The global shift towards sustainability has placed eco-friendly packaging at the forefront of consumer and industry priorities. A study by Simon-Kucher & Partners in June 2023 revealed that 62% of German consumers are willing to pay up to 7% more for products with sustainable packaging. However, manufacturers, particularly in the confectionery sector, face significant challenges in processing environmentally friendly materials at scale.
Theegarten-Pactec, a Dresden-based packaging machinery specialist, is addressing these challenges by continuously refining its high-speed machines to handle sustainable materials for both confectionery and non-food products. CEO Markus Rustler noted, “We are constantly striving to refine our machinery in the interests of both the environment and our customers.”
One example is Theegarten-Pactec’s FPC5 machine, designed to process paper-based flow packs, with 95% pure paper content. The machine’s patented pre-heating device reduces the required heat application time, enabling higher packaging speeds without damaging the product. The company has also re-engineered the forming shoulder to ensure smooth processing of paper-based flow packs, preventing tearing or crinkling.
In addition, the EK4 machine packages up to 2,300 hard candies per minute using recyclable, wax-free paper. The machine maintains high-speed production while minimizing material consumption through a servo-driven feed roller, demonstrating that performance and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Theegarten-Pactec has also developed a suction-supported sealing method for delicate chocolate products, avoiding direct contact between the packaging and the product during the sealing process. This innovation prevents pressure marks or damage, ensuring both product safety and packaging efficiency.
By enabling the industrial-scale processing of sustainable materials, Theegarten-Pactec is helping to make eco-friendly packaging more viable and accessible worldwide.