, NM. “Furthermore, cartons are more lightweight and efficient in the space they use, optimizing transport and warehouse space.”

The new offering not only targets plastic consumption but aims to reduce transportation emissions by using double-stackable cartons. The new carton is more durable than standard cardboard, allowing pallets to be double stacked with 50 percent more material in the same footprint as a single pallet. With the additional materials, Airnov hopes to help customers reduce freight costs while also reducing the number of trucks needed to transport goods, saving money and reducing carbon emissions.

In addition, Airnov is removing humidity indicator cards (HICs) to reduce extraneous materials and chemicals used in the packaging

“It’s a noble thing to offer a more sustainable option. However, without demonstrable benefits to our customers, it is still often challenging to encourage adoption,” continued Martinez. “This new endeavor not only reduces plastic and other waste but helps our customers mitigate skyrocketing freight and commodity costs. With the volatility in the resin supply chain, who knows what’s next with plastic prices.”

The carton packaging performs equally to plastic pails by utilizing high-barrier bags to provide the same shelf-life of three years. The new packaging solutions are available immediately for drop-in products.

About Airnov Healthcare Packaging

Airnov Healthcare Packaging is a global leader in shelf-life preservation solutions to protect pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and diagnostic products from moisture and oxygen. This includes drop-in sorbents such as canisters and packets, integrated desiccant systems, and specially designed container-closure systems. Airnov has five manufacturing plants located in France, the U.S., China, and India.

Shawpak 4SS Pouch Machine packs medical products up to 5mm in thickness, at rates up to 4000 per hour; can also produce 3-side seals for manual packaging lines.

UK-based medical packaging equipment specialist Shawpak has introduced a 4-Side Seal (4SS) Pouch Machine. Designed for the packaging of flat medical products, the new Shawpak 4SS can be particularly useful to manufacture pre-made pouches for manual packaging lines.

Developed, designed and produced by Shawpak, the 4-side pouch machine represents the latest in the company’s broad portfolio of pouching and thermoforming equipment solutions. Key to its conception was an in-depth understanding of brand owner requirements, as well as the limitations in the market’s current standard machinery solutions. The Shawpak 4SS is designed to:

• Pack flat products to a maximum thickness of 5mm in packs up to 600mm x 340mm
• Produce up to 4000 packs per hour
• Make 3-side sealed pouches with the remaining side open, allowing medical device customers to produce pre-made packs that are manually filled and sealed
• Incorporate the latest technologies and innovative functionalities
• Ensure high efficiency and minimal maintenance

Notably, the Shawpak 4SS delivers multi-faceted benefits despite a compact construction that minimizes the machine’s footprint, sparing valuable floor space. For ease of operation, its ergonomic design utilizes modular assemblies for improved accessibility and quick changeovers using minimal, low-cost tooling.

“The Shawpak 4SS machine allows us to offer a complete portfolio of packaging solutions to our customers in the medical and pharma arena,” said Tony Crofts, Sales Director for Shawpak.

“This is another Shawpak packaging solution that will transform the industry norm away from ‘how things have always been done’,” said Robert Hartwig, President of BTS International and North American Sales Representative for Shawpak.

Videos showcasing the Shawpak 4SS Pouch Machine are available on Shawpak’s YouTube channel, as well as on request by emailing info@bts-intl.com.

For quotes, layouts or additional information, contact Robert Hartwig of BTS International LLC at (201) 961-4740 or bhartwig@bts-intl.com.

About Shawpak

Shawpak is a UK-based packaging machinery manufacturer and part of the Riverside Medical Packaging Group. Shawpak is at the forefront of medical packaging and develops unique machinery to meet the specific requirements of the medical device and pharmaceutical industries.

About BTS International

BTS International is an NJ-based company that provides consulting and sales representation  services in the area of packaging equipment; package design and materials; equipment layout; and custom equipment solutions for a variety of markets. To learn more, visit www.bts-intl.com

The German biogas plant specialist WELTEC BIOPOWER registers keen interest in its plant technology in Greece. In the past year, WELTEC expanded its market leadership in the southern European country by building four further projects and expanding three existing plants. Due to the great potential of organic residues to produce biogas and biomethane, especially in the north of the country, the climate-friendly energy source is playing an increasingly important role in the Greek energy transition.

WELTEC BIOPOWER has so far been significantly involved in 17 of a total of 30 Greek agricultural and waste biogas plants. This is no coincidence, because WELTEC is an established technology and market leader there. One of these AD plants has been built in Megara, 30 kilometers west of Athens, in 2015. In the past year, WELTEC expanded this biogas plant and since March 2021 the plant is in operation with a doubled output of one megawatt. Around a year after the expansion, the operators‘ résumé is consistently positive: “The plant was already running very successfully before the expansion. An above-average plant availability of 97 percent confirms that the extension with WELTEC was the right decision, ” says John Tetoros, the Greek WELTEC sales partner, from a conversation with the owners

It was also crucial for the extension that a sufficient amount of substrates were available. The area around Megara is known for keeping chickens and the biogas plant is also on the site of a chicken farm with 20,000 laying hens. As a result, some of the input materials are permanently secured. In addition to the chicken droppings, roughly equal amounts of olive oil pomace, cattle and pig manure, as well as whey are used for energy production. Since the plant was enlarged, the daily amount of the substrate mix has risen to 190 tons.

