Packaging, Warehouse and Automation Issue 201

PACKAGING

WAREHOUSE

& AUTOMATION

June/July 2025 | Issue 201

Page 24

KNAPP

Page 8

Kennedy International

Page 10

TIMCON

Page 11

On the Cover

24

Contents

Issue 201

5

Heidelberg

Our commitment is to be the first choice partner to the print media industry

by providing the best products, best networking and unparalleled service

and support to customers of all sizes and in all market segments in the UK

and Republic of Ireland.

Ambaflex

9

Editors Notes

Welcome to our June/July edition of Packaging Warehouse

& Automation! In this issue, we showcase a curated selection

of features on innovative companies across diverse industries,

exploring the technologies and solutions shaping the future of

packaging, logistics, and automated systems.

Gina Burton

Editor

gina@industrialprocessnews.co.uk

IntraLogisteX is the UK’s largest intralogistics event, bringing

together the entire industry. On page 4, we have a full review of the 2025 event, including the

co-located events Robotics and Automation and the Sustainable Supply Chain Exhibition.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise stand as the highest official UK accolade for business excellence,

celebrating outstanding achievements across four vital categories: Innovation, International Trade,

Sustainable Development, and Promoting Opportunity through social mobility. On page 9, we have

a brilliant feature that delves into the credibility these awards bring to businesses, as well as a full

break down of the entry criteria by category for all future applicants.

Global Graphics Software

10

On page 16, we have a full preview of UKPackaging Expo 2025, due to take place on the

3rd-4th September at Manchester Central. This year promises to be the event’s most dynamic

yet. Hosting retail, e-commerce, food & beverage, beauty, and pharmaceutical industries all

under one roof, the event will offer tailored insights, state-of-the art technologies, and key

industry connections.

Other topics include: Warehouse Automation, Storage & Racking, Transport & Haulage, Print,

Packaging & Labelling, Customs & Logistics, Food & Drink & Health & Safety.

Got news to share? Email: gina@industrialprocessnews.co.uk

Kennedy International

Contacts

Publication Management

Fallon Waldron, Publication Manager

T 0121 550 2086

fallonwaldron@industrialprocessnews.co.uk

Production

Robert Sharp, Production Manager

production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

Accounts

Paul Whitaker, Accounts Manager

T 0121 824 4742

accounts@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

Editorial

Gina Burton, Editor

gina@industrialprocessnews.co.uk

Packaging, Warehouse & Automation is a multi-media digital

magazine which circulates directly to 25,000 targeted businesses per

issue, and is downloadable from multiple digital news stands and via

social media.

Please contact 0121 550 2086

Email info@industrialprocessnews.co.uk

www.industrialprocessnews.co.uk

For more information on print or format

requirements, please see our Media Pack

The entire content of this publication is advertorial based. To place an

advertorial or an advert, please call 0121 550 2086.

Find us on LinkedIn and follow

us on Twitter @ipn_uk

PWA is sponsored by – see them on page 5 3

IntraLogisteX, Robotics & Automation Review – Top Exhibitors

IntraLogisteX Birmingham 2025

IntraLogisteX is the UK’s largest intralogistics event,

bringing together the entire industry – from warehouse

automation, robotics, and materials handling to packaging,

labelling, software, transport management, and more. Held

this year from 25th–26th March at the NEC Birmingham,

the event welcomed thousands of visitors.

Co-located with Robotics and Automation and the

Sustainable Supply Chain Exhibition, IntraLogisteX

offered the UK’s most comprehensive showcase

of robotics, automation, and sustainable supply

chain solutions – providing attendees with access to

innovations spanning the entire warehouse, supply

chain, and manufacturing process, all under one roof.

Now in its 10th year, IntraLogisteX offered exhibitors

a chance to connect with thousands of high-level

decision makers actively looking for the latest

solutions. The event supplied exhibitors with an

audience of unrivalled quality, and visitors had an

average of £2.3 million to spend with 80% of them

having buying influence.

The event was a great place to meet industry leading

exhibitors and discover how the latest technology

could be applied to your operations to provide massive

improvements in productivity and accuracy.

One of the standout features was the completely free

comprehensive Conference Theatre. This learning

opportunity gave visitors the chance to hear directly

from the minds behind the latest technology, whilst

listening to industry leaders as they shared their

insights and gave real world examples of how they

have automated their own, and their customers,

operations.

The Theatre featured standout talks from expert

speakers such as Adam Coventry – Former Director of

Warehousing, Boots UK Ltd; Alistair Barnes – Senior

Programme Manager, Land & Maritime Transport,

Innovate UK; Anna Krajinska – UK Director, Transport

& Environment; Phil Taylor – Key Account Manager,

BS Handling Systems Ltd; Reuben Henry-Fellows

– Deputy Editor, CiTTi Magazine; Sarah Hyde –

UK&I Sales Director: Manufacturing, Transport and

Logistics, Zebra Technologies; and many more.

A wealth of world-leading companies attended,

bringing the industry’s key connections together

under one roof. The floor was bustling with potential

suppliers, exhibitors, and industry influencers, all

engaging in business and benefiting from the unique

value of face-to-face interactions.

Companies like Allpack, AmbaFlex, Assa Abloy

(Traka), Aurora Insights, Makestation Projects, Lucas

Systems, Modula Storage Solutions, Netstock,

Palband, and many more were in attendance,

showcasing their latest innovations and putting on live

demonstrations of their latest solutions.

Robotics and Automation offered the unique

opportunity to gain an insight into the latest

innovations and technology available to improve

efficiency, reduce errors, drive down costs and gain a

competitive advantage.

Companies specialising in robots and robotic systems

that exhibited at the event included Fives Group, Deli,

Crescent Industrial, Karcher, JBT, KNAPP UK Ltd,

LAC Conveyor Systems Ltd, and many others. They

showcased a wide range of products and services,

including intelligent warehousing logistics systems,

equipment integration, safety solutions, consultancy,

performance-driven automation, and more.

The 2025 exhibition excelled in providing dynamic

spaces for visitors to connect with industry-leading

exhibitors – including robot manufacturers, system

integrators, and automation and machine vision

experts – and explore how the latest technologies

can drive significant gains in productivity and accuracy

across their operations.

The Robotics & Automation Theatre featured casestudy

presentations from exhibitors highlighting the

benefits of their products, alongside seminars by

industry thought leaders and experts on the latest

trends and developments in robotics and automation.

Each session concluded with an open forum, allowing

visitors to ask questions and explore how cuttingedge

technology could be applied to their businesses.

In addition, the IntraLogisteX Theatre and the

Sustainable Supply Chain Exhibition Theatre hosted

industry experts and exhibitors sharing insights into

operational success within their fields. A single visitor

pass granted access to all three shows, enabling

attendees to move freely between them under one roof.

