Greiner Packaging will showcase its latest product developments in line with all three elements of the “reduce, reuse, recycle” principle at FachPack from September 27 to 29. Food packaging made of r-PET and the self-separating cardboard-plastic cup K3® r100 will be among the highlights

With their slogan, “Join the circular revolution!” the packaging experts at Greiner Packaging are calling on customers and industry colleagues to join them on the path to a sustainable circular economy. At FachPack in Nuremberg, Germany, the company will present the solutions it has developed to help achieve this goal.

Keeping PET in circulation

By acquiring its first recycling company – Serbian producer of r-PET flakes, ALWAG – Greiner Packaging has entered the recycling business and taken a vital step on its journey into a sustainable future. Taking over the Serbian location, which will operate under the name Greiner Recycling d.o.o. going forward, secures important material streams for the company and reinforces its commitment to promoting a circular economy. Greiner Packaging recognizes the potential of circular-ready PET and has set itself the goal of driving forward the development of a PET tray-to-tray recycling stream to complement the existing bottle stream, which already functions well. This backward integration step is an important milestone on the journey.

At FachPack in Nuremberg, the company will present packaging solutions made of up to 100% r-PET that it has already successfully implemented and reveal what the food packaging of the future could look like – whether for salads, spreads, convenience foods, or dairy products. In the future, it will even be possible to use r-PET for products requiring hot sterilization by utilizing the temperature-stable material r-PET HTS® .

K3® r100: the self-separating cup

One innovation that combines two of the “Rs” – reduce and recycle – is the self-separating cardboard-plastic combination K3® r100. The cardboard wrap, which lends sturdiness to the thin walls of the plastic cup, separates itself from the cup during the waste collection process. This means that the cardboard and plastic can be assigned to the correct material streams during the initial sorting process, before the packaging even arrives at the recycling facility – an innovative development that makes cardboard-plastic combinations substantially easier to recycle.

Reusing what can be used again

At FachPack, in an area dedicated to reuse, the plastics experts will present a range of sustainable packaging solutions that are reuse-ready. After all, this is a business segment that is booming and experiencing increasing demand, especially among consumers. The company’s showcase will include Reuse Drinking Cups and Reuse Bowls – designs that have been specially created for reuse systems and are suitable for hot and cold beverages or dishes at any temperature.

Working together toward a more sustainable future

Greiner Packaging will be exhibiting these and a host of other innovative and future-facing solutions at FachPack. The packaging specialists are particularly looking forward to speaking with visitors and other industry experts. After all, we have to work together if we want to make a global circular economy a reality.

Greiner Packaging at FachPack 2022: 
Hall 7 (7-436) 

About Greiner Packaging

Greiner Packaging is a leading European manufacturer of plastic packaging in the food and nonfood sectors. The company has enjoyed a reputation for outstanding solutions expertise in the fields of development, design, production, and decoration for over 60 years. Greiner Packaging responds to the challenges of the market with two business units: Packaging and Assistec. While the Packaging unit focuses on innovative packaging solutions, the Assistec unit is dedicated to producing custom-made technical parts. Greiner Packaging employs a workforce of over 4,900 people at more than 30 locations in 19 countries around the world. In 2021, the company generated annual sales revenues of EUR 772 million (including joint ventures), which represents almost 35% of Greiner’s total sales.

Company’s expanded software products, PackWorx and MatWorx,

help small- and medium-sized manufacturers optimize

packaging and material handling operations.

Miracom Computer Corp., the leading supplier of post-press production controls and software to the newspaper industry, has expanded its solutions portfolio into two new sectors: packaging and material handling. Called PackWorx and MatWorx, respectively, the company’s software products are tailored to help small- and medium-sized companies optimize their packaging and material handling operations. The five-product suite of affordable solutions is designed to boost equipment speed and performance, optimize production scheduling, incorporate track & trace capabilities, implement in-line printing, and verify labeling accuracy and readability.

For Miracom, PackWorx and MatWorx represent a natural evolution. Founded in 1995, the company has deep roots in the efficiency-critical newspaper industry. For that highly deadline-oriented sector, Miracom provides tools to gather data on equipment efficiency and other crucial aspects of production, yielding opportunities to streamline operations and reduce avoidable slowdowns or other costly disruptions. The company’s modular, standalone solutions can be implemented separately or combined as one seamless system to improve productivity, reduce operating costs, monitor remote locations and minimize human errors.

The products comprising Miracom’s new PackWorx and MatWorx solutions are:

•    MiraBOOST: An integrated controls and software Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that provides internet-based remote monitoring, real-time reporting, and advanced data collection capabilities so companies can measure the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) of specific machines, fully automated lines, or even multiple plants. Its benefits include machine synchronization, maintenance scheduling, line efficiency and lost downtime.

•    MiraPACKAGE: A cloud-based MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) software system for planning, scheduling, and controlling production and inventory.  

•    MiraTRACE: Track & trace software with serialization and unlimited levels of aggregation. MiraTRACE is a cloud-based software system that provides traceability, product integrity, anti-counterfeiting and brand protection when paired with MiraJET or another inline printer, and MiraSCAN or other print verification equipment. 

•    MiraSCAN: A label verification system that uses an inline camera with a printing device to verify that printed labels are accurate and readable. Designed to be plug-n-play compatible with Miracom’s MiraJet line of printers.

•    MiraJET: A thermal inkjet printer and control system for printing high resolution labels, bar codes, QR codes, sequence numbers, batch/lot numbers, expiration dates, and other variable data directly onto coated and non-coated surfaces. 

“Our expanded solutions for the packaging and material handling sectors draw upon decades of experience providing efficiency, accuracy and verification software products in the newspaper sector, whose tight-window production schedules leave zero time for error,” said Judah Holstein, Miracom President and Founder. “Our planning, control and integration solutions will prove to be an ideal fit in these additional sectors, where streamlining production, simplified scheduling and strict quality assurance are becoming increasingly important.”
 

About Miracom Computer Corp.
Since 1995, Miracom Computer Corp. has been the leading supplier of post-press production controls and software to the newspaper industry. The company provides tools to gather data on equipment efficiency and other critical aspects of production, yielding opportunities to streamline operations and reduce avoidable slowdowns or other costly disruptions.
 
Recently, Miracom introduced a suite of affordable solutions to deliver the same cost-saving and efficiency-boosting benefits to small- and medium-sized companies with packaging and material handling operations. Called PackWorx and MatWorx, respectively, the software products can help boost equipment speed and performance, optimize production scheduling, incorporate track & trace capabilities, implement in-line printing, and verify labeling accuracy and readability. For more information, visit www.miracomcomputer.com.
 

Two thirds of consumers want to be more sustainable

- Half want less packaging in their delivery 

- Greenwashing remains a concern; validation of claims is critical

A new report by fashion retail authority Drapers, in partnership with Smurfit Kappa, has revealed that sustainable packaging is still an important factor in consumers’ purchasing decisions. The research, which was done against the backdrop of supply chain issues, rising inflation and the ongoing war in Ukraine, revealed that two-thirds of respondents stated they want to be more sustainable and more than a third have purchased a product based on the sustainability of its packaging. 

