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The company for innovative product identification, packaging intelligence, and connected product solutions, invites FMCG brands and retailers to discover the benefits of GS1 Digital Link at the fair in Nuremberg. At stand 3C-531, Markem-Imaje experts will demonstrate how the next generation of QR codes can enhance production efficiency, improve supply chain transparency, streamline inventory management and boost brand loyalty. With ever-changing global regulations—such as the EU Digital Product Passport, Digital Deposit Return Schemes and the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act—accelerating the shift to 2D barcodes, forward-thinking manufacturers are looking for solutions that go beyond compliance to deliver measurable business benefits. The Digital Link, powered by GS1 – a global organisation for data compliance, is the next evolution of barcode technology. It connects the GS1 application identifiers for a specific product, such as the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), batch number, best-before date and serial number, to the internet. The Digital Link enables real-time access to both B2B and B2C information. From traceability and authenticity to sustainability data and ecommerce links, the GS1 Digital Link barcode transforms packaging into a digital gateway, delivering value across the supply chain. “The GS1 Digital Link barcode connects brands, retailers and consumers in a powerful ecosystem, unlocking new possibilities,” says Viktor Hermansson, Marketing Director at Markem-Imaje. “While 1D and 2D barcodes will co-exist for some time, our mission is to support industry players through this transition with ease—from compliance to genuine consumer engagement.” All data in one place Today’s packaging is often cluttered with multiple codes – a 1D barcode for POS and separate QR codes for promotions or consumer engagement programmes. This creates confusion and inefficiencies. The GS1 Digital Link consolidates this into a single QR code that supports POS systems while enabling dynamic digital content. The result? Simplified packaging, reduced complexity and enhanced scalability.

• Retailers benefit from POS compatibility, inventory accuracy, waste reduction and dynamic pricing

• Consumers gain instant access to product details, sustainability credentials and offers

• Brands streamline traceability, regulatory compliance and recall management

• Marketers unlock personalised content, real-time engagement and first-party data Build consumer trust with connected packaging

The GS1 Digital Link creates a direct connection with the consumer. One scan can deliver a fully branded, interactive experience, including ingredient origins, nutritional information, certifications, batch and expiry data and more. Brands can enrich this experience with recipes, loyalty rewards, recycling guidance and ecommerce promotions, turning each package into a powerful engagement tool.

Allgäu-based manufacturer Greinwald relies on expertise and technology for customised robot solutions. The project group has specialized in the development of sophisticated automation solutions for packaging processes for many years. International customers from numerous industries such as food, beverages, hygiene, wood, steel and construction trust in the system integrator based in Kranenburg (NRW) who delivers tailored solutions adapted to each client’s specific requirements — even when dealing with variable batch sizes or tight spatial constraints at production sites.

This was also the case with a solution for Greinwald: the food manufacturer from the Allgäu region, known for its seasoning mixes, soups, sauces, and dressings. The collaboration originated through a recommendation from can manufacturer J. M. Schmitt — a long-standing customer of the project group and supplier to Greinwald.

Project manager Ella Liversage, who supports numerous customer projects across the board, is convinced by Kawasaki Robotics: "We know that Kawasaki is a pioneer in robotics. For us, the priority is working with a dependable partner that helps us minimize downtime and ensures reliable performance.” The solution implemented at Greinwald includes two identical robotic systems, each equipped with a high-speed Kawasaki CP180L palletizing robot—and each system integrates two pick-up and two feed stations.

With a maximum reach of 3,255 mm and a payload capacity of up to 180 kg, the CP180L serves as the powerful centerpiece of this compact and efficient automation setup. The cans, which are produced in variable sizes, are stacked in up to 15 layers with a maximum total height of 1,765 mm on an Euro pallet. Efficiency was crucial to the project right from the start: the target was up to 160 cans and 3 layers per robot per minute. 

During the palletizing process, empty pallets are drawn from a magazine via a conveyor system and placed onto one of four palletizing stations. Depending on the recipe selected, either a layer of product or an intermediate layer is added. The PROPAL gripper head, designed in-house by the project group, can approach all 4 pallet positions and all 4 layer tables.