Originally the plant comprised a digester made of stainless steel with a volume of 3,993 cubic meters, a 530 kilowatt CHP and a storage unit. For the increased input volume, WELTEC BIOPOWER built another 3,993 cubic meter stainless steel digester with a height of 6.30 meters and a diameter of 28.41 meters. In addition, another pre-storage unit, a second 530 kilowatt CHP and an unpacking system for cheese and vegetables were installed. However, this unpacking system is only used in case of irregular deliveries of expired food. A solids feeder is not required since the pumpable substrates are brought into the storage units via a central pump block and then conveyed into the digesters

John Tetoros is proud of this special energy plant: “The plant in Megara is one of the most efficient biogas projects in Greece. Our many years of experience and knowledge as well as the highly developed biogas technology from WELTEC are two decisive reasons. And the icing on the cake for the success of this plant is the strategically favorable location, the care of the operators and the use of the heat for stables and offices. So, it is hardly surprising that one of the two operators decided to build another biogas plant in Ritsona, 40 kilometers north of Athens. This is about to be completed and will go into operation in spring. Just like in Megara, only organic residues are used to generate energy in Ritsona

These plant projects are examples of circular economy thinking and the consistent use of existing waste. Konstantinos Nikakis, board member of the Greek biogas operator association HABIO, emphasizes the importance of such projects: “Waste-to-energy plants are urgently required in the new energy age in order to minimize harmful carbon emissions and to achieve climate neutrality. In any case, the supply situation with substrates of animal and vegetable origin is very good; the potential in Greece is enormous. In addition, there is also vegetable and other recyclable waste. In view of this amount of raw materials, agriculture has very good prerequisites to make its contribution so that Greece can achieve its climate goals.” It is now up to the individual players to bring Greece into the new energy age

Company Portrait

The WELTEC Group from Vechta, Germany, has developed into a globally leading specialist for the construction and operation of biogas and biomethane plants since it was founded back in 2001. The Group designs, plans and sets up energy plants, operates them on a permanent or temporary basis, provides 24/7 service and delivers sustainable usage concepts for output flows, thereby covering the entire biogas value chain

The establishment of individual, technically mature solutions up to a plant size of 10 MW is one of the strengths of WELTEC BIOPOWER. The high proportion of custom-developed components is a key success factor. Moreover, the use of stainless-steel technologies ensures flexible substrate input, quick and inexpensive assembly and a consistently high quality standard, regardless of the location. Following the commissioning, WELTEC‘s mechanical and biological service plays a significant role in ensuring the plant efficiency

The company also boasts a wealth of experience in the field of biogas generation and utilisation. The company‘s nine decentralised plants generate 96 million standard m³ of biogas a year. Most of it is processed to biomethane and made available to energy suppliers and petrol station operators via the public gas network. Additionally, at 16 locations in Germany– e.g. in the field of horticulture, housing construction and healthcare as well as communities – the biomethane is used for generating heat within the framework of WELTEC energy contracting.

The biogas specialist is well aware of the importance of customer and investor proximity. Accordingly, the Group‘s sales and service network spans the entire globe. The range of customers includes businesses from industries such as agriculture, food, waste and wastewater. So far, the 120 employees of the WELTEC Group have implemented more than 350 energy plants in 25 countries on five continents. These plants save about 485.000 tons of CO2eq a year

To ensure the efficacy of medications for cell and gene therapies, they have to be processed, stored and transported under extreme sub-zero temperatures. For labeling on deep-frozen medicine containers, Schreiner MediPharm has now developed a label that permanently withstands these freezing temperatures: the cyro label "Freeze-Lock". The two interlocking label layers ensure reliable adhesive strength and readability of the product information.

The novel Freeze-Lock label by Schreiner MediPharm consists of two components: a bottom label and a top label. First, the bottom label layer with a specialty microfine surface texture is applied to the empty, non-refrigerated container at room temperature. Subsequently, the container is filled with the active ingredient and immediately cooled down for storage at subzero temperatures of dry ice (-78 °C) or liquid nitrogen (-196 °C). To mark the frozen container, it is removed from cold storage. The top label layer is dispensed onto it and firmly pressed against the bottom label—a potential layer of ice does not have to be removed. The deep freeze adhesive of the top label combines with the texture of the bottom label and freezes in a matter of seconds. This results in a permanent bond between the label construction and the container that can be returned to storage and transported in frozen condition. 

Due to the specialty two-component label design and the materials and adhesives used, the Freeze-Lock cryo label reliably adheres to the frozen container, important product information cannot be lost. Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturers as well as users in clinical research thus benefit from a customized and efficient marking solution for frozen medications that can be adapted to a wide range of applications

About Schreiner MediPharm
Schreiner MediPharm, a business unit of Schreiner Group GmbH & Co. KG based in Oberschleissheim near Munich, is a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative, multifunctional specialty labels and marking solutions with value-added benefits for the healthcare industry. Thanks to its strong solutions expertise and specialized know-how Schreiner MediPharm is a highly capable development partner and reliable quality supplier to leading pharmaceutical and medical device technology companies worldwide.

An NY-based specialist in liquid filling and assembly machines,

TurboFil will assume sales & servicing duties across eastern and central US

for UK-based Sewtec’s packaging & end-of-line equipment.

Mount Vernon, NY – TurboFil Packaging Machines LLC, an equipment specialist dedicated solely to the design and development of liquid filling and assembly machines, has been named an official US sales & service representative for UK-based Sewtec Automation, which manufacturers packaging and other end-of-line equipment.

Moving forward, TurboFil will exclusively handle sales, after sales/maintenance support, marketing and parts shipping for Sewtec customers in the eastern and central United States. Close collaborations will include joint equipment solutions for several of the industries that both TurboFIl and Sewtec serve, including the pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics and personal care products sectors. The agreement excludes the westernmost states (CA, UT, OR, ID, NV, AZ, NM, CO, WY, MT & WA).