The feedback from exhibitors this year was

overwhelmingly positive, with many openly expressing

their enthusiasm for the show, praising the number

of sales leads generated, and highlighting the

consistently high-quality footfall.

Comments included:

“It’s so great to hear what our customers

and potential customers think about our SAP

solutions and services, in person.”

“Unbelievable couple of days at IntraLogisteX

Exhibition at the NEC. Non-stop conversations

regarding mobile working, asset tracking, and

locating with the use of technology.”

And, “Lots of great discussions with many

connections, old and new.”

Showcasing the smartest innovations in warehousing

and logistics, IntraLogisteX 2026 will take place on

18th–19th March 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, in Halls

6 and 7. The event will once again be co-located with

Robotics and Automation, as well as the Sustainable

Supply Chain Exhibition.

This is our pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s

show, listed here in alphabetical order: Ambaflex, Interoll

& Troax. Further details can be found on the next page.

https://www.intralogistex.co.uk

4

PWA is sponsored by – see them on page 5

IntraLogisteX, Robotics & Automation Review – Top Exhibitors

Safe, smart, sustainable:

Troax’s winning formula

Accumulation applications

in the bakery market

Stationed at Stand 622, Troax made

the most of the 2025 IntraLogisteX

Exhibition. The team forged new

relationships, strengthened existing

ones, and captivated a keen audience

showcasing how Troax safety systems

protect people, property and processes.

Troax has been at the forefront of

safety innovation since 1955, developing

advanced solutions for warehouse

safety, machine guarding, secure storage,

and commercial partitioning. With over 70

years of expertise, they have become the

global leader in secure partitioning and

are trusted by industries worldwide. Their

durable, adaptable, and high-performance

systems are used across warehousing,

automation, logistics, and manufacturing,

helping businesses operate with

confidence and peace of mind.

Over the years, Troax has earned a

strong reputation for creating safer

environments across global industries

– particularly within the fast-growing

automated warehouse sector. Specialising

in warehouse and industrial wall solutions,

Troax offers a versatile range of products

including machine guarding, partitioning

systems, cages and mesh shelving.These

solutions serve a dynamic customer

base, from pallet stacker manufacturers

and system integrators to major players

in e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and

logistics.

With a presence in over 40 countries,

Troax combines global expertise with

local insight to deliver high-quality,

industry-critical solutions. Troax is

deeply committed to both sustainability

and quality, forging strong, long-term

partnerships with customers while

promoting environmental responsibility.

This dual focus ensures that safety

and sustainability go hand in hand -

supporting smarter, greener operations

across industries.

For more information, please see below:

T 01793 542000

info.uk@troax.com

https://www.troax.com/uk

In the dynamic world of the bakery

industry, accumulation plays a crucial

role in optimising production processes

and increasing efficiency. AmbaFlex,

as a global leader in spiral conveying

and accumulation solutions, offers

innovative solutions specifically

designed to address the challenges in

the bakery market.

Improved efficiency and continuity

Accumulation in bakery production

lines, such as for cookies in flowpacks,

is a proven method to eliminate micro

stops in crucial processes, such as

the tray-loader (cookies in tray. The

AccuVeyor type AVh from AmbaFlex

provides a unique way to enhance

efficiency in packaging lines for flexible

and sensitive packs which are most

common in bakery. Thanks to the

fully contactless and pressure-free

operating principle of the AccuVeyor,

producers can finally achieve

accumulation in their lines, resulting in

a significant boost in the efficiency and

Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

of the packaging line.

Sustainability and waste reduction

In addition to improving efficiency,

accumulation also contributes to

Interroll to unveil MCP PLAY

in UK premiere at IMHX 2025

optimising sustainability. Unnecessary

stops are significantly reduced, leading

to less lost product and packaging

material. This is especially in the bakery

industry, where the shelf life and quality

of products are of great importance.

Practical applications

Multinational producers of bakery

products, such as cookies in

flowpacks, pastries in stand-up bags/

pouches have experienced that the

AccuVeyor type AVh offers significant

improvements in their production

processes. Due to the contactless

and pressure-free operation, these

products can be accumulated without

damage, resulting in higher output and

improved packaging processes.

T +31 229 285130

inquiry@ambaflex.com

https://www.ambaflex.com/en

Interroll has selected IMHX (NEC, Birmingham,

9th-11th September) to premiere its awardwinning

MCP Play solution in the UK.

Visitors to Stand E30 will see first-hand how

Interroll is pioneering a new era of modular

material handling, driven by flexibility,

performance, and simplicity.

MCP PLAY represents the latest evolution

of Interroll’s Modular Conveyor Platform

(MCP), delivering a plug-and-play solution

that dramatically shortens project lead times

while bringing enhanced functionality.

Designed to help system integrators and end

users respond rapidly to changing market

demands, MCP PLAY removes the ‘one

package per zone’ constraint of traditional

modular solutions, but without the need

for complex, bespoke programming. This

unlocks increased throughput and reduced

energy consumption with a preconfigured,

plug-and-play solution.

At IMHX, Interroll experts will demonstrate

how MCP PLAY can support businesses

under pressure to scale operations,

increase efficiency, and adapt quickly to new

challenges. The solution’s built-in control

system and intuitive design make it ideal

for fast-paced logistics environments, from

manufacturing and warehousing operations

to food distribution and beyond.

Among other things, the innovation enables

reduced system commissioning times and

boasts many new features for adjusting

parameters and settings.

Hilton Campbell, UK managing director

at Interroll, said, “We know there are

businesses across the UK looking to drive

productivity increases through automation

in material handling. MCP Play represents

a major step forward in terms of what can

be achieved with a modular system, making

it quicker and easier for these gains to be

achieved.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to see this nextgeneration

solution in action. Visit Interroll

at IMHX 2025 to discover how MCP PLAY

is redefining simplicity and speed in modern

material handling.

Contact

T +44 (0)1536 312770

gb.sales@interroll.com

https://www.interroll.com


Warehouse Automation News

Eram Group selects Dematic to automate

new distribution centre

As a critical part of its overall strategy to optimise

and modernise a large portion of its B2B and B2C

storage and distribution operations, Eram Group’s

Fashion division has selected Dematic to automate

the company’s new distribution centre in Chemillé-en-

Anjou in the department of Main-et-Loire.

The family-owned company, based in France and

operating internationally, wants to consolidate the

flows of its footwear activities for its various brands,

including Gémo, Eram, Bocage and Mellow Yellow

in its new facility covering more than 40,000 square

metres in the Loire Valley region.

The Dematic solution features several advanced

Game changer in the

warehouse: AI-based

robotics redefines

warehouse automation

Order picking is complex and costintensive,

whether in e-commerce

or at OEMs. Traditional automation

technology reaches its limits here. The

Stuttgart-based company Sereact

solves this challenge with a complete

solution consisting of AI software

and robotics: robots understand their

environment situationally, develop

solution strategies for an efficient pick

and place process and implement

these autonomously.