Filled cans are conveyed from a staging table to the system using a row pusher and storage system, then organized into layers—either aligned or staggered as needed. Once a pallet is fully stacked, it’s moved out of the system via a transfer carriage to the wrapping station. After wrapping, the pallet is ready for removal. If labeling is required, the optional PROLABEL pallet labeling system, also developed by project group, applies the necessary identifiers.

The Uelzena Group successfully concluded the 2024 financial year and consolidated its market position in a persistently challenging market environment. The company has been able to build on the positive trend of previous years with sales of approxi-mately €1.03 billion and a group net profit of €17.4 million. A good equity ratio of 37.9 % and the increased fixed assets of approximately €190 million also highlight the economic stability of the cooperatively organised Group.

Uelzena sent a particularly positive signal to its milk producers: The average milk pay-out was approx. 47.5 euro cents per kg raw milk with a standard content of 4.0 % fat and 3.4 % protein – a significant increase over the previous year. Although the sup-plied raw milk volume declined by about 5 % to 741 million kg, this was caused by the outbreak of bluetongue disease in the supply region. Nevertheless, the Group achieved strong growth, particularly for its milk fats and speciality products. For in-stance, sales of milk fats grew by more than €72 million to €348 million, speciality products gained about €10 million to reach €170 million and the cheese segment saw gains of €11 million, an increase of 9 %. This more than compensated for the de-clines in milk powder, condensed milk products and delicatessen products.

Over 200 submissions from 15 countries and three continents entered the race for the German Packaging Award 2025 across all materials. After thoroughly scrutinising every one of them, the independent jury of experts honoured 37 outstanding innovations with the coveted award. The German Packaging Institute (dvi), as the organiser of Europe’s largest packaging exhibition, congratulates all the winners and presents all the winning innovations on its website. The dvi cordially invites you to attend FACHPACK in Nuremberg on 23 September 2025 for the award ceremony and the announcement of the three Gold Awards.

The 37 German Packaging Award 2025 winners come from Germany, Iran, Austria, Switzerland and the USA. The dvi also received innovations from China, England, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Serbia, Spain, the Czech Republic and Turkey.

The innovations cover the entire range of materials. They use glass, wood, rigid or flexible plastic, metal, paper, cardboard and corrugated cardboard. Looking at the exhibition categories, the jury awarded four innovations for functionality, four for design, a total of 14 in the sustainability segments, one each for the New Material, Packaging Machines (Engineering, Technology, Software) categories and three each for Cost-Effectiveness and Product Presentation. Two ingenious solutions were also awarded in the Young Talent category.

The winning solutions cover the entire range of packaging services in the B2C and B2B sectors – from product, shipping, transport and outer packaging to strapping, displays and bubble wrap, labels, in-mould labels and machines. They mark significant progress in the diverse aspects of sustainability and circular economy, product protection, convenience, handling, branding and product presentation, aid food and FMCG, construction and spare parts, chemical liquids, solar panels and heat pumps.

Leibinger unveils striking new stand concept at Fachpack 2025 Visitors to Leibinger’s stand at Fachpack 2025 will quickly experience that packaging communication is entering an all-new dimension. What exactly is behind this spectacular new look will remain their secret for now. All they can say is that it will be a premiere unlike anything ever seen before at this trade fair.

In the middle of the exhibition hall, the stage is being set for visionary technology and for systems that deliver above and beyond the expected – a captivating expression of genuine quality and excellence at Leibinger. The systems significantly reduce the workload for operating personnel, minimise sources of error and ensure impeccable clarity on each and every package. All so that our customers can focus on their core business. The demands placed on packaging codes and markings are increasing. As of 2027, the GS1 will be recommending the use of 2D codes worldwide. These codes can carry far more information than traditional barcodes – including batch numbers, expiry dates, traceability data as well as links to further information. Many companies are now faced with considerable technical and organisational adjustments. Those who prepare early will be able to secure and future-proof their processes, while avoiding unnecessary transitional solutions. Leibinger systems process variable data in real time and apply machine-readable codes and markings with absolute reliability. They are stable, precise and surprisingly cost-effective.

