For the fourth year in a row, Syntegon has won the German Packaging Prize from the German Packaging Institute (Deutsches Verpackungsinstitut e.V.) The IDH handling system convinced the jury in the "Packaging Machines" category. It highlighted the innovative picker technology, which enables manufacturers to drastically reduce the space required from the infeed belt to the packaging machine. Despite its compact footprint, the system offers a high degree of format, pack style, and layout flexibility. ”Our Intelligent Direct Handling System, or IDH, ensures both high pack style flexibility and particularly gentle handling – the latter of which also minimizes product loss”, says Daniel Bossel, Product Manager at Syntegon. ”This award shows that we are continuously contributing to innovate and sustainable packaging technology. The prize also underlines Syntegon's decades of robotics expertise for the food industry.” The picker technology, which is based on innovative linear motor technology, is at the heart of the IDH. Each of the pickers can be controlled individually by a motor. Its slow and smooth movements minimize mechanical stress. Delicate products such as cookies and crackers are transported gently from the process belt into a feeder or directly into trays. The IDH pickers grip the products with minimal vacuum application. This reduces damage and product breakage – an important step in minimizing food waste while ensuring optimum line efficiency.