Industry Innovations at Fachpack 2024, PPMA 2024, and Beyond

Introduction:

In an era where sustainability, efficiency, and technological advancement are at the forefront of industry transformation, major players are stepping up to meet the evolving demands of the market. The latest innovations in packaging, weighing, inspection, analytics, color consistency, and food processing are not just shaping the future—they are redefining it.

At Fachpack 2024, Syntegon is leading the charge with groundbreaking advancements aimed at addressing the European Union's stringent Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Their focus on sustainable packaging solutions, such as the SVX Agile Vertical Packaging Machine and the Kliklok ACE Carton Erector, underscores a commitment to minimizing environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. With retrofits like the Paper-ON-Form Technology and the integration of Synexio software for real-time process optimization, Syntegon is setting new standards in the packaging industry, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Similarly, at PPMA 2024, Minebea Intec will unveil its latest innovation, the Blue HMI user interface for checkweighers. This advanced technology promises to revolutionize the user experience with its intuitive design, enhanced monitoring capabilities, and support for various industrial interfaces. By integrating features such as movable displays and advanced analytics, Minebea Intec is poised to elevate the standard of precision and flexibility in weighing and inspection technology.

On a parallel track, Collo is making waves with its €5 million funding boost, aimed at accelerating the global reach of its cutting-edge liquid analytics technology. Collo’s analyzer, with its ability to provide real-time measurements and optimize production flows, addresses critical sustainability challenges in the food and beverage industry. By significantly reducing raw material waste, water usage, and CO2 emissions, Collo’s technology aligns with global sustainability goals and offers a practical solution for process optimization.

In the realm of color consistency and printing efficiency, BOBST is introducing its oneECG technology, a game-changer for the printing industry. By extending the traditional CMYK color model with additional hues, BOBST’s oneECG enables more vibrant color reproduction while reducing reliance on spot colors. This digital solution not only minimizes waste but also enhances productivity and aligns with sustainability objectives, marking a significant advancement in the field of printing technologies.

Meanwhile, Marel’s ACM cut-up system is transforming the processing of chicken wings, a staple of the fast food industry. With its precision cutting technology and comprehensive quality control measures, Marel’s solution caters to the diverse requirements of QSR chains. From anatomical cuts to specialized wing pieces, Marel’s system ensures high performance and consistency, meeting the rigorous standards of fast food production.

Together, these innovations from Syntegon, Minebea Intec, Collo, BOBST, and Marel represent a confluence of technological progress and sustainability efforts. As these industry leaders showcase their advancements at major events, they are not only responding to current market demands but also setting the stage for future developments. The integration of these technologies promises to drive significant improvements in efficiency, quality, and environmental stewardship, underscoring a transformative shift in the packaging, processing, and manufacturing sectors.

Syntegon: Leading the Charge in Sustainable Packaging

At Fachpack 2024, Syntegon is set to showcase its latest advancements in sustainable packaging technologies, emphasizing compliance with the European Union's Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Key highlights include:

• SVX Agile Vertical Packaging Machine: Capable of producing up to 300 pouches per minute from 100% recyclable mono-material, this machine highlights Syntegon’s commitment to efficient, sustainable packaging solutions.
• Kliklok ACE Carton Erector: This machine forms glue-free carton trays, supporting sustainability by minimizing energy, maintenance, and material costs.
• Paper-ON-Form Technology: This retrofit kit for Pack 403 flow-wrappers enables the switch from plastic to paper packaging without sacrificing performance, improving recyclability and reducing waste.
• Synexio Software: This cloud-based solution optimizes process parameters and monitors sustainability metrics like power consumption and waste production.

Syntegon aims to help food manufacturers transition to sustainable practices seamlessly, aligning with future regulatory requirements.

Minebea Intec: Revolutionizing Weighing and Inspection Technology

At PPMA 2024, Minebea Intec will introduce its Blue HMI user interface, enhancing the functionality and ease of use of its checkweighers:

• Blue HMI Interface: Offers intuitive operation, advanced monitoring, and analysis features, including a movable display variant for ergonomic use. It supports various industrial interfaces and integrates with OPC UA and PackML specifications.
• Enhanced Checkweighers: The interface supports comprehensive system effectiveness tracking, ideal for audits and process optimization.
• Vision Inspection Systems: The Vision Inspection VisioPointer? and the Automatic Weigh Price Labeller (WPL-A) will be showcased, complementing the checkweighers with automation solutions for end-of-line processes.

Minebea Intec's innovations promise improved user experience, data security, and flexibility in production environments.

Collo: Advancing Sustainability in Food & Beverage Processing

Collo’s recent €5 million funding round, led by SEB Greentech VC, FORWARD.one, and Scale Capital, will accelerate the global expansion of its liquid analytics technology:

• Collo’s Analyzer: Provides real-time measurement and optimization of production flows, significantly reducing raw material and water usage while cutting CO2 emissions and waste.
• Impact on Dairy Industry: For example, dairies using Collo’s technology can save up to 11 million kilos of CO2 and 35 million liters of water annually.
• Technology Benefits: The analyzer’s sensor and machine-learning capabilities allow for process optimization with existing infrastructure, avoiding large investments in new production lines.