Sustainable packaging matters – recyclability and recycled materials

In the Drapers’ Sustainability and the Consumer 2022 report fashion consumers show a growing appetite for both sustainable products and packaging, revealing that concern about climate change is influencing purchasing decisions despite volatility on the world stage.

The recyclability of packaging is an important factor for consumers when assessing the environmental impact of fashion.  65% of respondents stated that knowing that the packaging is recycled is important, while 42% said that the use of recycled content is important. A further 49% indicated that using a small amount of packaging is important to them, stating that the overuse of packaging has become a ‘bugbear of many’, particularly when it comes to online shopping.

However, despite the consumer desire for sustainable packaging, consumer appetite to pay for it remains less clear. The report found that just over half (51%) believe sustainable packaging should not come at a cost to themselves. The report found that the younger cohort (18 – 24 years old) are happier to pay for sustainable packaging (64%), whilst an older age cohort (55 – 60 years old) are not willing to pay the extra price associated with sustainable packaging (65%) and believe those costs should be absorbed by the retailer.

Commenting on the importance for retailers to introduce sustainable packaging, Eddie Fellows, CEO of Smurfit Kappa UK and Ireland, said: “This year’s Drapers’ report once again highlights the importance of sustainable packaging for both the retailer and the end consumer. Packaging is a visible and tangible signal of a brand’s commitment to sustainability. By switching from an unsustainable packaging material to a sustainable packaging material, like for example paper, you are demonstrating an active commitment to become more sustainable. 

“At Smurfit Kappa, we act as a strategic partner to all our clients helping them to optimise their supply chain and this often means designing fit-for-purpose sustainable packaging solutions. While some retailers are put off by potentially higher costs associated with sustainable packaging, the lasting benefits are likely to make the investment worth it.”

Don’t just claim it, prove it - greenwashing a concern

The report also highlighted consumers’ desire for businesses to validate sustainability claims. While 62% of respondents said they generally accept the sustainability claims that are made by companies, 21% of consumers do not believe those claims and only 17% always accept them, down 2% on last year’s data.  This growing consumer scepticism has also resulted in a reduced level of trust in brands, with 71% of consumers saying that they do not always trust brands that claim to be sustainable. The research clearly shows that anything retailers can do to substantiate and clarify their sustainability claims is likely to improve consumer confidence and understanding.

Commenting on the findings from the report, Garrett Quinn, Chief Sustainability Officer at Smurfit Kappa, said “Consumers care more and more about what a brand is ‘doing’, rather than what a brand is ‘saying they are doing’. This can be done through a multitude of ways, however one of the most pertinent ways is through certification and third-party validation. The work we have been doing in the sustainability space has been recognised by leading third parties such as the Science Based Targets initiative, MSCI and Sustainalytics.

“Third party assurance, together with third party certification of our sustainability credentials, helps us as a business and shows our customers the work we are doing in the sustainability space is not going unnoticed.”

61% of respondents stated they are more likely to buy something if it has a certification or stamp of approval from a recognised sustainability authority, with this figure rising to 70% for those aged 35 to 44.

Sustainability is here to stay

The report clearly highlights one fundamental point – sustainability is here to stay. Nearly four-fifths (77%) of respondents now seriously consider sustainability when buying fashion, a slight increase from 2021’s figure of 75%.

Despite this increase, consumers continue to balance other priorities – such as price and quality – when considering purchasing ethically.

Fashion Packaging Portfolio

Thun, Switzerland – Hoffmann, a global provider of high-quality packaging for infant-food, nutritional and wellbeing products, has named industry veteran Christoph Peternell as Managing Director for its Tins Business. He replaces André Seiler, and will be based at the company’s headquarters in Thun, Switzerland, with frequent visits to Hoffmann’s facility in Dronten, The Netherlands. 

Mr. Peternell brings more than 25 years of international experience managing production facilities and their corresponding supply chain logistics. He has an accomplished history of strategic and operational successes in various FMCG companies, where he served several years as Interim or Plant Manager. His most recent position was in the infant food sector as COO of Hochdorf Swiss Nutrition AG, Switzerland.

Mr. Peternell joins Hoffmann amid a period of heightened investment in its Tins Business that includes upgraded equipment, renewable energy to decarbonize the plant, new production lines and expanded product features. For example, earlier this year Hoffmann introduced a new dedicated tins manufacturing line for baby milk powder products. Now installed and operating in a segregated room for food-grade compliance, the new line is currently servicing a major customer in the infant food sector.

“Christoph has demonstrated the ability to lead production and logistics teams around the world, and to consistently maximize growth potential in various consumer sectors,” said Mark Aegler, CEO of Hoffmann Neopac. “He is joining Hoffmann at an exciting, forward-thinking time highlighted by significant near-term investments to expand capacity and product versatility. We’re delighted to welcome him to the Hoffmann family.”

Mr. Peternell holds a Master’s degree in Food Technology, and he has completed various further diplomas in business administration. He lives with his family in Konstanz, Germany.
 

COSSMA: How do you personally define sustainability and how important is it for you?

Guido Spix is leaving his position as joint Group President of MULTIVAC on 31 December 2022. From 1 January 2023 Christian Traumann will preside over the company as Group President and Spokesman for the Management Team. Jointly with three new Directors on the Management Team, Bernd Höpner (CTO), Dr Christian Lau (COO) and Dr Tobias Richter (CSO).

On 31 December 2022 Guido Spix is terminating his contract as Group President of MULTIVAC at his own instigation for family reasons. This will end almost 14 years working for the company. In February 2009 he joined the company's Management Team as Technical Director. Since January 2020 Guido Spix has exercised dual leadership of the MULTIVAC Group with Christian Traumann as joint Group Presidents. He has been responsible for production and the innovation strategy throughout the Group. Under his leadership the company has developed from a machine manufacturer to a supplier of complete solutions, and it has also continued to expand its technological dominance in the market. The network of international production sites was enlarged. Today MULTIVAC has 13 production sites, which ensure that the company is always close to its customers anywhere in the world.

Guido Spix will remain associated with the company on an amicable basis, and he will continue to offer his support

“The Supervisory Board greatly appreciates the many years of successful work and commitment by Guido Spix for MULTIVAC, and it would like to express its thanks on behalf of all the company's owners,” says Elmar Fischer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at MULTIVAC. “We have complete respect for his personal reasons. We wish him all the very best for the future.” Guido Spix will remain associated with the company and its owners on an amicable basis, and he will continue to offer advice in the future.