In addition to bespoke solutions designed to meet specific customer needs, Sewtec Automation offers a range of automated packaging machines that provide accurate, reliable product and case handling. Serving the pharmaceuticals, medical device, personal care and cosmetics markets, Sewtec’s equipment portfolio includes case erectors and closers, top-load cartoners, palletizing systems, pallet loaders and pickers.

For TurboFil, the new partnership expands its equipment offerings while providing opportunities for customized, synergistically developed solutions. Turbofil’s machinery range includes syringe fillers, cappers, vial crimpers and handling systems, among other solutions.

The partnership makes possible a broader range of customer servicing scenarios. TurboFil frequently receives requests for combination setups that integrate, for example, unit dose filling, capping, labeling applications with primary, secondary and transit packaging. Often, the goal is to perform most or all of these functions automatically.

Here, Sewtec serves as a natural match. After being filled, capped and labeled by TurboFil equipment, products can be placed in individual blister packs before continuing to a cartoning module for a finished, retail-ready product. The packages can then be placed into larger shippers and loaded onto pallets for distribution.

“This new partnership with TurboFil is a fantastic opportunity for both parties,” said Andy Perks, Head of Sales at Sewtec Automation added. “Our experience with end-of-line packaging automation perfectly complements TurboFil’s assembly and filling machines, allowing us to offer a complete production line solution to customers.” 

“Our strategic alignment with Sewtec provides TurboFil customers with comprehensive, production-to-packaging manufacturing options,” said Deborah Smook, VP of Marketing & Business Development for TurboFil Packaging Machines LLC. “The result is a one-shop-stop sales and maintenance setup that simplifies everything from factory acceptance tests and installation to after-sales oversight and parts procurement.”

About TurboFil Packaging Machines LLC

TurboFil is an equipment specialist dedicated solely to the design and development of liquid filling and assembly machines for the pharmaceutical, medical device, health & beauty and chemical industries. Since its inception in 1999, the company has created novel, durable production solutions for some of the industry's most challenging applications, consistently setting new benchmarks for filling precision and operational simplicity.

TurboFil's equipment portfolio features a broad range of standardized equipment, and the company also frequently collaborates with customers to develop, design and construct customized, built-to-spec machines. This versatility has made TurboFil a leader in supplying reliable, efficient and cost-effective filling and assembly systems that fit seamlessly into existing operations. For more information, visit www.TurboFil.com

About Sewtec

Global market leaders Sewtec Automation invest, design, manufacture, install and support bespoke industrial automation systems worldwide. Based in the UK, Sewtec works from its 75,000-suare-foot state-of-the-art design and manufacturing facility, where its engineering team solves complex challenges that many others cannot or will not.

With a vast international customer base, including some of the best-known brands, Sewtec’s experience spans across a diverse range of manufacturing and packaging industry clients. Its lengthy and diverse experience has made the Sewtec team experts in developing inventive industrial automation systems that enable its customers’ businesses to perform better. For more information, visit www.sewtec.co.uk.

• Heavy-duty corrugated packaging can be used to ship a variety of large or heavy industrial goods and consumer durables safely, efficiently and more sustainably
• As one of the largest producers of heavy-duty corrugated packaging in Europe, Mondi’s highly-experienced team helps customers to design tailor-made solutions that are fully recyclable
• Recently acquired Turkish plants have bolstered Mondi’s ability to serve a broader range of industries and geographies

 “All big things should come in smart packages” is the slogan of Mondi’s new marketing campaign for its heavy-duty (HD) corrugated solutions. Mondi is a leading European supplier of sustainable HD corrugated solutions with plants in Germany, Poland and Turkey creating fit-for-purpose packaging for industries as varied as automotive, chemical, machinery, metal, solar energy, heavy consumer durables, white goods, home construction and fittings, sports and leisure.

Mondi is making good progress in terms of integrating its new Turkish HD corrugated plants in Bursa, Corum and Gebze with its plants in Germany (Ansbach) and Poland (Simet), following the acquisition of Olmuksan in 2021. In recent years, Mondi has invested in new capacity, technology and machinery at its Ansbach and Simet plants, which are now some of Europe’s largest full-service, state-of-the-art facilities. Mondi Olmuksan is one of the leading players in the HD sector in Turkey, further expanding the group’s capacity to serve a broader range of industries and geographies.

Mondi supports customers in making the switch to HD corrugated packaging, working closely together from initial analysis to design and implementation. Mondi´s new ThinkBox customer engagement centres are providing a dedicated space for collaboration and the development of solutions in the HD and industrial segment. Customers benefit from tailor-made, lightweight solutions that are a perfect fit for oddly shaped or heavy products while increasing the number of items per pack and maximising the use of limited cargo space.

Shipping large and heavy items is increasingly complex and costly, in addition to the environmental impact. That’s why we believe ‘all big things should come in smart packages’. Manufacturers could benefit from switching to HD corrugated packaging for reasons of operational processes, logistics as well as sustainability. We want to reach companies who may not have considered the possibility of a paper-based alternative to traditional crates and containers. We look forward to developing customised solutions that not only meet their needs, but are sustainable by design.

Examples of HD corrugated packaging by Mondi include:

• Custom packaging designs for Volvo brake boosters and headlamps, winners of numerous packaging industry awards
• A corrugated transport container for a global distribution company based in Sweden, which replaced wooden crates and resulted in 80% lower tare weight for air freight shipments
• Tanker Box, an innovative corrugated box that can replace rigid plastic IBC containers
• BikeBox, a fully paper-based bicycle box that guarantees optimal protection in transit

About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by making innovative packaging and paper solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is integrated across the value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and plastic films, to developing and manufacturing effective industrial and consumer packaging solutions. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy and intrinsic in the way we do business. We lead the industry with our customer-centric approach, EcoSolutions, where we ask the right questions to find the most sustainable solution. In 2020, Mondi had revenues of €6.66 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.35 billion.

Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange (MNDI), and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited (MNP). Mondi is a FTSE 100 constituent, and has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2008 and the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index Series since 2007.

The Reifenhäuser Group will exhibit its latest production technologies for sustainable and recyclable flat and blown film at Interplastica 2022 in Moscow (Russia) from January 25 to 28 (Hall 22, Booth C 24). The international trade fair for plastics and rubber processing is the leading industry platform in Russia.

As a special highlight, Reifenhäuser will present the digital traceability standard for plastic packaging: "R-Cycle". This automatically collects recycling-relevant information in so-called digital product passports and supplies it for the waste sorting process to permit sorting by type and highquality recycling. R-Cycle provides a solution to the problem of today's waste sorting processes which are too inaccurate to identify recyclable packaging precisely. With R-Cycle, production machines along the entire value chain already record key data, such as the type of plastic, printing ink, adhesive, additives, and the use of the packaging (food/non-food). This data is then retrievable on the end product in the form of a marking (e.g. digital watermarks). Waste sorting plants can then identify recyclable packaging and form type-sorted fractions. This is the basis for recovering high-quality recyclate

R-Cycle is under development to market maturity by leading technology companies and organizations along the entire plastic-packaging life cycle. Reifenhäuser is one of the founding members of this cross-industry initiative. The aim is to establish an open and globally applicable traceability standard in order to effectively utilize the potential of sustainable packaging products to create a functioning circular economy

PET film from up to 100% post-consumer recyclate In Moscow, the Reifenhäuser Cast Sheet Coating business unit, which specializes in flat film, will exhibit a highly innovative solution for sustainable plastic packaging: PET film produced from up to 100% PET bottle scrap (PCR) for direct contact with foodstuffs. Unlike widely used food packaging, customers on Reifenhäuser MIREX PET sheet lines process postconsumer recyclate (PCR), not only as an intermediate layer between two outer layers of virgin material. If required, the film can be made from PCR PET only. The end product meets the highest hygiene standards and can be used safely - even in direct contact with food. The process bears the critical FDA LNO (Letter of No Objection) and can therefore execute high-quality plastic recycling for food packaging. This allows customers to participate in the growing market for sustainable packaging

Another highlight of the MIREX PET sheet lines is PCR flake processing without pre-drying. This is achieved on the tried-and-tested co-rotating twinscrew extruder "REItruder". Processors therefore benefit from lower energy costs, as it eliminates the crystallization and drying steps in the process. In addition, the line features a special backflush filtration system for extremely high melt quality and process consistency. The result is perfect optical and mechanical film properties

Mark Borutta, Sales & Marketing Manager at Reifenhäuser Cast Sheet Coating, explains: "At Reifenhäuser CSC, we have technologies that are easy to control. Processing PCR material without complex pre-drying and preparation procedures makes the overall process for food contact applications extremely efficient, and saves our customers time and money."

Mark Borutta, Sales & Marketing Manager at Reifenhäuser Cast Sheet Coating, explains: "At Reifenhäuser CSC, we have technologies that are easy to control. Processing PCR material without complex pre-drying and preparation procedures makes the overall process for food contact applications extremely efficient, and saves our customers time and money."

Using the EVO Ultra Stretch unit - unique on the market - customers produce monomaterial composites (All-PE film) for flexible packaging and replace the otherwise usual PET layer with stretched PE. With up to 10 times the stretch rate, the Ultra Stretch unit gives PE film completely new mechanical properties. This is a simple replacement for PET and there is no need to adapt other processing steps. The unique and patented position of the stretching unit directly in the haul-off of the blown film line makes the process particularly stable and efficient.

Eugen Friedel, Sales Director at Reifenhäuser Blown Film, explains: "The Ultra Stretch process is particularly stable because we stretch the film still hot from extrusion directly in the haul-off at the ideal time and without reheating. Our customers can then produce All-PE film for fully recyclable applications efficiently and reliably. With R-Cycle, we already have a functioning solution for equipping intermediate and end products with digital product passports. This prepares the ground for databased sorting and recycling to prepare plastic packaging consistently for the circular economy."

Visitors to the Reifenhäuser booth in Moscow will have the chance to experience the impressive Ultra Stretch technology as well as the latest blown and flat film lines on a large screen as part of a virtual 360° tour through the Reifenhäuser Film Technology Center

About the Reifenhäuser Group

The Reifenhäuser Group is the leading provider of innovative technologies and components for plastics extrusion. Founded in 1911, the company supplies high-technology solutions all over the world. With its technologies and the know-how of its 1,750 employees, Reifenhäuser has the world's largest network of expertise in plastics extrusion technologies. The CEO of the Group is Bernd Reifenhäuser.

About R-Cycle

R-Cycle is a cross-company initiative to develop an open and globally applicable tracing standard for sustainable plastic packaging. The aim is to automatically record recycling-relevant packaging properties during production by providing a digital product passport and to pass them on through the value chain. Recyclable packaging can then be identified in the recycling process via special markings and fed into pure waste fractions. This is the key to obtaining high-quality recyclates to close the loop. www.r-cycle.or

Mobile machines are becoming increasingly autonomous. They require controllers that are not only compact, but also safe. B&R has expanded its X90 control system with an option board that allows floating-ground connection of external safety devices, making mobile machines even safer.

Mobile controllers with safe, floating outputs have previously not been available on the market. With B&R's new safety relay module, external safety components such as drives or laser scanners can now be connected to the X90 controller via a floating-ground emergency stop circuit. A safety level of PLe / SIL3 can be achieved. The option board is particularly suitable for autonomous agricultural and construction vehicles.