Sereact Pick and Place identifies

products in real time based on

their appearance and selects the

technologies with a compact and scalable design.

The automation covers both picking and palletising

processes and includes a large AutoStore system to

enhance Eram’s Group order processing. The system

contains 80,000 bins, 84 robots and 16 workstations

for order processing. Additionally, a receiving conveyor

with two unloaders will unload trucks or containers

and a conveyor will sort packages for palletising.

A robot will open cartons while another robot loads

totes into the system. For the order picking process, a

packing station with a conveyor forwards orders to the

dispatch area.

The project is now underway and scheduled to be

appropriate picking method, taking

into account object characteristics

such as shape, color or texture –

even for complex products such as

food, textiles or fragile objects. It

then automatically switches between

different gripper types such as suction

cup or two-finger grippers. One of

Sereact‘s own new developments

is a patented gripper consisting of

three individually functioning vacuum

grippers with which the robots can

pick up a wide range of products of

different dimensions.

Even in complex environments, the

software detects the scope and

context of tasks. If objects are on top

of each other or too close to the edge

of the container, the robot moves

them into a position where it can grip

them ideally.

T +49 711 90777712

contact@sereact.ai

https://sereact.ai

completed and ready for commissioning in Q4 2026.

For more information about Dematic, please visit:

dematic.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and

Instagram.

Italy’s Globalpesca

selects Dematic to add

automation to new cold

storage warehouse

Warehouse automation and software

specialist Dematic has recently signed

a contract with Globalpesca – a leading

Italian provider of frozen foods and

food services to the hotel, restaurant,

and catering industries – to ensure

operational efficiencies at a new lowtemperature

warehouse for frozen

goods.

Headquartered northwest of Milan

in Gravellona Toce, Italy’s Piedmont

region, Globalpesca S.p.A. is a familyowned

business whose roots date

back nearly 125 years.

Due to rapid growth in the hospitality

and catering industry in Italy, food

service companies must be able to

manage higher order volumes and

be prepared to continuously improve

service levels. Globalpesca recognised

that automation would support its

operations by bringing improvements

in two key areas: better planning and

managing of its inbound product

process and better handling in storage

and restocking of its picking areas.

The Dematic solution is going to be

installed in a new warehouse facility

adjacent to Globalpesca’s distribution

centre in Gravellona Toce. The

solution calls for a self-supporting

structure designed to meet the load

and temperature requirements of the

warehouse, the second temperaturecontrolled

warehouse adjacent to the

distribution centre.

For more information on Dematic,

please visit: dematic.com and follow

us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

LogiMAT: Dematic to demonstrate how the right mix of

software and partnerships offer warehouse flexibility

At LogiMAT, held from March 11th-13th, in Stuttgart,

Germany, Dematic wanted visitors to come away

with a clear sense of the crucial role its software

plays when combined with partnerships to design

customised solutions for them providing facility

agility.

At its Hall 1/H61 stand, the leading provider of

intelligent automation technology has showcases

that take visitors on a warehouse journey filled with

live technology demonstrations, customer service

training demonstrations, discussions on where

the industry is heading as well as opportunities to

meet with some technology partners, that when

combined, help customers meet their supply chain

ambitions.

Whether its learning how Dematic comes

together with fellow KION Group brands,

strong partnerships with companies

such as AutoStore, or the recently

announced KION collaboration with

NVIDIA, visitors can experience first-hand

the benefits they reap from a seamless

combination of automation, software,

industrial trucks and other advanced technologies

in an integrated solution developed by Dematic. On

display will be an innovative, autonomous shuttle for

high-density pallet storage solutions involving the

Dematic partnership with EuroFork.

For more information about Dematic, please visit:

dematic.com

6


Storage & Racking

DIY for cost-effective

new warehouses

Rack-clad warehouses where the

rack installation columns also act

as a supporting structure for the

roof and sidewalls are an attractive

option for companies that quickly

need weather-protected storage

capacities. They offer a significant

cost advantage over standard

buildings with separate rack

systems. OHRA also enables its

customers to reduce costs further

by performing work themselves.

Hungarian companies Farkas-Fa,

a woodworking business, and

timber dealer Sarok-Fa made and

mounted the roof constructions for

their OHRA rack-clad warehouses with

their own wood.

New storage capacities in no time

Both companies quickly needed new

capacities for storing planks, beams

and other wood protected from the

weather. Farkas-Fa and Sarok-Fa

opted for rack-clad warehouses

based on cantilever racks. Warehouse

construction and rack assembly

are done at the same time and not

separately, enabling significantly faster

construction times.

Custom solutions

At Farkas-Fa, two cantilever racks

each measuring 12.4 metres in length

form the walls. As the columns of the

OHRA racks are made of hot-rolled

KNAPP launches AeroBot storage solution

AeroBot, the brand-new storage technology

from KNAPP, features intelligent storage bots

that move in three dimensions: lengthwise

and crosswise on the floor and vertically by

climbing the racks.

steel profiles, offering high load bearing

capacities, they enable large spans for

the roof construction: At Farkas-Fa,

the distance between the two rows of

racks measures 15 metres.

Roof construction

Both companies had the workforce and

expertise to build the roof construction

themselves. OHRA simply tailored

the supports at the racking columns

to the respective roof construction in

consultation with the two companies.

A new video shows the construction

and use of the two rack-clad

warehouses: https://youtu.be/

dC8gAB4K5gU

T + 49 2237/64 0

info@ohra.co.uk

https://www.ohra.co.uk

Alwayse Engineering

partners with Rapid Racking

to enhance custom storage

solutions

Alwayse Engineering Ltd has entered

a strategic partnership with Rapid

Racking Ltd, the UK’s leading specialist

in shelving and racking solutions, to

integrate its precision range of ball

transfer units into custom tables for

roll-on/roll-off capability.

This collaboration between the two

UK businesses aims to reduce the

risk of physical strain and fatigue for

warehousing and logistics workers

when loading and unloading shelves,

particularly when handling heavy items.

The integration of Birminghambased

Alwayse Engineering’s 3016

series ball transfer units into Rapid

Racking’s tables also offers enhanced

customisation and flexibility for

warehousing operators. They can be

introduced during the design stage

for new storage systems, as well as

to improve the efficiency of existing

installations.

The ball tables will be available

across Rapid Racking’s Rapid 1

workbench range and are available

in 1,830x760mm and 1,830x915mm

tables.

“We are thrilled to partner with Rapid

Racking and begin integrating our

ball transfer units into their custom

tables,” said James Turner, Head

of UK and Ireland Sales at Alwayse

Engineering. “Poor manual handling

is one of the biggest causes of

workplace injury, so finding a safe,

efficient and repeatable way to

improve processes was a key driver

behind the partnership.”