For reasons of the company's continuing growth, the Supervisory Board is establishing the Group's management on a broader basis

With the imminent departure of Guido Spix, and in the light of the gratifying growth of the MULTIVAC Group, the Supervisory Board has taken the decision to establish the structure of the Group's management on a broader basis. On 1 January 2023 Christian Traumann will become Group President and Spokesman for the Management Team. He has worked for the company since 2002, and he has been a member of the Management Team since 2008. Since the beginning of 2020 he has exercised dual leadership of the MULTIVAC Group with Guido Spix. Three new Directors are appointed to the Management Team, Bernd Höpner (CTO), Dr Christian Lau (COO) and Dr Tobias Richter (CSO).

“I am delighted, that we have been able to fill the new management positions from our own ranks. This enables us to secure the continuity with our customers and business partners as the basis for further successful development of our business,” says Christian Traumann. The company is operating in a dynamic market environment, in which automation and digitalisation are playing an ever greater role. “As the technology leader in the market, MULTIVAC is able not only to offer complete solutions, but will also continue to set the trend. A long-term and trusting relationship with our customers will remain in future the focus of the MULTIVAC Group. Our closeness to our customers, both now and in the future, forms the basis for the success strategy of MULTIVAC. Something that I stand for with all my colleagues.”

About MULTIVAC

MULTIVAC is one of the leading providers worldwide of packaging solutions for food products of all types, life science, and healthcare products, as well as industrial items. The MULTIVAC portfolio covers virtually all requirements of processors and producers in terms of pack design, output and resource efficiency. It comprises a wide range of packaging technologies, as well as automation solutions, labellers, and quality control systems. The product range is rounded off with solutions upstream of the packaging process in the areas of portioning and processing, as well as bakery technology. Thanks to our extensive expertise in packaging lines, all modules can be integrated into complete solutions. This means that MULTIVAC solutions guarantee a high level of operational and process reliability, as well as efficiency. The MULTIVAC Group has approximately 6,900 employees worldwide, with some 2,400 based at its headquarters in Wolfertschwenden. With over 80 subsidiaries, the Group is represented on all continents. More than 1,000 sales advisors and service technicians throughout the world use their know-how and experience to the benefit of customers, and they ensure all installed MULTIVAC machines are utilized to their maximum. Further information can be found at: www.multivac.com.

The purchase of PaperBox expands both the company’s presence in Brazil and its product portfolio 

Smurfit Kappa, one of the world’s leading suppliers of paper-based packaging, announced it has signed an agreement to acquire PaperBox, a packaging plant located in Saquarema, 70 kms east of Rio de Janeiro. The transaction, which is subject to the approval of regulatory bodies, is expected to close at the end of October.

Brazil is the largest corrugated cardboard market in Latin America, with 7.4 bn sq m produced annually, and the Southeast region, where PaperBox is located, equates to 46% of this volume. This acquisition represents a further expansion of Smurfit Kappa’s operational footprint in Brazil as it currently operates in three other states: Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul and Ceará.

“We are very proud to expand our footprint in Brazil to meet the growing demand for innovative and sustainable packaging. This acquisition will broaden and strengthen our presence in the country, improve our production capabilities and enable us to continue to create new opportunities and form new partnerships with customers,” said Laurent Sellier, CEO of Smurfit Kappa in the Americas.

Manuel Alcalá, CEO of Smurfit Kappa in Brazil, added: “Smurfit Kappa believes in Brazil and in the opportunities to deliver growth by continuing to add value to our customers business.

PaperBox has a distinguished history in the region and a special commitment to all stakeholders. This is a legacy that Smurfit Kappa will build upon.” 

For a number of years, resealable doypacks have been a preferred packaging concept for nuts, sweet and savory snacks, as well as spices, coffee and tea – but the current barrier composites on the market are not very sustainable, due to their aluminum content. As a modern packaging alternative, SÜDPACK has now developed its first practical, PP-based doypack, which is material-efficient, entirely aluminum-free and above all recyclable. This innovative con-cept will be on display at this year’s FachPack on the SÜDPACK Stand 224 in Hall 7.
Doypacks are among the most common and flexible packaging concepts for dried sausages and meat, cheese snacks, coffee, tea, spices and sweets. But there is a growing awareness of sustainable alternatives, even in the case of these popular pouch packs with a practical zip. 
SÜDPACK is about to launch an innovative packaging concept for this product area, namely its new mono-plastic solution. It is polypropylene-based and therefore supports the statutory demand for recyclable packaging – with the same functionality. “In addition to reducing the carbon footprint by substitut-ing aluminum, the principal goal of this development was also to optimize re-cyclability and improve material efficiency,” says Holger Hoss, Product Manager at SÜDPACK. 
Outstanding material properties
The material is extremely rigid and offers all the properties that are necessary for the efficient and safe packaging of food in doypacks. Depending on the products to be packaged, the films can be equipped with different barrier properties. Based on what is needed, the pouches can be aroma proof and guarantee optimal protection against moisture, UV radiation or oxygen. By substituting the aluminum barrier with a coextruded barrier layer, the shelf life of salami sticks could be guaranteed for up to 70 days during a pilot project for the zur Mühlen Group, for example. Thanks to an integrated transparent panel, consumers have a clear view of the product with this packaging. 
Another important aspect: reducing the film thickness by around ten percent achieved a weight saving of 26 percent compared to conventional packaging, resulting in a reduction in DSD fees.
Excellent machinability
These high-performance films also boast excellent machinability, which results in a high level of process and packaging reliability. “This wasn’t a foregone con-clusion,” says Holger Hoss. Because “Single-material solutions require much more sensitive processing and in most cases, the technical design of current machine peripherals isn’t suitable for such packaging materials.” Due to its wide transparent seal, however, SÜDPACK’s new material can mostly, or with only minor parameter adjustments, be used on existing doypack lines that are actually designed for processing aluminum composites. 
At the same time, the structure of the sealing layer ensures the simple and efficient integration of resealing systems, such as zippers, based on polypro-pylene and polyethylene. These are already available on the market for flat pouches and doypacks. In short: SÜDPACK’s new high-performance film not only boasts outstanding density and sealing properties for both the folded base and zipper area, but is also completely sustainable.
Added value on all levels
This effect is further intensified when the packaging film is printed using SÜD-PACK’s new SPQ technology. The benefit: reduced ink and solvent consumption with significantly improved print quality. “The substitution of aluminum with our recyclable mono-material solution, combined with excellent material effi-ciency and sustainable printing technology, results in an overall improvement in the carbon footprint of every single doypack,” summarizes Holger Hoss. In light of the shortage of aluminum on the market, SÜDPACK customers also benefit from improved supply reliability – as well as an attractive, modern and extremely sustainable packaging concept that allows clear product differentia-tion at POS.

About SÜDPACK
SÜDPACK is a leading manufacturer of high-tech films and packaging materials for the food, non-food, and medical product industries. The 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 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 indi-vidual 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 
 

09.14.22

Muri b. Bern/Schweiz, 14. September 2022 – Meraxis is presenting its one-stop shop at "K 2022": In addition to standard polymers, recyclates and investment goods such as molds, the portfolio also includes technical and supply chain management (SCM) services. With its one-stop shop service, Meraxis simplifies the procurement process and helps polymer processors to master current challenges in global supply chains. The global trading company's strong supplier network, flexible logistics concepts and consulting services, and digital solutions are particularly helpful in this regard. The trade show appearance will also focus on products and services to promote the circular economy and sustainability.

