{"id":116233,"date":"2026-05-13T17:27:37","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T17:27:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/?post_type=vimeo-video&p=116233"},"modified":"2026-05-13T19:34:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T17:34:56","slug":"copied-machines-threaten-innovation-markus-rustler-theegarten-pactec-interpack-2026","status":"publish","type":"vimeo-video","link":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/en\/vimeo-video\/kopierte-maschinen-bedrohen-innovation-markus-rustler-theegarten-pactec-interpack-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Copied machines threaten innovation: Markus Rustler, THEEGARTEN-PACTEC | interpack 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Markus Rustler, CEO of THEEGARTEN-PACTEC and interpack President, is warning at interpack 2026 about the consequences of machine replicas for the packaging industry. Together with competitors, the Dresden-based specialist for confectionery packaging machines has issued a press release highlighting a growing problem.<\/p>\n

One-to-one copies threaten R&D investment<\/h3>\n

\u201eIt is indeed the case that we are noticing that products from our programme, products from the programmes of competitors are being copied one-to-one,\u201c explains Rustler. Particularly problematic: \u201eThis also receives support from large companies that use these copies.\u201c<\/p>\n

The consequences for the industry are serious: \u201eWe all put a lot of money together into Research and Development, and if that's then rewarded by our machines being copied on behalf of companies, then we won't be able to afford it anymore at some point.\u201c For Rustler, this means nothing less than the innovation base of the entire industry is at stake.<\/p>

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Positive trade fair results and growth markets<\/h3>\n

Despite these concerns, Rustler draws a positive conclusion from interpack 2026: \u201e6.5 days are over. We are extremely satisfied with the response and the leads we were able to generate.\u201c For the first time, THEEGARTEN-PACTEC exhibited together with Turkish partner company Magrev \u2013 a concept that paid off.<\/p>\n

For the coming years, Rustler sees particular opportunities in emerging markets: \u201eThe Indian subcontinent is on a path of steady growth\u201c and \u201eAfrica is growing and growing. Africa is raising living standards in many markets. Disposable income is rising.\u201c When it comes to sustainable packaging, he sees technical progress but cost-related hurdles: \u201ePaper-based and also highly paper-based packaging materials can be used. The cost factor is a different matter.\u201c His assessment: \u201eIf we manage to get the consumer willing to pay 20 percent more for the product because it is packaged in paper, that's wonderful.\u201c<\/p>