For more information, please

visit: www.alwayse.co.uk and

www.rapidracking.com/en

Launched earlier this year at the LogiMAT

exhibition – where it won the coveted Best

Product award – the AeroBot system is ideal

as a combined storage and picking solution for

e-commerce, micro fulfilment or omnichannel

fulfilment in various sectors, as well as being

suitable for applications in manufacturing and

industry.

The AeroBots at the heart of the solution

use intelligent lidar technology to navigate

through the entire system, without having

to rely on lines for their routes. Powered by

their innovative friction drive technology, the

AeroBots move in every dimension: along the

floor – also running below the rack system to

find the most efficient route – and vertically

along the racks.

Maximum storage density

Handling containers weighing up to 35kg

in racks up to 12m high, the AeroBots store

goods four deep to maximise storage density.

“The system can work around beams, slanted

walls and sloping ceilings,” explains Ben

Carroll, KNAPP’s IT Business Development

Manager, “Allowing you to make the most of

your existing space, even when integrating

the AeroBot system into an existing building.

Controlled by our own KiSoft software,”

continues Ben Carroll, “The AeroBots can

access any area of the system and work

independently of one another, resulting in high

availability and reliable operation.”

Simple setup

The AeroBot system was created

with simplicity in mind, from startup to

maintenance. Its intelligent design means

that the solution is easy to implement and

goes live quickly. In addition, standardised

components simplify maintenance and reduce

servicing costs.

Scale with your business

The AeroBot system can grow as required.

“You can add more storage locations if you

need more space,” says Ben Carroll, “or

add AeroBots to the system to boost your

throughput. Both factors can be changed

independently of each other, allowing you to

scale the solution to the precise needs of your

business.”

The AeroBot system can also be combined

with other technologies in KNAPP’s portfolio

including goods-to-person workstations, picking

robots, pocket sorter systems, other automated

mobile robots (AMRs) or conveyors.

Renowned for its customer service, KNAPP

has successful long-term partnerships with

clients including Alliance Healthcare, Boots,

Clarks, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer,

Matalan, Next, The Very Group and

Wincanton.

T 01865 965000

sales.uk@knapp.com

www.knapp.com

8


Kings Award for Exterprise

The King’s Awards for Enterprise 2025

The King’s Awards for Enterprise stand as

the highest official UK accolade for business

excellence, celebrating outstanding achievements

across four vital categories: Innovation,

International Trade, Sustainable Development,

and Promoting Opportunity through social mobility.

These prestigious awards honour organisations

that are driving progress, breaking boundaries,

and creating lasting impact both within the UK

and internationally.

Winning a King’s Award boosts credibility,

reputation, and visibility – nationally and globally.

It signals excellence to customers, partners, and

investors, opening doors to new opportunities.

Winners can use the official King’s Awards emblem

for five years, building brand trust and authority.

Externally, for companies targeting international

growth, the award supports increased exports,

partnerships, and investment. Internally, it lifts

employee morale, attracts talent, and reinforces a

culture of excellence and innovation.

One of the standout moments for winners is the

invitation to a Royal reception, followed by a formal

presentation of the award by one of the King’s

representatives, a Lord-Lieutenant. This not only

generates positive media attention but also offers

valuable networking opportunities with fellow

winners, government officials, and key industry

stakeholders.

Far more than just a badge of honour, the King’s

Award is a strategic asset – one that can accelerate

growth, enhance visibility, and inspire future

success.

The King’s Awards are open to UK-based

organisations of any size or sector – including

businesses, non-profits, and public bodies.

Applicants must:

ä Be based in the UK (including Channel Islands

and Isle of Man)

ä Employ at least two full-time staff

ä Be a self-contained enterprise with its own

management and accounts

ä Have a strong HMRC compliance record

ä Demonstrate solid environmental, social, and

governance (ESG) practices

Entry criteria by category

International trade:

Minimum £100,000 in overseas sales in year one,

with strong year-on-year growth over 3 or 6 years

(no dips), relative to size and sector.

Innovation:

Must have introduced a new innovation available

for at least 2 years, with proven commercial

success. Eligible areas: goods, services, marketing,

distribution, or after-sales. Innovation must have

recovered its costs or be on track to do so.

Sustainable development:

At least 2 years of embedded sustainability efforts

with clear, measurable environmental, social, or

economic impact.

Promoting opportunity (social mobility):

At least 2 years of support for individuals from

disadvantaged backgrounds – e.g., through

mentoring, training, or work experience – with clear

benefits to participants and the wider community.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise are free to

enter, and organisations can apply for as many

categories as they wish.

To register, you’ll need to submit your application

by 1pm on 9th September 2025.

https://www.gov.uk/

kings-awards-for-enterprise

Global Graphics Software: Developer of

core digital printing technologies

Global Graphics Software, a developer

of core digital printing technologies,

received the King’s Award for Enterprise

in Innovation for its ground-breaking

SmartDFE – intelligent digital front

end components that drive high-speed,

single-pass industrial inkjet presses.

The company developed SmartDFE

in response to their customers, who

increasingly needed to build inkjet

presses that could handle extremely

large files while printing at high speed.

SmartDFE – Digital front end components

for high-speed, single-pass inkjet presses

Part of the proud team at Global Graphics

Software, who have been honoured with a King’s

Award for Enterprise for Innovation 2025 for

their intelligent SmartDFE printing software.

From the left: Eric Worrall, VP of Products

& Services, Peter Goodwin, Group Finance

Director, Justin Bailey, Managing Director,

and Ben Gilbert, Engineering Manager

Global Graphics leveraged artificial

intelligence to develop software that can

process these files in real time as the

press operates, enabling faster, more

flexible production, reducing delays and

minimising waste. A key innovation was

embedding print expertise directly into

the software, reducing reliance on skilled

operators who are increasingly

scarce in the industry.

Managing Director Justin Bailey

says, “We are proud to be honoured

with this most prestigious award.

Developing SmartDFE has been a

journey that has seen us transition

from supplying software development

kits to a complete platform that our

customers can develop into their own

digital front ends to be sold with

their digital inkjet printers.”

SmartDFE has the potential to

transform digital printing: with its

built-in intelligence, SmartDFE

empowers press manufacturers

to consistently deliver first-class

products without the need for

specialised knowledge, and makes

adding a print subsystem to a smart

factory as straightforward as adding

any other industrial component.

T +44 (0)1954 283100

https://www.globalgraphics.com


Transport & Haulage

Leaders in international haulage

Kennedy International will be exhibiting at Multimodal

2025 at the NEC in Birmingham on the 17th-19th June

at Stand: 1052.

Kennedy International has been revolutionising the

transportation industry with its innovative approach to

international haulage transport and logistics for over

40 years. As a family run transport company, based in

the heart of County Kildare, Ireland, it is ideally located

just 30 minutes from Dublin Port to offer a complete

haulage service, acting as a one stop shop for all

logistical requirements. Kennedy International, also

have depots in Newry, Northern Ireland and Liverpool.