The Ukraine war, the Corona pandemic, congestions on the world's oceans and container shortages - for months now, global supply chains have been in a state of emergency, sometimes leading to production breakdowns. "Our goal is to digitalize procurement and logistics processes, making them more resilient," says Dr. Stefan Girschik, CEO of Meraxis. "There will increasingly be external disruptive factors. But with the appropriate digital solutions, such events can be detected earlier and, above all, managed with effective countermeasures. This way, companies remain agile and able to act.

"360° overview and automatic order management

Meraxis’ digital customer portal centralizes data and documents: Users get a 360° overview of current and past inquiries, offers, orders, invoices, payments, and information on delivery times and delivery status. In the future, live tracking of deliveries will even be possible. Current market data and raw material price developments can also be found in the portal. In addition, material inquiries can be made and orders placed around the clock. Meraxis also offers automated order management for prime and recycled materials to optimize inventories.

About the Meraxis Group

With sales of over EUR 2 billion, Meraxis is one of the leading international distributors of polymer-related solutions. Thanks to its worldwide sales and logistics network, the Swiss trading group acts as a one-stop store for the polymer-processing industry: Meraxis supports its customers in the strategic sourcing of polymers and polymer-related products and solutions. It supplies companies from all industrial sectors – from the automotive and construction industries to packaging companies. Meraxis combines many years of experience in global trading and the development and processing of polymers as well as sound material and product knowledge.

The product portfolio of the company, located in Muri bei Bern (Switzerland), includes standard polymers (e.g. PE, PP, PET, PVC), technical polymers, additives (e.g. masterbatches), recyclates, trade parts (e.g. foils, injection molded parts, aluminum and steel profiles) as well as investment goods such as tools and machines for various plastic processing technologies. In addition, Meraxis offers supplementary services, e.g. in the area of logistics and financing.

The full-service provider develops tailor-made solutions together with its customers to increase the efficiency of the respective production processes. Among other things, Meraxis offers service and consulting related to the required product properties (including additives, high-temperature thermoplastics, plasticizers, etc.). At the same time, the polymer distributor is committed to driving the continued development of sustainable and innovative polymer-related solutions. Meraxis also sees itself as an active partner for digital transformation within the polymer industry.

Web: https://www.meraxis-group.com/en/

With the VMI (vendor-managed inventory) service "Ordering 4.0", data on customers' filling and material stocks can be transmitted directly to Meraxis. This is not only possible manually, but also fully automatically, for example via sensors in the raw material silos. If the fill level falls below a defined mark, a reorder with an ideal delivery time is automatically initiated. "Smart orders optimize inventories and delivery cycles," says Michael Grysczyk, Head of Digital & Disruptive Business at Meraxis. "This way, we ensure that our customers never run out of material and always have an optimal stock level. For them, the effort is reduced and process reliability increases."

Recyclate procurement and consulting on sustainable material use

Digital solutions can also help companies achieve their sustainability goals and promote the circular economy. Thanks to digital data, for example, it is possible to make the carbon footprint visible and improve it. Meraxis also supports its customers in switching to recyclates. The digital "Polymer Finder" also helps with this. Here, suitable polymers including sustainable recycled material can be researched, which are suitable for certain processing procedures and fulfill special properties. In addition, Meraxis advises its customers individually on the use and processing of recyclates and gives them access to the fragmented recycling market.

Meraxis at the K trade fair 2022 in hall 6 at booth E 27

Trends and challenges in the industry will be discussed in live interviews at the Meraxis booth: How can medium-sized companies professionalize their tool procurement? What role does recycled material play in the automotive industry? What do companies need to successfully manage supply chains and risks? From Wednesday to Saturday (October 19-22), talks with industry experts, customers and partners will take place daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. as part of "Meraxis TV".
 

At this year's Fachpack, the speciality paper manufacturer Mitsubishi HiTec Paper will be presenting several sustainable innovations in the field of packaging papers - thus confirming its high innovative strength

Among other things, Mitsubishi is adding the optimised BAG WG with a new substance to its wide range of barricote® barrier papers. The product has a basis weight of 49 g/m² and impresses with improved barriers against water vapour and grease (KIT level 12). Due to its optimised heat-sealing capabilities, the new BAG WG, which is also available in 87 g, is the ideal and sustainable alternative for pouch packaging of dry and greasy foods as well as non-food.

With the completely newly developed PACK 70, Mitsubishi is also introducing a packaging paper for the non-food sector. The 70 g paper is heat-sealable, based on virgin fibres and serves as an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to existing plastic packaging made of films and film laminates. This can be bag packaging for toys, cosmetics, spare parts, handicraft accessories and much more.

Both new products are of course recyclable and available FSC® or PEFC™ certified. For samples and more information on the full range of barricote barrier papers (LINER, BAG, WRAP), visit Mitsubishi HiTec Paper at Fachpack stand 7A-310 or write to sales.mpe@mitsubishi-paper.com.

SÜDPACK will unveil its attractive “ground meat in a pouch” packaging concept at this year’s EMPACK in Ghent. These convenient flow packs will be produced by Zwager Techniek at stand number 2608 on a REEPACK horizontal flow wrap line. The highlight: Flow Pack PurePP is particularly material-efficient and, be-ing a monostructure solution, also recyclable. At the same time, it provides an appealing look and feel at the point of sale as well as a high degree of conven-ience for the consumer.
Flow Pack PurePP with outstanding material properties

The Flow Pack PurePP films used to produce these practical pouches are true high-performance products. They are recyclable, polypropylene-based mono-materials that are equivalent to conventional composites in terms of strength. To ensure both an extended shelf life and an attractive presentation of sensi-tive foodstuffs at the POS, these transparent films are also available in a high-barrier version and additionally with an antifog effect. Consumers can there-fore see at a glance whether the ground meat inside still looks fresh and appe-tizing.

Compared to conventional tray packaging, material savings of up to 60% can be achieved with Flow Pack PurePP – an important aspect in terms of both internal and external logistics costs along the entire value chain. Above all, however, this is a major advantage in terms of environmental accounting and responsi-ble use of the available resources.

Another key factor is that this mono-material can be processed on horizontal and vertical flow pack lines with excellent results. Even at high cycle rates, effi-cient packaging is ensured thanks to secure sealing as well as a large processing window. 
For an added bonus in terms of sustainability, the films can be printed using SÜDPACK’s innovative SPQ (Sustainable Print Quality) printing technology. In this process, all designs are automatically and reliably represented using a standardized color palette during the pre-press stage – much like with offset or digital printing. This allows the number of color changes in the printing ma-chine – as well as the associated ink, solvent, and film consumption – to be significantly reduced while simultaneously optimizing print quality. 