Modularity makes the difference

With its powerful, expandable X90 controller, B&R offers design freedom that is unique on the market. The range of option boards opens up new possibilities for implementing customer-specific automation solutions. In addition, the controller comes in a rugged IP69K housing. Since it does not require a control cabinet or complex wiring, easy service is guaranteed.

About B&R

B&R is an innovative automation company with headquarters in Austria and offices all around the world. On July 6, 2017, B&R became a business unit of the ABB Group. As a global leader in industrial automation, B&R combines state-of-the-art technology with advanced engineering to provide customers in virtually every industry with complete solutions for machine and factory automation, motion control, HMI and integrated safety technology. With Industrial IoT communication standards like OPC UA, POWERLINK and openSAFETY as well as the powerful Automation Studio software development environment, B&R is constantly redefining the future of automation engineering. The innovative spirit that keeps B&R at the forefront of industrial automation is driven by a commitment to simplifying processes and exceeding customer expectations.

For more information, visit www.br-automation.com

B&R has equipped the ACOPOS P3 servo drive with safe torque determination. This allows the use of numerous safety functions that previously would have required an external sensor. The cost of machinery directive compliance is reduced.

Safe torque determination is based on an internal current measurement and enables the safety functions Safely Limited Torque (SLT), Safe Speed Observer (SSO) and Safe Brake Test (SBT). The functions are suitable for applications up to SIL 2 / PL d / Cat. 3.

Safe prevention of overload

The SLT function can be used, for example, to reliably limit the torque applied to the power transmission system. Mechanical overload conditions can thus be avoided and safely averted. In addition, mechanical designs can be made more cost-effective with SLT. SLT also minimizes the risk of operators being injured via pinching or crushing while working on a machine.

Ensuring operator safety

The SSO function is a virtual speed sensor that makes it possible to use the SLS safety function without needing a safe encoder. This is particularly helpful when using linear or torque motors, since these types of motors usually do not have an integrated safe encoder.

Reliable holding brake testing

The SBT function can be used to safely monitor and evaluate the performance of a holding brake. The data it collects provides insight into the condition of the brake and any damage or wear.

About B&R

B&R is an innovative automation company with headquarters in Austria and offices all around the world. On July 6, 2017, B&R became a business unit of the ABB Group. As a global leader in industrial automation, B&R combines state-of-the-art technology with advanced engineering to provide customers in virtually every industry with complete solutions for machine and factory automation, motion control, HMI and integrated safety technology. With Industrial IoT communication standards like OPC UA, POWERLINK and openSAFETY as well as the powerful Automation Studio software development environment, B&R is constantly redefining the future of automation engineering. The innovative spirit that keeps B&R at the forefront of industrial automation is driven by a commitment to simplifying processes and exceeding customer expectations.

For more information, visit www.br-automation.com.

Using a unique science-based approach, the UK brand partners with Quadpack on its new wellness range

Cannabinoid skincare has never been so trendy. While experts project this market to keep growing at a double-digit rate, representing an astonishing 10% of the total global skincare industry by 2024, consumers are increasingly demanding science-based products that stand out from the crowd of beauty launches.

UK-based Cellular Goods relies on synthesised cannabinoids, particularly CBG (cannabigerol), to stay ahead of the competition and offer research-based skincare solutions. The brand claims that lab-made cannabinoids contain fewer impurities, given they are not exposed to pesticides or environmental pathogens, and more sustainable than more commonly used plant-derived alternatives. Unlike many skincare brands that use CBD, Cellular Goods opted for the lesser known but more effective CBG to provide soothing, antibacterial, and antioxidant benefits.

To protect its delicate formulas, the brand partnered with Quadpack to develop the perfect packaging for its new Cannabinoid Face Oil and Face Serum, both available in 30ml versions. “Cannabinoids are particularly sensitive to oxygen, light and heat. Since we’ve seen many in-market products packaged inappropriately leading to cannabinoid degradation, it was essential to our brand promise of offering best-in-class, high quality products that we selected the most effective packaging to maintain the integrity of our formulas and by extension, provide consumers with efficacious products,” says Melissa Santolini, Cellular Goods’ Lead Project Manager.

The chosen pack was the 30ml Skin Up bottle from Quadpack’s QLine portfolio, with a lotion pump and overcap for the serum, and the high viscosity push button dropper for the face oil. Made in glass, a recyclable material that also preserves the product, Skin Up is manufactured in Europe. Both the face serum and the face oil are decorated in matte white spray coating and black silk-screen to protect the formula from light.

The Cannabinoid Face Oil and Face Serum are sold on the brand’s website and are currently available in the UK.

Tekni-Plex Consumer Products is expanding its product line to include foam polypropylene processor trays for fresh food products such as meat, poultry, pork, fruits and vegetables – diversifying material offerings for this category. The announcement was made in advance of the International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta, January 25-27.

“Expectations for the packaging industry are changing, so we’re working with new substrates to create material alternatives that meet the needs of our customers and their consumers,” said Chuck Gallagher, vice president of business development, Dolco Packaging.

Foam polypropylene (recycling code 5) has many attractive benefits for the food industry. The material is durable, lightweight, heat-resistant, and FDA approved for direct food contact. Foam polypropylene is also a drop-in replacement for common foam polystyrene trays, so there is no need for businesses to take on the extra work or cost required to retool packing equipment.

Like foam polystyrene (recycling code 6), foam polypropylene requires less material to create high-quality products using minimal resources. When compared to solid PET trays, for example, foam polypropylene weighs half as much.

“Because of the material’s efficiency, we believe foam polypropylene will be a valuable competitive solution when compared to other tray alternatives, allowing brands and retailers to meet their business goals,” said Gallagher.

