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14.06.2023

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Sustainability

Packaging Perspectives – Sustainable packaging from the word go

Schubert experts Laura Gascho and Michael Graf look at newly developed and sustainable packaging solutions.

Sustainable packaging begins long before automation kicks in: Automated packaging processes can only be efficient and cost-effective if the recycling package and the machine itself are perfectly matched to each other. This is the target Schubert has set for itself with its new “Packaging Perspectives” program: Through consulting, packaging development and research, the technology leader aims to actively support its customers on their sustainable journey into the future.

The logo of Mission Blue, the sustainability initiative of Gerhard Schubert GmbH.

Packaging Perspectives is part of the Mission Blue sustainability initiative.

“With Packaging Perspectives, we aim to provide manufacturers of food, beverages, cosmetics and many other types of products with all-new perspectives for more sustainable packaging,” explains Marcel Kiessling, Managing Director of Gerhard Schubert GmbH. “As part of our Mission Blue Sustainability Initiative, we are consolidating all our activities relating to sustainable packaging in the program.”

A cardboard packaging that has been bonded glue-free with Dotlock.

For the first time at this year’s interpack, Schubert presented Dotlock, a technology for glue-free cardboard bonding.

More sustainability translates into more cost-effectiveness and future-proofing

In practical terms, this means that the Schubert experts provide support in material selection and packaging design to develop a packaging solution that is both machine-compatible and environmentally friendly. Schubert-Consulting’s holistic advice is also fundamental to sustainable value creation along the entire supply chain. After all, a well-designed production line also increases efficiency and reduces waste. The combination of expertise, advanced packaging technology and a holistic consulting approach guarantees customers efficient, profitable and sustainable packaging processes. The many advantages of Packaging Perspectives extend far beyond the machine processes themselves: The use of volume- and material-optimised packaging saves resources and costs for manufacturers, strengthens recycling loops, earns points with the end customer at POS and ultimately secures the future of manufacturing companies in the market.

A cardboard box contains a tray with heart-shaped recesses. Schubert's new hybrid packaging technology was used for the tray, in which film and paper can be completely separated very quickly and easily after use.

At this year’s interpack, Schubert is presenting an innovative hybrid type of package that can be separated very easily and quickly for single-variety recycling.

Meeting packaging requirements combined with machine runnability

Schubert’s decades of experience in erecting, filling and sealing flat carton blanks are behind Packaging Perspectives. With this knowledge, the packaging machine manufacturer is ideally positioned to secure the foundation for a more sustainable solution as early as in the development stage of a new package. For instance, optimised blanks can often significantly increase the efficiency and performance of a machine, making an investment in automation more profitable. To this end, Schubert Packaging Development designs customised trays, boxes, wrap-arounds and other recyclable cardboard packaging – either to improve existing cardboard solutions or as an alternative to plastic packaging such as trays and shrink films. Re-design and nesting – i.e. the space-saving configuration of products in the packaging – also enable manufacturers to fit more products onto the pallet and therefore reduce the number of transports.

Technology and expertise for flow-wrapping films

Packaging Perspectives also offers special customer services for recyclable flowpack films made of monoplastic or paper-based materials. To find the most sustainable solution for products with specific barrier and protection requirements, manufacturers can choose from a large selection of commonly used materials, which Schubert has extensively tested for their functionality, with the Comfort Package. The material experts not only understand the films’ sealability and tear resistance, but also their potential for use with smaller packaging sizes. Customers can test their preferred combination of product and film directly in a flowpacker at the Schubert Technical Centre. The flow-wrapping machine’s flexible, state-of-the-art sealing technology enables switching between different films. If required, the composition of a flowpack film can also be analysed in the Schubert laboratory or new forming shoulders can be developed to ensure efficient processing in the machine.

Plastics engineer Laura Gascho works on materials research at the Schubert Technical Centre.

„We aim to support our customers in the selection of materials as much as possible,“ says Laura Gascho, plastics engineer at Schubert

A blister pack bonded glue-free with Schubert's Dotlock technology

With Schubert’s new Dotlock technology, blister packaging can also be produced from cardboard.

Innovative packaging with cardboard and film from Schubert

Schubert, as a complete solution provider, works with Packaging Perspectives to collaborate with strong industry partners and is continuing to expand its Technical Centre for testing and research. Close collaboration with various packaging material manufacturers, technology suppliers and institutions is already producing innovative packaging: For the first time at the interpack, Schubert presented Dotlock, a technology for glue-free cardboard bonding, as well as hybrid packaging that enables film and paper to be entirely separated very quickly and easily after use.

To Packaging Perspectives

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