The packaging machine 
The pouches will be produced live during EMPACK on the ReeFlow 200 T hori-zontal packaging machine, a latest-generation flow wrapper from the Italian manufacturer REEPACK. This compact, user-friendly model is ideal for use with modified atmosphere packaging for sensitive food products such as ground meat. It is characterized by low operating costs and improved OEE – making it the perfect choice for smaller businesses as well as companies looking to get into automated bagging. Maximum hygiene and easy maintenance are also ensured thanks to the stainless steel construction and cantilever frame.
The complete solution can be seen live in action at the Zwager Techniek stand at EMPACK. 

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 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 indi-vidual 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 
 

Pharmaceutical packaging producers based in Europe and globally will be able to explore Airnov’s pioneering solutions at key industry event

Product ranges on display to include EQius® (equilibrium RH stabilizers), OXYNOV® (barrier bottles) and HAT®-B (sustainable vials)

Connect in Pharma to be held in Geneva, Switzerland on September 14-15, 2022

Airnov Healthcare Packaging, a global leader in controlled atmosphere packaging, will be exhibiting a range of solutions available to customers worldwide at the upcoming Connect in Pharma event, due to be held in Geneva on September 14-15, 2022

Connect in Pharma is a new feature to the industry calendar. Based in the heart of Europe’s pharmaceutical sector, it promises to serve as a one-stop hub for the development, industrialization and contract manufacturing of drug delivery systems and pack and filling technology.

Attendees will have the opportunity to discover the latest designs and manufactures in controlled atmosphere packaging from Airnov, solutions which are built to protect healthcare products from humidity and oxygen to maintain drug stability and extend shelf life.

In particular, guests are invited to discover three innovations, including:

EQius®: Airnov’s equilibrium RH stabilizers are sorbent products that maintain a certain humidity level in pharmaceutical packaging in cases where specific relative humidity conditions are required. These products are specifically of interest to protect dry powder inhalers, gelatine capsules, gummies and marijuana products.

OXYNOV®: These barrier bottles are engineered with a six-layer structure to block oxygen ingress and provide an excellent barrier against moisture. One of these layers includes Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) – this is especially effectively at inhibiting the oxidation of sensitive drugs.

HAT®-B: Airnov’s latest innovative vial carries numerous sustainable features, which is a key theme being explored at the inaugural Connect in Pharma. HAT®-B vials are designed to limit carbon footprint, with an optimized amount of plastic. They contain an adjustable desiccant quantity and incorporate versatile sorbent material to fit stability requirements. The vial, suitable for the pharmaceutical, diagnostic and nutraceutical markets, is available in two sizes and is compatible with filling lines.

Laurent Stoufflet, head of sales EMEA at Airnov commented: “We are tremendously excited about exhibiting at this brand-new event in Switzerland and look forward to meeting new and existing contacts to discuss how we can support each other. It promises to be a packed two days full of inspiring presentations and products.”

Visitors to Connect in Pharma, hosted at Geneva’s Palexpo, will be able to find Airnov at Stand D15

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

All legacy business unit brands transitioning to uniformly aligned corporate image, further strengthening TekniPlex’s presence in various sectors. 

September 8, 2022 Wayne, PA – TekniPlex, a leading materials science solutions partner, has announced a comprehensive rebrand intended to streamline its corporate identity and further leverage its broad name recognition. 

The global effort comes as TekniPlex is in the midst of unprecedented growth. With 15 acquisitions in the last five years, the company has effectively doubled in size. This growth culminated in a recent reorganization of its lines of business into two primary divisions: TekniPlex Healthcare and TekniPlex Consumer Products. The rebrand is the next market-facing step in this evolution. 

“By consolidating all brands under the TekniPlex name, we will be able to better service our customers by providing them greater visibility into the full-breadth of our capabilities and offerings,” said Brenda Chamulak, President & CEO of TekniPlex. “We will also be able to more thoroughly leverage the synergies between our businesses, and solidify our position as a leading materials science solutions partner to many of the world’s largest brands.”

The updated brand structure unites all business units under two divisions -- Healthcare and Consumer Products. Previous business unit brand names will no longer be used in market-facing environments. The transition to a more uniform market presence will take place over time. 

Uniting under the TekniPlex Healthcare division brand are legacy business units Colorite, Natvar, Dunn, JPG, TekniPlex Flexibles, TekniFilms, TekniPlex Europe, TekniPlex Gallazzi, Beyers Plastics, Lameplast and LF of America, previously known as “Medical” and “Healthcare Packaging”.

Uniting under the TekniPlex Consumer Products division are legacy businesses Dolco, TriSeal, Action Technology, MMC Packaging Equipment, Grupo Phoenix, M-Industries, Geraldiscos, Keyes and Fibro. 

The two leading companies joined forces to develop a new Ready-To-Use vial solution, based on EZ-fill® pre-sterilized platform, allowing seamless integration into standard fill & finish lines, helping customers gaining significant increase in quality and efficiency

Stevanato Group S.p.A. (NYSE: STVN), a global provider of drug containment, drug delivery and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences industries, and Gerresheimer AG, a leading global provider of healthcare & beauty and drug delivery systems for pharma, biotech and cosmetics announce that they have jointly developed a high-end Ready-To-Use (RTU) solution platform with an initial focus on vials, based on Stevanato Group’s market-leading EZ-fill® technology. This collaboration is projected to help customers gain efficiencies, improve the quality standard, increase speed to market, reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) and help mitigate supply chain risk.

Stevanato Group and Gerresheimer AG are addressing rising demand for RTU vials in the market and the partnership serves as a market enabler to fully support customers’ evolving needs and establish a gold standard in the industrial filling process. The collaboration aims to make RTU vials a standard, available to a wide number of pharma companies globally – offering premium quality solutions to patients and reducing complexity for pharma operations. The new solution will be available to other players in the market to standardize fill-finish operations from early phase drug development to commercialization. The new RTU solution platform from Stevanato Group and Gerresheimer AG will share the same secondary packaging, production process and sterilization method, ensuring consistent available capacity and a reliable double sourcing to the pharmaceutical industry. A hallmark of the new RTU platform is a significant reduction in particles, improving the overall quality and performance of the RTU solutions. In addition, customers can count on a high-end solution made by two major players in the drug containment industry with a long history of innovation. The new jointly developed vial platform and trademark will be presented in detail to the market at the CPhI Worldwide in Frankfurt in November 2022.

“Our EZ-fill® vial platform is the market’s most established choice for pre-sterilized containers, and this enhanced version for RTU vials will bring to the market its full potential in terms of quality, flexibility and value for Pharmaceutical Companies and CMOs,” said Mauro Stocchi, Chief Business Officer at Stevanato Group. “Through our collaboration with Gerresheimer AG we are responding to market demand, and we expect to achieve another important milestone in creating a reliable ecosystem to support, accelerate and de-risk the conversion from bulk to EZ-fill® vials already underway in the market.”

