Today, biscuits, chocolates, pralines and snacks also need to be packaged sustainably. Recyclability and optimum protection are at the top of the list of requirements for alternative materials, such as those made from renewable raw materials. Packaging systems must have the necessary flexibility and process capability to be able to process these materials. The exhibitors at ProSweets Cologne will be demonstrating how this can be achieved until 31 January.
The current trend in packaging development cannot be overlooked at ProSweets Cologne: Wherever plastic can be dispensed with in packaging, the material is replaced by cardboard or paper. Increasing recyclability and reducing packaging weight are other important aspects that exhibitors will be addressing.
The FPH5 flow-wrapping machine packs coated chewing gum at the trade fair stand of Dresden-based company Theegarten-Pactec can be packed at a speed of 4,000 products/min. High-speed packaging is made possible by an innovative product separation process. Thanks to a patented preheating section, the machine is also able to process recyclable monofilms, conventional laminates or paper-based packaging materials at the same high packaging speed.
Next door, LoeschPack and its sister company Hastamat will be demonstrating an advanced bar packaging machine that packs over 2,000 bar or tablet-shaped products per minute. The FHW-S horizontal flow-wrapping machine Can process conventional or alternative packaging materials. Switching between materials is done at the touch of a button.
Packiro, part of the Siegwerk Ventures family, has expanded its materials portfolio and will soon be launching a recyclable paper for the production of stand-up pouches. It is equipped with an environmentally friendly barrier coating developed by Siegwerk and is suitable for foodstuffs.
At the trade fair, Chocal will be showcasing sustainable materials for confectionery packaging that can be both recyclable and biodegradable. With Chocal Paper Fibre, for example, the company has a mouldable material made from paper fibres in its portfolio that can be used to produce Trays for chocolates or printed packaging for hollow chocolate centres suitable. The transparent alternative to paper packaging, Chocal Natural Fibre, is made from natural fibres such as cellulose from plants and is biodegradable. The company also offers moulded aluminium confectionery packaging that uses less and less material and is fully recyclable.
Ergopack, the manufacturer of ergonomic, mobile pallet strapping systems, is also focussing on sustainability. The company is showcasing a new solution for intralogistics for strapping with reusable Velcro straps. Up to 10,000 strappings are possible per strap.
As part of the Special Show Sustainable Packaging the latest developments in the field of biocircular packaging will be on show at the trade fair. The partners Sustainable Packaging Institute (SPI) in the research area, pacoon Sustainability Concepts for brand strategies in sustainable packaging design and the future agency Haute Innovation, which specialises in sustainable materials, have put together a large number of examples. These include edible packaging made from algae, foams made from mushrooms and biodegradable capsules for powders and liquids.