Kennedy International brings decades of experience

and industry expertise, proudly holding one of the

longest-standing histories among Irish haulage

companies.

Operating one of the biggest and most modern

fleets of vehicles in Ireland, Kennedy International is

committed to offering a flexible and comprehensive

service at an affordable price.

Their comprehensive range of transport services

handle everything from small packages and single

pallets to multiple pallets and full loads. Additional

offerings include break bulk handling, pick and pack,

palletisation, and complete logistics management,

overseeing customer goods from their arrival in the

country through to final delivery to the end consumer.

For warehousing and distribution, Kennedy offers both

indoor and outdoor storage solutions. With adaptable

racking and multiple capacities of forklift trucks, they can

offer keen rates on both storage and distribution of many

packaging types in all types of delivering trailers. They also

offer yard space for storage of machines and vehicles, as

well as 40ft and 20ft static, onsite containers which can be

rented for short or long term, and personal or business use.

All transport services are delivered using the

company’s own substantial fleet of over 75 vehicles

and over 150 trailers. Each truck is fitted with mobile

phones and satellite tracking systems so that they can

offer all customers quick response in understanding

collection times, delivery times and any other queries.

Kennedy International is fully equipped to meet all your

temperature-controlled transport needs with a fleet of

over 20 refrigerated units – including straight boxes,

meat railers, twin evaporators, double-deck trailers,

tail lifts, and undermount gensets. Maintaining precise

temperatures from -25°C to +25°C.

Since its founding in 1996, Kennedy International has

built a strong reputation as a leader in transhipping.

The company offers a full suite of services including

container loading and unloading, cross-docking,

palletising, and secure storage solutions.

What’s more, Kennedy International and its subsidiary

TankTrans Ltd. have vast experience in the carriage of

both hazardous and non-hazardous liquids and powders.

Tanktrans also hold waste collection permits for all of

Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK. This combined

haulage on ro/ro and lo/lo basis amounts to 60 years

and is expedited by a large fleet of vehicles and drivers.

Bretts Transport staff

embark upon four-year

supply chain management

degree

Three rising stars at Guyhirn-based

Bretts Transport are set to embark

upon a degree course as part of an

ongoing investment programme to

futureproof the business.

For more information, please see below:

T +353 1 836 5277

info@kennedyinternational.ie

https://kennedyinternational.ie

Aegis Energy launches

Aegis Trailblazers

Aegis Energy, the company

building the UK’s first network

of clean, multi-energy

refuelling hubs for commercial

vehicles, today launched the

Aegis Trailblazers – a new

initiative to recognise and

support the fleets leading the

transition to clean transport.

Wayne Minney, Transport General

Manager, Kim Wyatt, Customer

Service and Logistics Manager and

James Norris, Warehouse Manager

will complete the four-year BSc (Hons)

Supply Chain Management degree

course run by Peterborough-based

Anglia Ruskin University.

The course will cover every aspect of

supply chain management, with modules

including Operational Design and

Management, Inventory and Warehouse

Management, Finance and Procurement

Management, International Supply Chain

Management, Forecasting and Decision

Making and Contemporary Issues.

In all there are 11 modules to be

completed over the four years, each

with their own assessments. They

will be completed over a series of

fortnightly webinars, each three hours

long, along with one week of training

on campus every trimester.

Over the four years the three will work

towards the End Point Assessment

which is made up of a 9,000-word

report, a 20-minute presentation

followed by a 10-minute question and

answer session, and a 40-minute viva

examination.

As part of the course Bretts Transport

has also committed to supporting

the three by allocating time in work to

study towards the degree, providing a

number of work-based opportunities

and experience to help them build a

portfolio of evidence required by the

assessment plan, liaising with the

university on the candidates’ progress,

and providing a mentor throughout the

four-year course.

Please visit:

www.brettstransport.co.uk

The Aegis Trailblazers offers a

range of perks for forwardthinking

fleet operators who

are committing early to clean

refuelling. This includes

discounted electric charging

rates that can be competitive

with depot infrastructure, networking

opportunities, and the chance to help

shape Aegis Energy’s infrastructure

plans, from fuel options to driver

welfare facilities.

Members will join a growing

community of businesses that

are responding to increasing

consumer and regulatory demand for

decarbonisation, getting a head start

on the transition and their competitors,

whilst helping set the pace for the rest

of the industry.

Commercial vehicles contribute 10% of

the UK’s total emissions, but a lack of

tailored clean refuelling infrastructure

has been a significant barrier to fleet

decarbonisation. Aegis Energy is

addressing this challenge with its plans

to open five public-access multienergy

hubs by the end of 2027 and

30 by the end of the decade.

Through its Trailblazers initiative, Aegis

will provide early adopters with tailored

support, including decarbonisation

advice, financial incentives and a voice

in where and how its infrastructure

is developed. This aims to make

the transition more accessible for all

operators – from small local van fleets

to large mixed-fleet businesses.

Please visit:

http://www.aegisenergy.uk

10


Print, Packaging & Labelling

TIMCON meeting hears implications of

incoming packaging rules

Delegates from the wooden pallet

and packaging industry heard how

new regulations will soon impact on

their businesses at a general meeting

of the Timber Packaging & Pallet

Confederation (TIMCON).

Held in Manchester at the end

of February, the event featured

presentations on the development and

implementation timelines of new UK

and EU packaging rules. In an update

on the Packaging & Packaging Waste

Regulation (PPWR), Marcus Kirschner

of German association HPE said

European recycling targets are set to

increase to 25% this year and 30% by

2030.

As the EU continues to develop the

new rules, Kirschner said the packaging industry

was seeking greater clarity on PPWR definitions

– and acknowledged the role of continued

industry lobbying by organisations such as

HPE, FEFPEB, and TIMCON in securing key

exceptions and special considerations for wood

pallets and packaging.

Meanwhile, David Daw of environmental

compliance specialist Valpak outlined the

expected impact of Extended Produce

Responsibility (EPR) regulations on the UK

L-R: Rob Driessen, Connec3; David Daw, Valpak; Jeff

May, Construction Products Association (CPA); John Dye,

TIMCON; Heikki Vidgren, AFRY; and Marcus Kirschner, HPE

industry, adding that finalising complex details

could lead to a delay in the implementation of the

new regime.

The meeting also featured updates on the

wooden pallet and packaging sector from Heikki

Vidgren of AFRY – which produces TIMCON’s

monthly market index – and the worldwide timber

market by Rob Driessen of pallet and packaging

wood purchasing specialist Connec3.

Jeff May, Deputy Chief Executive of the

Construction Products Association (CPA),

gave an overview of the construction

industry’s priorities including its

sustainability goals of decarbonising

industry and ensuring compliance with

government expectations.