“The new developed RTU vial platform stands out in terms of quality, TCO and sustainability and takes the use of RTU solutions like vials and, in the future, cartridges to a new level," said Dr. Lukas Burkhardt, Member of the Management Board of Gerresheimer AG. "Due to the strong reduction of the particle load, the quality is significantly increased. Our new innovative solution will convince the market to significantly accelerate the conversion from bulk to RTU vials.”

For more information, visit www.stevanatogroup.com or www.gerresheimer.com

About Stevanato Group

Founded in 1949, Stevanato Group is a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences industries. The Group delivers an integrated, end-to-end portfolio of products, processes and services that address customer needs across the entire drug life cycle at each of the development, clinical and commercial stages. Stevanato Group’s core capabilities in scientific research and development, its commitment to technical innovation and its engineering excellence are central to its ability to offer value added solutions to clients. To learn more, visit: www.stevanatogroup.com.

About Gerresheimer AG

Gerresheimer AG is the global partner for pharmaceutics, biotech, healthcare, and cosmetics with a very broad product range for pharmaceutical and cosmetic packaging solutions and drug delivery systems. The company is an innovative solution provider from concept to delivery of the commercial product. Gerresheimer achieves its ambitious goals through a high level of innovative strength, industrial competence and concentration on quality and customer focus. In developing innovative and sustainable solutions, Gerresheimer relies on a comprehensive international network with numerous innovation and production centers in Europe, America and Asia. Gerresheimer produces close to its customers worldwide with around 11,000 employees and generated annual revenues in 2021 of around EUR 1.5b. With its products and solutions, Gerresheimer plays an essential role in people's health and well-being.

www.gerresheimer.com

SÜDPACK will be attending the 38th International NO-DIG Conference and Exhibition in Helsinki, where it will present its comprehensive portfolio of high-performance films for technical applications – and above all, its outstanding expertise with regard to tailor-made concepts. This annual special trade fair and wide-ranging conference program explicitly focuses on solutions, technologies and services for the construction and laying, as well as the upgrading and maintenance, of underground cables. Trade visitors – engineers, planners, contractors and operators from all over Europe – can find out more about SÜDPACK’s range of solutions at Stand 50-08 in the German Pavilion.

Competence meets innovation – this isn’t just a motto at SÜDPACK, but also a necessity, especially when it comes to technical films and compounds. “The quality of the raw materials, semi-finished products and films ultimately determines the performance and safety of an entire system. Which is why we never make any compromises when it comes to our special technical films,” says Bülent Kasap, Head of Sales BU FF&C (Functional Films & Compounds) at SÜDPACK.

Thanks to its extensive portfolio, the technology and innovation leader meets the highly diverse requirements of many industrial applications. Its range includes films that are used as insulation film or sturdy primary and secondary packaging for industrial products and adhesives. As well as those that are used as semi-finished products in the manufacture of technical products for the building and construction sector, for example.

Outstanding material properties

These multi-layered films are extremely durable and sturdy. SÜDPACK’s comprehensive expertise in the coextrusion of high-performance films allows its products to be extensively customized with a variety of properties. For example, they are highly resistant to chemicals and mechanical forces, or boast antistatic properties. “Be it in civil engineering, water and energy supply or infrastructure in general – SÜDPACK products must always meet the highest standards in terms of quality, functionality and flexibility,” says Bülent Kasap.

Demand for sustainable solutions is growing

Bülent Kasap is also expecting a great deal of interest regarding sustainability. The company group adapted to the changing needs of the market at an early stage, adjusting both its portfolio and processes accordingly. In terms of technical films, SÜDPACK’s sustainability offensive primarily focuses on producing recyclable materials and increasing the proportion of recycled material in its products, to ensure that recycled materials from various sources can be easily incorporated into its films. “By using recycled materials, we can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of our products, thereby helping to meet our customers’ sustainability targets,” says Bülent Kasap. SÜDPACK therefore assesses the carbon footprint of its films and packaging along the entire process chain, not just at the end of their life cycle. From late 2022, an intelligent LCA tool will be available that allows a wide range of sustainability concepts to be compared and decisions to be taken based on facts.

Multi-faceted added value

Thanks to its unique plant and technology park, as well as its dedicated, highly motivated R&D, Application Technology and Market Specialist teams, SÜDPACK is able to combine various manufacturing processes in such a way that the necessary film properties can be achieved with maximum efficiency. Customers therefore not only benefit from its core coextrusion competence, but also its extensive experience of polymers and process engineering, as well as the lamination and printing of plastic films.

Another fundamental building block for an efficient and significantly more sustainable development process – with a faster time-to-market, less waste and reduced energy consumption – is its ‘multiXtrusion’ pilot plant that is used for customer sampling and trials at its headquarters in Ochsenhausen.

And last but not least, close collaboration and excellent networking with institutes, universities, associations and industrial partners also help SÜDPACK to use its position as market leader to promote pioneering initiatives and repeatedly provide new impetus for product innovations, especially those involving sustainability. As recently as June 2022, SÜDPACK was ranked the 36th most sustainable company out of around 4,000 businesses by the renowned business magazine, WirtschaftsWoche, and then Germany’s 2nd most innovative SME in August.

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. 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 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 highly efficient and sustainable.

www.suedpack.com

Although the Germans are the world champions in segregating refuse, most food packs made from plastic films do not end up in recycling but in incineration. This is because they mostly consist of a plastic mix, which does not allow them to be separated for recycling. In order to move one step closer towards the loop economy, packaging manufacturer MULTIVAC, one of the largest manufacturers in the sector, has developed a plastic film made from a recyclable mono material. A material that can even be used again for food products. The problem however: Sorting machines in recycling facilities are not yet able to detect the new material and sort it cleanly. Christian Traumann, Group President at MULTIVAC, is therefore calling on politicians to create incentives for recycling facilities to invest in updating their machines.

A study by the Industrievereinigung Kunstoffverpackungen (Industry Association for Plastic Packaging in Germany) shows that plastic packs currently enjoy a high level of acceptance among German consumers. According to this study, significantly more than half of all Germans (55.9 percent) use packs made from plastic to keep food fresh for longer. “The corona pandemic has not only influenced consumer behaviour, it has also changed the perception of packaging,” says Mara Hancker, Director of the IK Industry Association. “The population has become much more conscious of the importance of secure supplies of food and medication. This appreciation is a welcome development away from "plastic bashing", but it does not of course relieve us of the responsibility of keeping plastics out of the environment and doing much more on recycling.” The survey results confirm that 62.3 percent of those surveyed want to have more easily recyclable materials for food packs.

Material recycling of plastic films has hardly been possible up to now

That is because the recycling of plastic films is complicated. One example: Sliced products such as salami and cheese usually reach the consumer in so-called thermoformed packs. This type of packaging consists of two film types - a thicker lower web, from which the packaging machine thermoforms a tray using compressed air, and a thinner upper web that is sealed to the lower web. A pack, which protects the food securely and extends the shelf life, but which generally ends up after use in the "Non-recyclable" bin and is ultimately incinerated. Material recycling is barely possible. Why? Because the films consist of a mixture of several plastics, which perform different functions - including providing a barrier against oxygen and moisture, and also enabling the upper and lower webs to be sealed. And this multi-layer material can not be separated again. “This linear plastics economy is not an acceptable state of affairs in the long run,” says Christian Traumann, Group President of MULTIVAC. “In order to reduce CO2 emissions and protect the environment, we should find a way of creating the transition to a loop economy with plastic packaging films.”