A major wholesale company is the first customer to debut products in the new foam polypropylene meat trays. Because of its similar look to foam polystyrene, foam polypropylene will have a familiar appearance to consumers, so brands and retailers can maintain a recognizable fresh, packed-in-store product look.

“Investing in new technologies and new materials allows us the capability and the flexibility to find solutions to the major packaging issues our customers are facing today,” said Gallagher. “As we diversify our material offerings, our goal is to continue to innovate with value-added solutions that meet the needs of our customers, their consumers, and future generations.” 

Tekni-Plex Consumer Products’ move to provide a wide range of materials is part of the company’s Rethink Responsibly initiative, a concerted effort to work toward a more sustainable future. Company-wide actions include reducing overall material usage, increasing recycling efforts, introducing post-consumer recycled materials to existing product lines, and producing more alternative packaging solutions.

About Tekni-Plex Consumer Products

Dolco Packaging is part of the Tekni-Plex Consumer Products Division and is a leading manufacturer of foam polystyrene, molded pulp, and PET containers for the egg, agricultural, food, and food service markets. With five manufacturing facilities across the United States, Dolco Packaging is the number one supplier of foam egg cartons domestically. For more information, visit www.tekni-plex.com/dolco.

About Tekni-Plex

Tekni-Plex is a globally integrated company that provides innovative solutions through materials science and manufacturing technologies. A global leader in the healthcare and consumer product markets, Tekni-Plex provides medical device components and a multitude of materials science solutions that lead to a healthier and more sustainable world. Its solutions are found in some of the most well-known names in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, personal care, household, and food & beverage markets.

Headquartered in Wayne, Pa., Tekni-Plex employs 7,000 team members throughout its operations in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Northern Ireland, and the United States. For more information visit www.tekni-plex.com.

A new design, simple navigation and real added value: SÜDPACK has been online with its new website since January 2022, one that sets new standards in communication, particularly in terms of user-friendliness and the depth of information. The goal of the website relaunch is to provide a special kind of information experience – and to also adapt the positioning of the SÜDPACK brand due to the sharp changes in market requirements.

Throughout the ambitious relaunch project, the basic idea of the customer journey was the primary focus. The new online concept is therefore based on a brand-new page structure with an intuitive, simple user interface and appealing content that is easy to reach.

Navigation through the main pages and subpages is clear, logical and self-explanatory. Special attention was paid to making sure that all of the subpages have clear descriptions so website visitors can be led directly to the desired content while also being animated to visit additional pages.

Simple product filters make it easy to find specific products for a wide variety of applications – and lead to the desired destination with just a few clicks. It is possible to filter by application or product group and also based on the packaging system or sustainability aspects. For example, it is possible to search for packaging solutions for sausage, meat, vegan products or dairy products. If visitors are more interested in sustainable packaging concepts, they are specifically redirected to the subpages that focus on sustainability. Moreover, it is also possible to search for films with specific features, such as whether they are resealable, peelable or offer barrier functions.

In addition to an attractive company page (www.suedpack.com) that focuses particularly on sustainability, the new presence offers three additional areas: film solutions for food (www.food.suedpack.com), technical films and compounds (www.ffc.suedpack.com) and film solutions for the medical and pharmaceutical industries (www.suedpack-medica.com).

The heart of a website is basically always its content. Because “in the digital world, attractively presenting your product and service portfolio is no longer enough. Content is the key to success and added value for our customers is our goal,” explained Valeska Haux, VP Strategic Marketing at SÜDPACK. “Which is why we have created a great deal of new content in order to engage visitors with our specialist knowledge and industrial expertise, our pioneering solutions and also our passion for everything we do.”

An optimal user experience is not only provided by improved navigation and appealing content, but also by a harmonious design concept. The focus while planning the new website was therefore most particularly on its layout, which now very much does justice to the brand SÜDPACK. Harmonized design elements, clear structures, concise key points and visual accents provide a better overview of product options.

Yet another highlight is the news teaser for a quick overview. It features current press releases as well as exciting product and market developments.

About SÜDPACK

SÜDPACK is a leading manufacturer of high-tech films and packaging materials for the food, non-food, and medical product industries. Our solutions ensure maximum product protection as well as additional pioneering features with minimum material input.

The family business, which was founded by Alfred Remmele in 1964, is headquartered in Ochsenhausen. 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 worldwide sales and service network ensures a high degree of proximity to the customer and comprehensive application technology support in more than 70 countries.

With its state-of-the-art Development and Application Center at its headquarters in Ochsenhausen, the innovation-oriented company offers its customers an optimal platform for carrying out application tests and for developing individual 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 unparalleled in their efficiency and sustainability.

www.suedpack.com

Packaging affects many aspects of your products, and your business could be involved. Growth, taxation, and reduction of cost all link into the way you pack your products. So, while your company is packaging products it should consider having high standards for quality and safety.

The benefits of an efficient packaging process can positively impact the business as there are various moving parts to the packaging process. Everything included in the material brings changes while shipping your products, such as its cost, how it’s handled, and the way it looks. It also has an impact on the consumers as another packaging can be deceiving therefore challenging the consumers' psychology.

Hence, the following are tips to keep your packaging line running smoothly at peak performance.

1. Keep The Line Clean

Keeping the packaging line clean doesn’t necessarily mean that it should be left spotless at the end of the day, but practicing regular cleaning is encouraged. The machines should be cleaned at the end of the shift with a pressure washer and pressurized air to remove dust.

There are two types of cleaning methods which are regular cleaning and deep cleaning. Deep cleaning needs to be done depending on the working conditions and weather. When the machine is working with corrosive materials it should be deep cleaned to prevent breakages, boost performance, improve the image of the machine, and be more effective.