TIMCON President, John Dye,

said, “TIMCON meetings always

aim to provide key updates for our

membership, and our speakers this time

gave essential insights into the changes

in packaging rules that will affect their

businesses in the months ahead. This

meeting also showed how important

our engagement in the lobbying

process is to achieving positive results

for our business – and the fantastic turn

out shows how much our members

value the opportunity to hear first-hand

and discuss updates on regulations and

other aspects of the business.”

“Working closer with pallet and packaging using

industries, our forest-based sector counterparts,

and our international colleagues makes all our

businesses stronger and in today’s increasingly

complex global market, is more important than ever.”

For more information or images,

please contact TIMCON:

T +44 (0)116 274 7357

info@timcon.org

Growth in the Nordics

In late summer

2025, Faller

Packaging will start

producing folding

cartons at its new

site in Horsens,

Denmark. The

company is thus

implementing a

project that was

already announced

in April 2023: the

establishment of an

additional production

facility for the

Nordics. The aim is

to reliably meet the

growing demand.

The new plant will complement

Faller Packaging’s existing facility in

Hvidovre, Denmark, and is a targeted

response to the growing demand for

pharmaceutical packaging. The plan is

to increase total capacity in Denmark

to around 900 million units per year.

In Horsens alone, the packaging

manufacturer plans to produce up to

600 million folding cartons per year.

The decision to open a second

production site is part of the growth

strategy for the folding carton division

of the Faller Packaging Group. The

packaging specialist had already

taken over a 5,700 square metre

building complex in Horsens in 2023

and modernised it extensively. The

production facility will now go into

operation in stages – the future

employees will first undergo extensive

training in Hvidovre.

More capacity, more customer

proximity

“The new factory is lean and combines

efficiency and quality. This not only

allows us to significantly increase

capacity, but also strengthens our

customer service on site,” explains

Managing Director Christian Holmskov.

A major advantage of the new plant

is that the modern full-format printing

presses enable a much higher output

per sheet than the half-format

technology previously used.

T +49 7681 405 0

info@faller-packaging.com

www.faller-packaging.com


Print, Packaging & Labelling News

BW Converting

showcased

advanced

packaging tech

Packaging

manufacturers

are under

pressure to meet

increasingly

complex brandowner

demands

with impeccable

accuracy while

maximising productivity, quality and sustainability.

Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE)’s European FlexPack

Summit, took place February 24th to 26th in Barcelona,

Spain, addressing these challenges head-on. BW

Converting demonstrated how the latest innovations

under its Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC),

Hudson-Sharp and Baldwin Technology brands have

set new standards to propel the industry forward.

ThePackHub announced finalists for

the 2025 Packaging Startup Awards

ThePackHub was excited to announce

the finalists for the 2025 Packaging

Startup Awards, which celebrated the

cutting-edge innovations from startups

that are transforming the future of

packaging. Sponsored by Ocado Retail,

the prestigious competition culminated

in a highly anticipated awards ceremony

at Packaging Innovations & Empack

2025, held at the Birmingham NEC on

February 13th, 2025. These awards

spotlight the most impactful packaging

solutions from around the world, with

finalists spanning five categories:

Alternative Materials, Connected

Packaging, Refill & Reuse, Waste

Reduction, and Online.

This year’s competition has seen an

impressive increase in submissions, showcasing

the entrepreneurial spirit reshaping the packaging

landscape. A distinguished panel of 20 experts from

leading global brands has selected the finalists,

whose forward-thinking solutions are

set to reshape packaging and drive

sustainability. Notable finalists include

Blue Ocean Closures, which is set

to transform packaging with its fully

recyclable cellulose fibre closures,

and Kelpi, creating biodegradable

seaweed-based alternatives to

plastic. PulpaTronics is pushing the

boundaries of smart packaging with

interactive features, while ecoSPIRITS

is reinventing the spirits industry with a

closed-loop distribution system.

The event promises to be an exciting

and insightful experience, bringing

together the brightest minds in packaging

innovation. For more information on the

Packaging Startup Awards 2025 or to

attend the awards ceremony at Packaging Innovations &

Empack 2025, register as a visitor today.

Please visit: https://thepackhub.com

The event, which took place at the five-star Torre

Melina Gran Meliáh hotel, was the first FlexPack

Summit where suppliers joined converters for three

days of presentations from industry and regulatory

experts who covered a range of topics relating to

global market developments, trends, sustainability

issues and current European legislation.

Among the dozen inaugural exhibitors, BW

Converting showcased its PCMC ION digital hybrid

press, Hudson-Sharp Ares stand-up pouch line and

Baldwin Defender® 100% inspection system.

BW Converting’s PCMC ION hybrid printing platform

provides the ability to produce larger digital runs costcompetitively,

meeting market needs for wider, faster

printing with highest quality. It is designed to handle

up to 127 metres per minute with web widths of 914,

1,066 and 1,320 millimetres for paper, film and board

applications. ION is a fully modular system with digital

CMYK and flexo print stations that can be custom

configured to meet a variety of customer challenges.

Click here to book a slot with McGill and visit:

https://www.bwconverting.com for more

information.

New ‘Packaging Competence Centre’

supports the development of futureproof

packaging solutions

Gerhard Schubert GmbH and

the Berlin-based Berndt+Partner

Group packaging consultancy are

combining their expertise with the

Packaging Competence Centre

(PCC). The new organisation brings

together experts in regulation,

packaging design, materials and

automation technology. The

aim of the PCC is to advise manufacturers on the

development of sustainable packaging and to find

viable solutions for implementation. The focus is on

meeting the challenges of PPWR as well as other

sustainability issues.

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

(PPWR) aims to make the packaging industry more

sustainable and to reduce the

negative environmental impact

of packaging waste. However, it

presents manufacturers with major

challenges due to extremely tight

deadlines, different implementation

timelines and the current lack of

detailed regulations. Companies

need to evaluate as quickly

as possible how they will respond to the often

complex requirements. This can have far-reaching

consequences for their packaging and production

processes – and requires efficient, compliant

implementation, for which PCC provides a wide

range of support.

Please visit: www.schubert.group

Measom Freer repackage website to

showcase sustainable packaging solutions

In its latest phase of growth plans, familyowned

plastic packaging manufacturer Measom

Freer has relaunched its company website to

showcase its range of sustainable packaging

solutions to a wider audience.

The new website promotes the company’s

products and services, sharing their commitment

to sustainability and extensive knowledge of the

plastic packaging sector.

Established in 1937, Measom Freer is a fourthgeneration

family run business specialising in the

design, manufacture and supply of injection and

blow moulded plastic packaging.

Producing more than 20 million plastic bottles,

scoops, closures and containers each year from

its state-of-the-art facility on Chartwell Drive in

Leicester, the company prides itself on delivering

quality, sustainable packaging solutions.

The website features professional videos and

images illustrating the products and services

available to customers, improved navigation

and search functions together with an upgraded

resource centre providing visitors guidance on

current plastic legislation and useful information.