MULTIVAC is developing recyclable plastic mono material for packs

In order to move a step closer to the loop economy, MULTIVAC has developed APET+, a plastic mono material for sustainable thermoformed packs, which does not require an additional sealing layer. It can be recycled as a single-source material. Another benefit: New food packs can be made from the recycled material. That does not go without saying. Because this reuse is forbidden for example with polypropylene (PP), one of the most frequently used plastics in the food sector. MULTIVAC is also engaged with R-Cycle - an initiative, which looks for technical solutions to make the composition of plastics detectable by machines. It is conceivable for example to have a database, in which plastics manufacturers store the film types. Using a QR code on the film, recycling facilities could gain access to the data, and then identify the material before segregating it according to type.

“In order to reinforce the sustainability of plastic packs, we are going at high speed with our development efforts.”

The loop economy can therefore begin? Not quite. The problem is that refuse sorting equipment does not have scanners, which can detect recyclable plastics in the "Non-recyclable" refuse stream. Up to now the volume of recyclable mono material has been too small for the investment in the necessary systems. A chicken-and-egg problem, familiar to the E-car sector with its mutual dependence between the number of electric vehicles and charging stations. In both cases it is a question of who makes the first step, so that the technology can be rolled out. “In order to reinforce the sustainability of plastic packs, we are going at high speed with our development efforts,” underlines Christian Traumann. “The loop economy can however only get into gear, if all the other stakeholders in the recycling chain follow suit - particularly the recycling facilities. Here the politicians urgently need to create incentives for plastic recycling. It does not make any sense for the food industry either to invest in environmentally-friendly packs, if ultimately they end up in refuse incineration.”

About MULTIVAC

MULTIVAC is one of the leading providers worldwide of packaging solutions for food products of all types, life science, and healthcare products, as well as industrial items. The MULTIVAC portfolio covers virtually all requirements of processors and producers in terms of pack design, output and resource efficiency. It comprises a wide range of packaging technologies, as well as automation solutions, labelers, and quality control systems. The product range is rounded off with solutions upstream of the packaging process in the areas of portioning and processing, as well as bakery technology. Thanks to our extensive expertise in packaging lines, all modules can be integrated into complete solutions. This means that MULTIVAC solutions guarantee a high level of operational and process reliability, as well as efficiency. The MULTIVAC Group has approximately 6,900 employees worldwide, with some 2,400 based at its headquarters in Wolfertschwenden. With over 85 subsidiaries, the Group is represented on all continents. More than 1,000 sales advisors and service technicians throughout the world use their know-how and experience to the benefit of customers, and they ensure all installed MULTIVAC machines are utilized to their maximum. Further information can be found at: www.multivac.com.

In acquiring a Serbia-based producer of PET flakes, Greiner Packaging is broadening its portfolio of businesses and adding the first recycling company to the group. The purchase of ALWAG, which will be renamed Greiner Recycling d.o.o., sees Greiner expand its business model by additionally entering the business of reprocessing recyclable materials.

The acquisition of ALWAG is a direct reflection of Greiner Packaging’s exhaustive efforts to boost sustainability. In purchasing the PET flake producer, Greiner Packaging is pushing ahead with the expansion drive it has embarked on in recent years as well as resolutely pursuing its extensive circular economy goals. The ALWAG takeover means Greiner Packaging now has three locations in Serbia: one recycling company and two manufacturing bases.

Recycling: an integral part of the business model

One of Greiner Packaging’s declared objectives is to maximize the use of recycled material when manufacturing its products. As the first recycling company in the group, Greiner Recycling d.o.o. will help to secure the material streams that will later be converted by Greiner Packaging. This sustainable form of backward integration will ensure a dependable supply of raw materials that are essential to Greiner Packaging continuing to offer customers the reliability they are accustomed to going forward. It is also key to expanding recycling as an integral part of the company’s business model.

PET is currently the only mechanically recycled material that can be used for food applications. We are strong believers in the potential of PET and, by expanding our expertise, we are actively committed to using this material effectively. As we work toward our sustainability goals, which we pursue consistently through all the business decisions we make, we naturally pay special attention to the possible creation of other r-PET streams in addition to the bottle-to-bottle stream. That would mean that an old PET cup could become a new PET cup in the future,” explains a confident Manfred Stanek, CEO of Greiner Packaging.

Use of PET flakes

ALWAG currently supplies its material to customers throughout Europe. Following consultations with these valued partners and a planned expansion of recycling capacity at the site, the flakes will gradually become available for Greiner Packaging’s applications and will be incorporated into its packaging solutions. This means that existing ALWAG customers will continue to benefit from a reliable supply of their usual quantities of recycled material. To incorporate recycled PET into packaging, the PET flakes are extruded and then thermoformed. In the future, injection molding applications will also be considered.

“The recycling of PET packaging and bottles is a project we began 10 years ago as pioneers in Serbia. It has always been our ultimate goal to produce an end product made entirely of recycled PET material that can then be converted. This new ALWAG product is now no longer being developed by us, but by new owners whom we have carefully selected and have full confidence in. We are convinced that our vision will be successfully pursued thanks to the new owners, their commitment to the Nova Gajdobra site, and the additional investments in downstream technological processes. This step makes sense for everyone involved and will take the company’s success to even greater heights in the future,” comments Stojan Dangubić, former director of ALWAG and executive director of Aling-Conel.

Clear sign of intent for a circular economy

Greiner Packaging is known for the diversity of its packaging production and decoration services as well as for processing an extensive array of materials. Greiner Packaging is broadening its offering through vertical integration, and the in-depth knowledge it is obtaining in the recycling sector will further strengthen the packaging specialists’ position as experts and sustainability pioneers in the international market

As an internationally successful packaging producer, Greiner Packaging is committed to delivering innovation for a circular world – one where the same resources can be used again and again. The company takes a holistic approach to achieving this, rooted in its guiding principle: reduce, reuse, recycle. For example, Greiner Packaging will not rely solely on r-PET in the future – it will also forge ahead with initiatives to increase the use of r-PP and r-PS, recognizing that it is not necessarily a case of favoring a certain material. Rather, the aim is to provide a sustainable material solution that is perfectly tailored to the customer.

About ALWAG

ALWAG was founded in 2011 by its two former parent companies, Aling-Conel and Reiwag Facility Services GmbH. Headquartered in Nova Gajdobra, Serbia, ALWAG produces PET flakes from recycled PET drink bottles in three different colors (transparent, bluish, mixed colored), which are used as feedstock for new packaging. In the future, the company will trade as Greiner Recycling d.o.o. under the umbrella of its new owner, Greiner Packaging.