You can reach out to companies that offer the best Cleaning Services to get professional and first-hand deep cleaning services.

2. Train Your Employees

Today, technology is constantly evolving. Consequently, employee training is the key factor for a company’s success. The most important role of training is to ensure employees understand and safely manage the machine, therefore reducing the risk of getting injured.

Secondly, well-trained employees have better knowledge to maintain a high level of efficiency reducing the amount of machinery breakdown. All this training creates a baseline and helps to prevent troubleshooting problems. Moreover, these issues may reduce machinery performance as well as cause premature wear or machine damage. Hence, training your employees saves you hundreds of hours of repair on expensive machines. It also keeps your packaging process running smoothly.

3. Proper Installation And Setup

Great work performance begins with accurate installation and setup. Work with skilled vendors who are interested in their work and who want to understand your machine to make proper installation and setup. Before installing, look for quality technical experts who have experienced the same work.  They must be committed to achieving your satisfaction and standards by providing the best solutions for your applications.

4. Regular Maintenance

Another tip to consider is to create and adhere to a preventative schedule set to regularly check the machine. Maintenance tasks are usually conducted by qualified personnel, such as those with experienced mechanical skills. Some repairs and changes may need to be scheduled on a yearly, monthly, or even weekly basis. Although, it’s most important to adhere to the schedule.

To adhere to these schedules, you should hire a well-known company that is reliable and has experienced workers with mechanical skills. Frequently replacing wear components is designed to prevent issues in the packaging machine before it happens. The value of a well-maintained machine is it runs faster than before and doesn’t break down frequently.

5. Repeatable Changeovers

To avoid the lowest possible downtime and low performance, machine changeovers need to be frequent, simple, and accurate. When you frequently do a changeover, it’ll eliminate errors and ensure accuracy, leading your business to achieve fast and accurate results. Machine adjustments also improve speed and consistency, making it a must if you want to smoothly run your packaging line.

6. Keep Quality Parts In Stock

Quality parts in stock help you adhere to a regular maintenance program and prevent regular problems from happening. Keeping quality parts helps your packaging line run smoothly. This is because these parts perform better, reduce the possibility of machine damage, and last longer which saves you money and time.

7. Communication

As an owner, you must encourage good communication among your service personnel and operators between shifts and any challenges they’re experiencing on the line. Communicating helps prevent downtime and faster identification of the problem with your packaging system before it worsens.

Conclusion

Maintaining your packaging line requires a commitment to ensure that the line is running smoothly. A good and well-maintained machine makes it possible for your packaging business to be successful. Also, ensure that movers clean up after every packaging to reduce congestion and mix-up. To guarantee that your business is well maintained and is running smoothly, you can follow the above guide to help you out.

Logoplaste is proud to announce that EcoIbéria and WorldPET, two leading companies in the production of recycled PET flakes and rPET, are now part of the Logoplaste Group. Both companies, located in the North of Portugal, have extensive experience in recycling PET, focusing on the transformation of post-consumer plastic bales into food grade recycled flakes and pellets. The transaction is still subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Currently, Ecoibéria manages 47.500 tons of plastic a year – sorting, grinding, washing and transforming it into usable raw material for the plastics industry. On the other hand, WorldPET recently installed a new Erema VACUNITE® 2 system that is able to supply 12.000 tons of food grade rPET per year.

Jorge Lemos will remain as CEO of both businesses, helping to drive growth as well as ramp up the recently added capacity. For him this new partnership means: “The possibility to continue to evolve and develop an activity that is vital for the green economy. The partnership with Logoplaste aims to ensure that the company I founded in 2005, under the name Ecoibéria, plays an increasingly important role in the evolution of the PET recycling industry globally. Together, we will help society reach a balance in its consumption habits reducing the consumption of finite natural resources and increasing the usage of recycled materials. Above all, we want to contribute to a sustainable planet today and enabling a safe environment for future generations.”

This acquisition is a strategic step for Logoplaste towards a circular economy for plastic packaging. The combination of Logoplaste, a recognized innovation leader, with the extensive recycling knowledge of EcoIbéria and WorldPET, will allow the Group to provide its customers with truly circular packaging solutions that drastically reduce carbon footprint and the impact on the environment.

Logoplaste and its partners are committed to reach 100% of recyclable packaging and a target of 30% recycled content for beverage packaging by 2025

Gerardo Chiaia, Logoplaste’s CEO, said: “We are excited to welcome EcoIberia and WorldPET as part of Logoplaste’s Group. This natural step reinforces our commitment to reduce the environmental impact of the packaging we produce. We believe that plastic packaging plays an essential role in the reduction of CO2 emissions, as long as it is designed and produced to be a perfect fit for circularity. Due to our wall to wall business model, Logoplaste is a market leader with minimum CO2 emissions per bottle produced. We will continue to work to consolidate our leadership and help our partners reach their sustainability goals.”

In summary, this new partnership will:

• Reinforce recycling capabilities as well as material science to master incorporation of recycled content into packaging, maintaining high levels of efficiency and performance

• Better serve Logoplaste’s partners both at a technical level as well as in achieving sustainable goals and targets

• Improve Logoplaste’s competitive advantage & the Group’s commitment to its Sustainability Pillars

• Allow Logoplaste to be part of the plastic recycling ecosystem, present in key regulation debates to drive circularity improvements

About Logoplaste

Logoplaste is a global value-added service provider and producer of rigid plastic packaging for wellknown fast moving consumer goods companies in the food and beverage, cosmetics, personal care and household industries. Founded in 1976, the company is the pioneer in the wall to wall, embedded manufacturing model, significantly reducing CO2 emissions by eliminating transportation of empty bottles and secondary packaging, improving the overall environmental impact across the entire supply chain. Logoplaste currently manages 63 plants in 16 countries: Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Poland, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom, USA and Vietnam.