Measom Freer production manager Ben Freer

commented, “As a UK packaging manufacturer

that prides itself on delivering an excellent

customer experience, we needed a new website

that could showcase our exceptional service and

manufacturing capabilities to our existing and

future customers.”

“We have ambitious plans to grow the business

over the next 12 months. With the recruitment of

an experienced business development manager

and investment in a new blow moulding machine

the new website will support our strategy.”

To visit the new website go to:

www.measomfreer.co.uk

12


XPO Logistics holds

fifth annual UK

Female Driver Forum

Customs & Logistics

Pallet movers from

DIMOS integrate airport

logistics processes

XPO, a

leading

provider of

innovative

and

sustainable

end-to-end

logistics

solutions

across

Europe,

held its fifth

annual UK

Female Driver

Forum this

week. The forum provided a safe

space for female drivers to bring

matters of concern to the attention

of XPO’s senior management and

to network.

As in previous years, all XPO

Logistics female drivers were invited

to attend the forum, which took place

at the company’s national distribution

centre in Crick, Northamptonshire.

This is the second UK Female Driver

Forum, which took place in 2024.

Since the first one, held in April, XPO

Logistics has increased its number

of female drivers by 20 in the UK

and Ireland and hopes to boost this

number even further this year.

The forum covered several topics,

including Neurodiversity in the

Workplace, which is at the heart

of XPO’s workplace equality and

diversity values. It also hosted an

interactive session for female

drivers to provide operational

feedback to help the company

best support them.

XPO Logistics is a leading

innovative supply chain company

in Europe, offering end-to-end

logistics solutions that combine fulltruckload,

less-than-truckload, pallet

distribution, last-mile delivery, global

freight forwarding, and warehousing

services. The company tailors its

solutions to the specific needs of

its customers in a wide range of

industrial and consumer sectors.

For more information, visit:

xpo.com and europe.xpo.com.

From airside to landside, DIMOS

pallet movers ensure safe

and efficient handling of ULDs

throughout the entire airport

terminal. While retaining the

standard model, the system

service provider has developed

two new versions with scales

and lift tables. Carrying out

typical stationary processes

with a flexible vehicle saves

users space, time and, most

importantly, money.

Handling unit load devices

(ULD) at airports requires high

levels of flexibility and efficiency,

as large quantities of baggage

and freight must be loaded as

quickly and safely as possible

in a confined space. Pallet

movers are commonly used

for transporting ULDs in the

terminal. However, Petersbergbased

machine manufacturer

DIMOS has modernised its

standard model to create two

new variants and now offers

a product range that can also

be used landside. The standard

version with crosswise seat

cabin and 360° steering remains

unchanged but also formed a

solid basis for development.

With a load capacity of up to 7t,

the entry-level model lifts the

ULDs to 508mm so that they

can be seamlessly transported

to the dollies. The truck’s three

characteristic forks have been

replaced in the new variants

in order to expand into further

areas of application.

For further information on

DIMOS’ air cargo solutions,

please visit: https://www.

dimos-maschinenbau.de/

de-de/luftfrachtlogistik


UK Packaging Expo Preview

Package the future

UKPackaging Expo is poised to become the UK’s

leading event for the packaging industry. Strategically

located in Manchester – the ideal location for an event

focused on innovation, collaboration, and business

growth.

Manchester is known as the beating heart of the

UK’s manufacturing and industrial sectors, as well as

the birthplace of the industrial revolution, boasting

innovation and progress. By hosting the event in this

dynamic city, UKPackaging Expo can better serve

the packaging needs of businesses across the UK,

particularly in the North, where much of the country’s

manufacturing and industrial activity takes place.

What’s more, with its rich legacy of industrial

innovation and vibrant, forward-thinking economy,

Manchester offers a unique environment for

collaboration and discovery, boasting a diverse and

growing economy that is ideal for an event focused on

shaping the future of packaging.

Known as Europe’s leading event dedicated to

platforming sustainable packaging solutions,

UKPackaging Expo 2025 will take place on September

3rd and 4th 2025 at Manchester Central, Hall 1, for two

days of innovation, sustainability, and business growth

– bringing together the North’s industry leaders and

future trends.

This year promises to be the event’s most dynamic

yet. Hosting retail, e-commerce, food & beverage,

beauty, and pharmaceutical industries all under one

roof, the event will offer tailored insights, state-of-theart

technologies, and key industry connections to help

you stay ahead in an ever-evolving market.

The event is dedicated to connecting businesses

with cutting-edge technologies, offering access to

eco-friendly materials, smart automation, and costeffective

solutions that improve efficiency and drive

profitability. So, whether you’re looking for insights

into sustainable packaging trends, innovative design

concepts, or supply chain optimisation, UKPackaging

Expo 2025 is the place where forward-thinking

businesses come together to inspire and lead the

industry forward.

Offering unparalleled opportunities for brands and

manufacturers to connect, innovate, and grow, the

event brings together leading minds, cutting-edge

technologies, and vital business networks.

UKPackaging Expo 2025 will feature:

100+ Innovative Exhibitors and 2,500+ attendees:

The event will feature a wide range of exhibitors

at the forefront of the packaging industry ready to

showcase their latest solutions to a highly engaged

audience. From launching a ground-breaking product,

to unveiling sustainable packaging solutions, or

demonstrating state-of-the-art technologies,

UKPackaging Expo 2025 will provide the ideal

platform to drive brand awareness, forge valuable

partnerships, and gain a competitive edge in the

evolving packaging landscape. The event will be a

great place for brands to extend their reach across

many industries, generate high-quality leads, and take

advantage of the opportunity to place their business

at the centre of industry transformation.

There will be suppliers, manufacturers and service

providers at the event, exhibiting from a number of

key sectors including Packaging Materials, Packaging

Machinery & Equipment, Printing & Labelling,

Supply Chain & Logistics, Sustainability & Recycling,

Design & Innovation, Food & Beverage Packaging,

Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Packaging, and Retail &

E-Commerce Packaging.

20+ Inspiring Speakers & Thought-Provoking Panel

Debates: Don’t forget to visit the highly anticipated

Future Packaging Conference. It will be the ideal place

where attendees can gain insights and inspiration from

the brightest minds in the industry.

One session not to miss taking place on the 4th

September is ‘What do EPR, RAM, and disposal

fees really mean for your packaging strategy moving

forward?’ taken by Michael Jennings, Policy &

Affairs Advisor at Beyondly. The session will explore

the challenges, opportunities, and the long-term

translation of EPR legislation and what it means

for brands, suppliers, and the broader packaging

ecosystem.

Networking Opportunities: The event will offer

attendees the opportunity to network with

procurement managers, packaging engineers, and

C-suite executives from major brands. With over

70% of attendees having direct purchasing power,

valuable conversations and sales opportunities are

guaranteed! This is also a great opportunity for brands

to showcase themselves to a highly targeted audience

of professionals actively looking for solutions.