Packaging processes are undergoing real change. Data flows directly from order planning all the way through to the production line. Coding and marking systems have to deliver more than ever before. And Leibinger printers are designed to integrate seamlessly into digital production environments. Leibinger Connect provides invaluable practical support for operation and maintenance. Companies benefit from a comprehensive overview of their coding and marking processes – without the need for additional effort or expense.

Flexible capacities for processing Swiss-grown and imported organic oilseeds. Nutriswiss AG has received organic certification for its oil mill in Wohlen, Switzerland, paving the way for the flexible expansion of its operations in the production of organic edible oils. The Bio Suisse certification confirms the company’s ability to process locally grown organic Swiss oilseeds directly at source and refine high-quality organic seeds from within the EU in adherence with strict regulatory and traceability standards.

Around 85% of the oils and fats refined and supplied by Nutriswiss are plant-based, with the share of organic products continuing to rise. These raw materials are largely purchased on local and international markets or provided by Nutriswiss customers for contract refining. The organic certification of Nutriswiss’s own oil mill in Wohlen, canton of Aargau, closes a key gap in the company’s organic portfolio.

Pierre Nording, Head of Procurement at Nutriswiss AG, is responsible for implementing the company’s organic strategy on site. “The oil mill has been pressing edible oil for Nutriswiss since 2008. In 2022, we took over the facility entirely and decided to extend our organic offering across the full value chain. The first organic audit for oilseeds took place as early as autumn 2023,” he explains.

The Wohlen site primarily processes rapeseed and sunflower seeds grown in Switzerland, including high oleic (HO) varieties. These are rich in heat-resistant oleic acid and particularly well suited for frying and deep-frying applications. The site also processes soybeans and linseed, as well as imported organic raw materials.

Two production lines are in place: the larger one – consisting of a pre-press and main press – primarily processes rapeseed with a capacity of approximately 3.5 t/h. In addition, a smaller single-stage press handles flexible production of smaller oil batches at around 500 kg per hour. Full traceability of all batches and process steps is ensured. Organic seeds and oils are stored in dedicated silos and tanks at the site. During product transitions, any intermediate phases are processed separately in compliance with regulations and marketed without the organic label. A total of nine tanks provide interim storage for up to 1,900 t of crude oil, which is then transported by Centravo Group tankers for refining in Lyss. The adjacent organic-certified Freiamt Grain Centre provides total storage capacity for 24,000 t of grain and oilseeds.

While the share of organically grown oilseeds within Switzerland remains low, a significant portion of the organic seeds processed comes from imports - an area in which Nutriswiss expects to see sustainable future growth. Thanks to full organic certification across all internal production stages, Pierre Nording believes the company is well positioned to leverage this opportunity: “In addition to the Bio Suisse label, we are certified under the EU Organic Regulation and the China National Organic Standard. Batches are kept just as strictly separate as conventional and organic oils, in line with respective regulatory requirements.”

Somic Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG is delighted to receive a special award: the state-of-the-art Somic 434 end-of-line packaging machine has been honored with the prestigious Red Dot Award “Product Design 2025.” This makes the Somic 434 one of the best product designs of the year.

The international Red Dot jury, consisting of 43 experts from 21 countries, was particularly impressed by the successful combination of complex technology and a well-thought-out, ergonomic machine concept. The Somic 434 groups products such as bags, folding cartons, cans, or jars and gently packs them into shelf-ready cartons ready for shipment. With its modular design, it can be flexibly adapted – for example, for applications in the food or cosmetics industry.

In addition to its technical performance, the jury also highlighted the machine's design: generous glass surfaces, a slim frame construction, and LED corner lighting impressively showcase the technology. The soundproof supply cabinet and intuitive touch controls also ensure a safe and ergonomic working environment. “This award is a great honor for the entire SOMIC team,” says CEO Patrick Bonetsmüller. “It underlines our claim to combine technology, functionality, and design at the highest level.”