RELENTLESS WHEN IT COMES
TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY
AND RECYCLABILITY
The more efficient packaging processes are, the more sustainable production and packaging can be. Our modular machine concept and the consistent use of robotics ensure an ideal foundation for this. Our modular system is so flexible that packaging machines can always be adapted to your specific requirements
“The machines can process conventional packaging materials, such as plastic trays or composite films, as well as sustainable packaging made of cardboard or recyclable flowpack films,” explains Jan Köhler, Head of Line Planning and Projects. Schubert works tirelessly to improve the energy efficiency and recyclability of its lines.
An important aspect of making machines more efficient and therefore more environmentally friendly is Schubert Service. Because we understand service not only in terms of machine technology, but as comprehensive support along all processes and over the machine’s entire lifecycle. With our CARE Digital Services, we analyse your line down to the last detail and increase efficiency and performance to the greatest extent possible. Combined with their outstanding flexibility, retrofitability and proven durability, this makes our packaging machines future-proof and more sustainable for our customers.
“We want to achieve climate-friendly operation throughout a machine’s entire life cycle.”
Jan Köhler, Head of Series Development, Gerhard Schubert GmbH
HOW WE’RE MAKING OUR MACHINES
MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Efficient packaging machines are gentler on the environment. A machine’s energy consumption is just as important as its use of packaging material or adhesives. To achieve the highest possible efficiency in Schubert packaging lines, we combine state-of-the-artpackaging technology developed in house with optimal packaging quality. High-precision pick & place robots stack products into material-saving, close-fitting trays with millimetre accuracy. Our flying cross-sealing unit creates consistently high-quality seals for every type of flow-wrapping film. System control ensures that glue is applied as precisely required for all cardboard packaging. And AI-supported image processing enables robots to pick up unsorted products quickly. These are just a few examples of our innovative technologies for highly efficient automated packaging. In 2026, we’re set to take another leap in efficiency with our new generation of machines.
Schubert machines have a service life of 20 years or more – as our customers regularly attest. This is in no small part due to their robust design and solid manufacturing at our site in Crailsheim. This high-quality construction and our service packages extend their overall service life. The modular machine design also offers such flexibility that our systems can be modified or retrofitted even after many years – for example, to increase output, integrate additional packaging formats or switch to recyclable packaging materials. This makes Schubert packaging machines a long-term, sustainable investment that keeps all options open for manufacturers of fast-moving consumer goods.
The environmental footprint of packaging is generally less than five per cent of that of the product they contain. As such, high levels of waste in automated packaging have a greater environmental impact than the packaging itself. As with energy and material efficiency, we deploy innovative machine technology that offers the utmost reliability throughout the entire packaging process. Product quality control is also decisive. Thanks to our Vision System – our proprietary image processing solution – only flawless products make it into the packaging. This minimises waste caused by incorrectly packaged goods. Another key factor is our 4YOU Services, which are designed to prevent unforeseen machine stoppages and any resulting production waste.
Statutory climate protection requirements such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) are fundamentally changing the packaging industry, with an impact on areas such as packaging design and materials used. This shift is placing significant demands on conventional automation solutions, requiring them to overcome hurdles such as handling the transition from plastic to cardboard, composite films to paper-based films, or loosely packed containers to tightly packed boxes containing precisely configured goods. Fortunately, flexibility has been the guiding principle at Schubert for decades. That’s why the current Schubert portfolio – comprising modular TLM top-loading machines, pre-configured LIGHTLINE variants and autonomous, AI-supported TOG units – meets even the latest market requirements. Depending on the model, you can vary packaging materials, formats or individual tasks within the packaging process. TLM machines and TOG Cobots, in particular, can be adapted to the new sustainability requirements with little to no effort.
Digital data is a powerful tool for environmentally friendly machine operation. We make targeted use of this for our customers. All data from their Schubert systems is consolidated in the 4YOUconnect digital customer portal, where it is systematically analyzed as needed. The graphical analyses show, among other things, figures on overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), energy consumption, and the performance of individual machine components. Deviations and errors can be identified much more quickly, pinpointed within the system, and thus often resolved more rapidly. The operating hours of each individual unit can be tracked in minute detail, allowing us to determine upcoming scheduled maintenance and develop predictive maintenance plans. Transparent data helps increase the system’s overall efficiency through targeted improvements and prevents unplanned machine downtime as much as possible.
Environmentally friendly machines and services
KEY STEPS
IN 2025
