The exhibitors at Fachpack showcase solutions from the fields of packaging, technology, finishing and logistics. Most recently, over 1,500 exhibitors and around 44,000 trade visitors came here to discuss products and services in the packaging industry. In addition to the exhibition, a supporting program with forums, special shows and theme worlds offers additional added value - such as the 'PackBox' or 'Corrugated Board' forums, the 'Labels & More' pavilion, the 'Packaging Design' and 'German Packaging Award' special shows and the 'Man - Machine - Future' theme park.

Focus on sustainability

This year, the trade fair organizer - NürnbergMesse - is assigning a special role to the topic of sustainability and therefore also to intelligent control and automation technology. Packaging material consumption can be reduced by reducing film thickness or by minimizing edge strips and punching grids. Improved film packaging systems are so flexible that they can process both conventional and very thin or organic films. Pack strapping eliminates the need for the shrink film that was previously used. The elimination of shrink tunnels significantly reduces energy consumption. In addition, the degree of utilization of the pallets is increased.

Intelligent control and automation technology, economical drives, compressors, fans and pumps are among the classic solutions for saving electricity and operating resources and increasing energy efficiency. Efficient motors, optimally adapted to the movements and acceleration processes in the machine, reduce power consumption. New sealing technologies protect the product to be packaged and significantly shorten process times. In order to reduce the energy consumption of a thermoforming packaging machine, one manufacturer has replaced compressed air-driven components with servomotor drives. This allows the movement sequences to be precisely controlled in terms of speed and opening width, which in turn helps to increase machine performance. The utilization of the packaging material is also improved by servomotor-driven sealing and cutting stations. This reduces the gaps between the packs as well as the film edges and film waste.

Trend: LED UV technology

LED UV technology is currently a strong trend in packaging printing. In contrast to conventional UV lamps with mercury vapor lamps, LED diodes only emit light in a narrow spectral range. In addition to the energy efficiency, lower heat generation and long service life of LED UV lamps, another advantage is that no ozone is generated and therefore no extraction is required. In addition, with an LED UV system, the UV output is available immediately after switching on and there is no warm-up phase.