About EcoIbéria

Ecoibéria, with headquarters in Vila Nova de Famalicão - Portugal, was incorporated in 2005. It specializes in the recycling of PET plastic waste, recovering PET bottles and transforming them into food grade recycled flakes and pellets. The company focuses on innovative, sustainable, and intelligent circular solutions for the plastics industry, respecting the principles of recycling, reuse and repair, ensuring the reduction of gas emissions and the use of fuels fossils. It is the only Portuguese exporter of rPET flakes and pellets, with 90% of its production exported to Spain, France and the United Kingdom

Finest quality, high level of flexibility, and maximum yield even with smaller output quantities - the universal GMS 400 portioning machine is extending MULTIVAC's range in the entry-level sector. TVI's latest development will be presented for the first time at Anuga FoodTec 2022, and it is aimed in the German market primarily at medium-sized butcher's shops, industrial-scale meat processors with smaller lines, as well as wholesale businesses, which supply restaurants, caterers, canteens, schools and hospitals with portioned meat products.

“When it comes to the international markets, we expect a high demand from the food service sector, as well as those industrial-scale companies, which use smaller or more flexible lines, and those that are looking to get into fresh meat portioning. Our target group also of course includes large supermarkets with their own butchery sections,” explains Florian Helfrich, Product Manager at TVI.

The main feature of the multifunctional GMS 400 portioning machine, when compared with the previous GMS 520 model, is its flexible 3D pressing of the product. This means that the system is even better suited to different sizes and shapes of product. Thanks to the perfect shaping of the product, there is a very even cross section throughout the whole length of the product, so that consistently even slices in both size and thickness can be cut with maximum product yield over the entire piece of meat. Depending on the desired shape and required quality expectations, it may even be possible to virtually eliminate the first and final end cuts completely.

The compact portioning machine can process practically any type of meat and fulfil a wide range of portioning tasks - from medallions to cutlets and roulades, from carpaccio to large joints, and either with or without bone for pork, lamb or calf meat. It is possible with just a few forming sets to handle this wide range of products in a very short time.

About TVI

TVI is a leading manufacturer of portioning machines and complete portioning lines, and it has been part of the MULTIVAC Group since 2017. The product range comprises efficient and needs-based solutions for tempering, freezing, pressing, portioning and automating, as well as for winding grill sticks and producing kebab skewers. The high-tech systems from TVI range from the tempering of the raw product right up to the transfer of the finished portions to the packaging machine - and they can process every type of red meat into any sort of portion, and always optimised for weight and give-away. Customers benefit from MULTIVAC's global sales und service network, as well as from its extensive expertise in automation and lines. A comprehensive service and high level of accessibility guarantee maximum availability for all installed machines. More than 1,000 sales advisors and service technicians throughout the world use their know-how and experience to the benefit of our customers. Further information can be found at: www.tvi-gmbh.de

Smurfit Kappa has continued to demonstrate its leadership in innovative and sustainable packaging solutions by winning 13 WorldStar 2022 Awards.

Innovative solutions including groundbreaking corrugated packaging for the transportation of fresh fish, a paper-based ceiling luminaire that replaces metal and plastic fittings and a space-saving, easy-to-assemble packaging solution for confectionery all received top honours in the 2022 awards.

The Beverage category was one of the areas where Smurfit Kappa shone at this year’s awards. Its popular TopClip packaging solution, which is a sustainable alternative for the shrink wrap which is commonly used to bundle multipacks of cans, took home an award. TopClip is one of Smurfit Kappa’s Better Planet Packaging portfolio of products which have garnered considerable interest from companies seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.   

Smurfit Kappa’s eCommerce credentials were also recognised with a slick pack for gin and ‘The BeeeerBox’, a one-piece insert for three bottles or cans, being selected as winners by the judging panel.

A striking winner in the Point-of-Sale category was the ‘Winoteka Netta’ packaging solution for wine. The free-standing display is made from corrugated cardboard and includes decorative wine bags and baskets available for customers to pack their wine. 

Commenting on Smurfit Kappa’s success, Saverio Mayer, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Europe, said: “We are delighted and honoured to have been recognised with 13 awards in this prestigious event for our industry.

“Winning this number of awards is testament to the hard work, talent and creativity of our people here at Smurfit Kappa, and represents our commitment to creating the most innovative and sustainable packaging solutions for our customers even when the challenge is complex.”

The 13 Smurfit Kappa winning products originate from Brazil, the Czech Republic, Germany, Norway, Mexico, Poland, Slovakia and Sweden. The WorldStar Global Packaging Awards ceremony will take place in Milan in May.
 

Smurfit Kappa’s 2022 WorldStar Winners

Brazil

• Jardim Botânico Gin eCommerce pack

Czech Republic

• TopClip can multipack holder
• BeeeerBox eCommerce pack
• Handsome Hubert heat pump pack

Germany

• Packaging with spring effect for pharmaceutical pumps / filters

Mexico

• Villeroy toilet packaging
• Edrington eCommerce packUpland Pet Food pack

Norway

• Fresh fish flat pack

Poland

• Winoteko Netto wine Point of Sale display

Slovakia

• Packaging for lamps

Sweden

• Luminaire Package
• Dark chocolate bar pack & display

Borealis, one of the world’s leading providers of advanced and circular polyolefin solutions and a European market le

EMSUR, through its Technology Innovation Centre INNOTECH, presents ECOEM-Sleeves, a new range of sustainable shrink s