Pack-Man overhears Interpack gyaan

Monica Cervellati, corporate communication & exhibitions director, IMA

IMA focuses on sustainable solutions and supports the efforts of the pharmaceutical fraternity to deliver medicine in a safer, cost effective, reduced carbon footprint and in the most efficient way.
The highlight of its stall was a high-speed overwrapping machine IMA GIMA FTO513 series for single and multiple products.

On 25 February 2023, in Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra, India), IMA-PG India received the prestigious SIES SOP STAR award for a solution for packaging multi-vials in one single carton under the category of packaging machinery and systems. 

Cervellati said, "Interpack for IMA is historically a point of reference in the exhibition panorama. As a matter of fact, in this 2023 edition, we attended with an almost 5000 m2 booth: the biggest ever. 46 machines, 12 new models and 22 iOT connected machines, expressing IMA’s commitment towards innovation and digitalisation. Great emphasis on sustainability as one of the main pillars of the IMA System, presenting solutions to handle new eco-friendly materials on our equipment. We recorded excellent attendance and our customers were extremely pleased with our polyhedric portfolio characterised by innovation."

Marjo Halonen, VP Communications, Metsä Board

A leading producer of folding box boards and white kraft liners, Metsä Board aims for fossil-free production and products by the end of 2030. It showcased a wide range of packaging applications for its fully recyclable dispersion barrier board that helps reduce use of plastic.

"Interpack 2023 has been a success for Metsä Board. In our Innovation Lab area, we provided inspiration for the visitors around circular packaging solutions made with renewable and easily recyclable materials helping to reduce the use of plastic. This year’s discussions exceeded our expectations. The quality of visitors was surprisingly high coming from all over the world and fully fulfilled the expectations we had in exhibiting at this international fair," said Halonen.

Andreas Grabotin, zone director, DACH Markem-Imaje

Markem-Imaje offers a comprehensive range of marking and coding systems seamlessly integrated with trusted software, services and consumables. It put on display - printers based on thermo, inkjet, and matrix technologies.

Grabotin said, "Interpack is an important trade fair for us. In 2017 we were still represented with a smaller stand, for 2023 we opted in favour of an enlargement. What we especially liked is the trade fair’s high international attendance and the new hall concept. We will be back in 2026 again."

Gabi Bauer, head of marketing & communication, Uhlmann Pac-Systeme

Laupheim-based Uhlmann Pac-Systeme is a leading system supplier for the packaging of pharmaceuticals in blisters, bottles and cartons. It offers innovative packaging lines, services and digital solutions.

The ISO-compliant company presented an innovative solution that safely packs ampoules, vials, syringes, pens and other devices in sustainable, recyclable cardboard trays and folding cartons. The Parenteral Tray Center PTC 200 allows for easy stacking of several trays and inserting them into a carton from the side and thereby particularly is space-saving and efficient.

"For Uhlmann Pac-Systeme, Interpack was a great success. Our stand concept with its clear focus on sustainability was very well received by visitors. We also stimulated the interest of trade fair visitors who actually did not have us on their programme. Sustainability as a driver of innovation in products and services, both at Parenteralia and Oral Solid Dose - this is what our customers are looking for and this has also enabled us to develop new contacts. The live experience and the opportunity to just get in touch, that's really a trademark of interpack, and we're very happy that the fair could take place again," said Bauer.

Michael Grosse, chairman, Syntegon

With an overreach of 30 locations, and around 66,000 machine installations world-wide, Syntegon serves the global pharmaceutical and food industries. At the stall, it presented two SVX variants - Agile and Duplex - which provides full flexibility for tubular bag sizes and styles.

"Process and packaging technology for a better life - that's what visitors experienced at the Syntegon stand. This included numerous solutions with answers to market trends such as automation, digitalisation and sustainability. And the feedback from our customers showed that we have met their requirements. Whether new machines, entire lines or services, the interest was great. The first Interpack with our Syntegon brand was a complete success for us," said Grosse.

Angelika Huemer, managing partner, Starlinger & Co Gesellschaft

Vienna-headquartered Starlinger & Co Gesellschaft showcased solutions for the sustainable use of plastic packaging at interpack 2023. Its stand highlighted the new sack conversion line multiKON KX servo, which does both sew and seal. It manufactures IC STAR sacks at a speed of 60 sacks per minute.

Huemer said, "Reusability has become a key criterion for packaging – be it of glass, paper or plastics. Starlinger’s circular solutions for Big Bags made of rPET and rPP went down especially well with our visitors at interpack. Our customer Packem from Brazil, a pioneer for Big Bags in recycled PET, was awarded the WorldStar Packaging Award for its Bag-to-Bag project. This was a special trade fair highlight for us!"

Richard Clemens, MD, VDMA

In a conversation with Disha Chakraborty of WhatPackaging?, Clemens spoke about the global demand for consumer goods such as packaged food, beverages, beauty and hygiene products.  

On global trade, Clemens said, “In 2021, retail sales of packaging for consumer goods worldwide was 3.9 trillion units. This is expected to increase by 15% by 2026.”

"Great mood, packed stands, good and plenty of business – this is how interpack 2023 can be summarised. Our member companies are very satisfied. On the weekend – as expected – many customers came from overseas. The quality of visitors was very high – some of the machines were purchased straight off the stand. After the six-year break people were delighted all the more at seeing the interpack family finally coming together again in Düsseldorf. To us, interpack is, and always will be, the leading trade fair in the industry," added Clemens.

From eCommerce 4.0 to sustainability goals, the processing and packaging show covered it all.

The exhibit was thrilling - Roger said the responses!

Pack-Man bids adieu as of now, although Düsseldorf will host the next edition from 7 to 13 May 2026.