Collo’s solution supports global sustainability goals and offers valuable enhancements for the food and beverage industry.

BOBST: Transforming Color Consistency with oneECG

BOBST’s oneECG technology, presented for CI flexo and other printing processes, addresses the need for consistent, high-quality color reproduction:

• Extended Color Gamut (ECG): Adds orange, green, and violet to the standard CMYK set, achieving vibrant colors and reducing reliance on spot colors. This digital approach minimizes waste and enhances productivity.
• Benefits: With up to 90% of job preparation done offline, the system reduces start-up waste by up to 35% and improves efficiency.
• Integration and Support: BOBST provides comprehensive support, including collaboration with industry suppliers to ensure seamless implementation and optimal color stability.

oneECG exemplifies BOBST’s commitment to digitalization, automation, and sustainability in printing technologies.

Marel: Precision Cutting for Fast Food Wings

Marel’s ACM cut-up system is designed for efficient, high-quality processing of chicken wings, meeting diverse requirements for QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) chains:

• Cutting Technology: Includes automatic wing stretching and precise cutting modules for anatomical and non-anatomical cuts, catering to various wing types and preferences.
• Quality Control: Systems like IRIS and Q-Wing ensure accurate grading and cutting, while the WingMaster module offers precise anatomic cuts with optimal yield.
• Flexibility and Integration: The ACM-NT Convenience Food system can operate standalone or inline, with options for further processing like marination and breading.

Marel’s solutions enhance the efficiency and consistency of wing processing, crucial for meeting the high standards of fast food industry players.

Conclusion:

As we stand on the brink of a transformative era in industrial technology and sustainability, the innovations showcased by Syntegon, Minebea Intec, Collo, BOBST, and Marel highlight a pivotal shift towards more efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced solutions across various sectors. Each company's breakthrough not only addresses immediate market needs but also anticipates future demands, setting new benchmarks for excellence in their respective fields.

Syntegon’s advancements in sustainable packaging reflect a growing industry commitment to environmental responsibility. The integration of technologies like Paper-ON-Form and Synexio software represents a proactive approach to reducing packaging waste while optimizing production processes. This forward-thinking approach aligns with broader regulatory goals and sets a precedent for future innovations in packaging technology.

Minebea Intec’s introduction of the Blue HMI user interface for checkweighers marks a significant leap forward in operational efficiency and user experience. By enhancing the functionality and flexibility of its checkweighers with intuitive design and advanced monitoring capabilities, Minebea Intec is setting new standards in precision and control, which will likely influence the future of weighing and inspection technology.

Collo’s recent funding and its pioneering liquid analytics technology underscore the urgent need for sustainability in the food and beverage industry. By offering solutions that significantly reduce waste, water usage, and CO2 emissions, Collo is not only advancing technological capabilities but also contributing to global environmental goals. This alignment with sustainability is crucial as industries worldwide seek to mitigate their environmental impact.

BOBST’s oneECG technology represents a paradigm shift in color management and printing efficiency. By expanding the color gamut and digitalizing the color matching process, BOBST is addressing both the operational challenges of color consistency and the environmental impact of traditional printing practices. This innovation promises to enhance productivity and align with sustainability targets, driving the future of printing technology.

Marel’s ACM cut-up system demonstrates a remarkable commitment to precision and efficiency in poultry processing. The ability to meet the diverse needs of QSR chains with accuracy and consistency reflects Marel’s deep understanding of industry demands. By offering flexible solutions for wing cutting and processing, Marel is enhancing the quality and performance of fast food production.

In conclusion, the collective advancements presented by these industry leaders illustrate a broader trend towards integrating technological innovation with sustainability. As Syntegon, Minebea Intec, Collo, BOBST, and Marel push the boundaries of what is possible, they are not only addressing current challenges but also shaping the future of their industries. These innovations promise to deliver significant benefits in terms of efficiency, quality, and environmental stewardship, setting a high bar for future developments and reflecting a commitment to creating a more sustainable and technologically advanced world.

Reference Links:

https://foodpackautomation.com/news/84453-syntegon-at-fachpack-2024-future-proof-with-sustainable-technologies

https://foodpackautomation.com/news/84516-discover-cutting-edge-weighing-technology-at-ppma-2024

https://foodpackautomation.com/news/84444-collo-secures-%E2%82%AC5m-funding-to-turn-food-beverage-industry-more-sustainable-and-profitable

https://foodpackautomation.com/news/84440-empowering-brands-and-converters-with-color-consistency-and-predictability

https://foodpackautomation.com/news/84329-chicken-wings-cut-up-for-fast-food