About Greiner Packaging

Greiner Packaging is a leading European manufacturer of plastic packaging in the food and nonfood sectors. The company has enjoyed a reputation for outstanding solutions expertise in the fields of development, design, production, and decoration for over 60 years. Greiner Packaging responds to the challenges of the market with two business units: Packaging and Assistec. While the Packaging unit focuses on innovative packaging solutions, the Assistec unit is dedicated to producing custom-made technical parts. Greiner Packaging employs a workforce of over 4,900 people at more than 30 locations in 19 countries around the world. In 2021, the company generated annual sales revenues of EUR 772 million (including joint ventures), which represents almost 35% of Greiner’s total sales.

• Mondi will present a range of sustainable packaging solutions at this year’s FACHPACK in Nuremberg, Germany
• Mondi's customer-centric approach to collaboration along the value chain helps its customers map their path to sustainability
• Mondi will present product highlights at the Innovationbox during the fair

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, will showcase innovative sustainable packaging at this year’s FACHPACK, the trade fair for packaging, packaging machinery and packaging design in Nuremberg.

The team will demonstrate how Mondi’s customer-centric approach helps customers map their path to sustainability by asking the right questions along the value chain, considering the needs of customers, their products and our planet.​ During the FACHPACK trade fair, Mondi will also present its product highlights to trade visitors in a short 30-minute presentation at the Innovationbox.

The Mondi booth will feature a range of their award-winning packaging solutions: Advantage StretchWrap, a paper pallet wrap that replaces plastic wrapping; RetortPouch Recyclable, a mono-material solution that contributes to build a circular economy and Mono Formable PP, a fully recyclable thermoforming plastic film with optimal barrier properties. The team will also showcase their range of FunctionalBarrier Papers used as a replacement for a variety of plastic films. These products illustrate Mondi’s commitment to creating packaging that is sustainable by design, using paper where possible and plastic when useful.

While our world is constantly changing, we must not lose focus on sustainability as it is becoming increasingly important. There are many ways for a business to achieve its sustainability goals. Mondi’s aim is to help our customers find the most suitable route. We do this by collaborating and by continuing to invest in our capabilities. We look forward to meeting our customers, machine producers and partners at FACHPACK this year to discuss the possibilities.

Mondi recently announced a €1 billion expansionary capital investment programme to strengthen its leading position in the sustainable packaging market. The company is integrated across the value chain, managing forests and producing pulp, paper and films to develop and manufacture sustainable consumer and industrial packaging. Managing resources and working with partners ensures its unique role in the packaging industry.

FACHPACK runs from 27-29 September. Mondi will be in hall 7, booth 258.

About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by making innovative solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is integrated across the value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and films, to developing and manufacturing sustainable consumer and industrial packaging solutions using paper where possible, plastic when useful. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy, with our ambitious commitments to 2030 focused on circular driven solutions, created by empowered people, taking action on climate.

In 2021, Mondi had revenues of €7.0 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.2 billion from continuing operations, andemployed 21,000 people worldwide. Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange (MNDI), where the Group is a FTSE100 constituent, and also has a secondary listing on the JSE Limited (MNP).

Aptar Pharma, a global leader in drug delivery and active material science solutions and services, today announced that it has acquired Metaphase Design Group, Inc., a leader in applying the science of human factors engineering and ergonomics to product design.

The acquisition expands Aptar Pharma’s portfolio of services as well as the business’s ability to become a single source provider to its pharmaceutical and biotech customers throughout their drug development journey. The transaction enhances Aptar Pharma’s ability to transform ideas into user-centric solutions by capturing the voice of the patient every step of the way, from formulation to device design capabilities, and bring best-in-class drug delivery solutions to market.

Founded in 1991, Metaphase incorporates various areas of specialization in their User Centered Design Innovation Process, combining them with extensive expertise in Industrial Design and Human Factors research and support. These include formative and summative studies, threshold analysis, patient journey mapping, risk analysis, regulatory submission support and UX design to help their clients optimize their product development journey.

Metaphase will be integrated into Noble, an Aptar Pharma company and a world leader in drug delivery training device programs, medical device training solutions, market insight services and patient onboarding strategies. The addition of Metaphase to Noble enhances Aptar Pharma’s patient-centric approach.

Metaphase’s expertise will also compliment the products and services that Noble currently provides to pharmaceutical and biotech companies to help improve patient training and onboarding, including their Human Factors Plus (HF+) program. Launched in 2021, Noble’s HF+ program offers their clients an expansive platform of services including device selection, product design solutions, human factors testing, risk analysis, packaging and labeling services, and regulatory submission support.

Gael Touya, President of Aptar Pharma, commented, “We are pleased to welcome Metaphase to the Aptar Pharma family. The combined expertise of Noble and Metaphase in Human Factors fully aligns with our mission to bring the voice of the patient into all parts of the development process. At Aptar Pharma, our primary goal is improving patients’ experiences and health outcomes.”

“We are excited to be joining Aptar Pharma and to expand our ability to impact the pharmaceutical industry and help our clients optimize the design of their devices, while continuing to serve our loyal client base in healthcare, consumer, and food and beverage markets,” stated Dr. Bryce Rutter, Metaphase Design Group CEO. “Combining our resources with the foundation that Noble has established with their Human Factors Plus program will also better enable us to represent the voice of the user throughout the product development journey.”

Craig Baker, Vice President of Commercialization at Noble added, “With Metaphase’s work in design and expertise in ergonomics, this acquisition fully complements our work here at Noble in building a better patient experience through innovative training solutions and strategies inspired by listening to patients themselves.”

About Metaphase Design Group

Founded in 1991, Metaphase Design Group is a leading expert in ergonomic product design and a specialist in the design of high-touch hand-intensive products and packaging. Working with several of the world’s largest and most prestigious brands across multiple industries, Metaphase combines decades of research, human factors and industrial design experience with expertise in user insights, hand function, ergonomics, design ideation and development, and social sciences to develop and implement realistic design solutions that enable brands to patent designs, optimize product performance and to help improve the overall user experience. Metaphase also created The Dignity Factor™, which is about bringing “Dignity” and a more “Humane” approach to the Research & Design of medical devices, equipment, products and home care for people of all ages, from infants to an aging population. Metaphase is based St. Louis, MO. For information, please visit www.metaphase.com.

About Aptar Pharma

Aptar Pharma is part of AptarGroup, Inc., global leader in the design and manufacturing of a broad range of drug delivery, consumer product dispensing and active material science solutions and services. Aptar’s innovative solutions and services serve a variety of end markets including pharmaceutical, beauty, personal care, home care, food and beverage. Using insights, proprietary design, engineering and science to create dispensing, dosing and protective technologies for many of the world’s leading brands, Aptar in turn makes a meaningful difference in the lives, looks, health and homes of millions of patients and consumers around the world. Aptar is headquartered in Crystal Lake, Illinois and has 13,000 dedicated employees in 20 countries. For more information, visit www.aptar.com.