There will also be many live demonstrations and

interactive experiences where the latest materials,

technologies, and solutions will be showcased,

highlighting the next-generation in packaging.

UKPackaging Expo is known as being more than just

an event; it's seen by many as a hub for innovation,

education, and collaboration. It’s not just another industry

show, it is making noise, and for a good reason. The

event is building something bold, focused, and designed

around the industry, the brands, buyers, and packaging

professionals who are shaping the future.

Mark your calendars for the 3rd-4th September at

Manchester Central. From sustainability to shelf

impact, from circular formats to connected packaging,

this is where the UK’s packaging community comes

together to see what’s new, what’s changing, and

what’s actually working. Secure your FREE ticket

today for the UKPackaging Expo 2025!

https://ukpackexpo.co.uk

16


Countrywide Freight

Group: Market leader in

GB-Ireland-GB transport

Countrywide

Freight Group

is a market

leader in

GB-Ireland-

GB transport.

With depots

in Gateshead,

Manchester,

Melton

Mowbray,

London,

Belfast and

Dublin, we

offer part load

and full load services across Eire and

Northern Ireland.

We are proud to count some of

Europe’s biggest names in packaging

amongst our customer base. Our

packaging customers know that

outsized freight and non-standard

pallets don’t faze us. They rely on us

to deliver on time to Ireland’s largest

consumer goods manufacturers,

knowing that we will take care of the

booking in process from start to finish.

Our 50 years’ experience in the market

means we take the hassle out of customs

too, however complex the declaration.

Group Sales Director, Diane Carroll,

says, “Our customers stay with us

for our personal service, reliability and

great value for money – all increasingly

critical in the fast-paced world of FMCG

packaging. We’re delighted to be

exhibiting at UK Packaging Expo – our

first dedicated packaging event and

an opportunity to demonstrate our

service excellence to the indirect goods

market.”

Meet the team at Stand B28, or visit

our website to chat to us sooner.

T +44 (0)330 383 0032

sales@countrywide-freight.co.uk

www.countrywide-freight.co.uk

Leicestershire residents

encouraged to recycle

their metal packaging

A new campaign promoting

metal packaging recycling

has been introduced by

Leicestershire County Council.

In a bid to improve recycling

rates, households across the

county are being encouraged

to recycle their metal packaging

including food and drink cans,

aluminium wrapping foil and

foil trays, as well as empty

aerosols and metal screw tops.

Spearheaded by the Aluminium

Packaging Recycling

Organisation (Alupro), the

‘MetalMatters’ programme

will use targeted social media

and digital messaging to

communicate the widespread

benefits of recycling metal household

packaging.

Starting in January, it is hoped that

within the six-week long campaign,

Leicestershire County Council can

engage with the majority of the

316,000 households in Leicestershire.

Since its launch in 2012, more than

128 local authorities have adopted

MetalMatters, with recycling rates

improving as a result.

Funded by the metal packaging

industry, MetalMatters aims to educate

householders about the benefits

of metal packaging and encourage

them to recycle. Designed to support

recycling schemes, MetalMatters can

be run by any local authority, either

region-wide, by collection round or

even by demographic targeting.

For more information about

MetalMatters, or to register interest,

please visit: www.metalmatters.org.uk

UK Packaging Expo Preview

GEN GRINDERS:

Taste of life with a

natural touch

GEN GRINDERS is a leading Turkish

manufacturer specialising in high-tech

plastic packaging for the global spice

industry. We produce premium-quality,

sustainability-focused grinders, PET

jars, and closures designed to meet

the highest industry standards.

As a BRC packaging-certified

company, we proudly export to over

40 countries, supplying a wide range

of clients including co-packers, major

global spice brands, and packaging

solution providers. Our strong focus on

quality, innovation, and environmental

responsibility makes GEN GRINDERS

a trusted partner in the international

packaging market.

Our headquarters and production

facility are located in Izmir, Türkiye,

supported by dedicated sales offices

in Austria and the UK, ensuring close

communication and efficient service

for our European clients.

With in-house moulding and R&D

capabilities, we offer custom solutions

including tailor-made product

development, rapid prototyping, and

short lead times-enabling our partners

to bring their products to market faster.

Whether you're looking for a standard

packaging solution or a unique design

that fits your brand, GEN GRINDERS

delivers with quality, flexibility, and

speed.

Choose GEN GRINDERS for

packaging solutions that combine

advanced manufacturing, sustainable

practices, and global reach.

Contact

mert.artun@gengrinders.com

info@gengrinders.com

https://gengrinders.com

Green Packaging

Thinking outside of the

(cardboard) box: Reducing

carbon footprint with

right-sized packaging

Jim Farquhar, Sales Director at

CSL, discusses the issue of excess

packaging use, the reasons behind it

and how this can be addressed using

technology.

For ecommerce businesses, 3PLs,

warehouses, and fulfilment centres,

lowering your carbon footprint is not

just a goal but also a responsibility.

Some positive progress has

already been made with many

major ecommerce businesses now

avoiding plastic and using paperbased

packaging instead. But there

is still much room for improvement,

particularly in terms of the amount of

packaging used.

The scale of the problem

More often than not, consumers end

up with boxes that are way oversized

compared with the size of the

product they’ve ordered. The more

the ecommerce industry grows, the

worse the problem is becoming.

Paper packaging production has

increased by 65% throughout the

past two decades ,1 equating to

billions more trees being cut down

each year.

It’s great that the UK ecommerce

industry is booming. But with this

increase, it’s more important than

ever to consider the environmental

and financial impact of sending

goods to the customer.

For more information, please visit:

https://conveyorsystemsltd.co.uk

1 https://www.bbc.com/worklife/

article/20240415-why-your-small-goodscome-in-gigantic-boxes


Food & Drink News

Atlas Copco’s new beer foam separator reduces

water wastage and increases production efficiency

Atlas Copco, a leading brand in the

beer industry for compressors and N2

generator systems, recently introduced

a new innovative solution for the beer

bottling process – the Beer Foam

Separator (BFS 900). Built to be used

in combination with its industry 4.0

ready GHS VSD+ screw vacuum pump,

the addition of the beer foam separator

is primed to improve energy efficiency,

reduce lifecycle costs and lower the

rejection rate of over and underfilled

bottles in the process.

Better protection, cleaner

processes, higher savings

The beer foam separator was

designed and developed in

partnership with leading brewery

customers and in direct response

to the excess foam production

that hampered the beer filling

process. The high amount of foam

generated at the end of the filling

process would enter the vacuum

line and disrupt the process leading

to poor quality, reduced output.

Tough design meets smart functioning

The BFS 900 is fabricated from 304 stainless steel

for high durability with an auto-draining tank and

associated logic control system. When the excess

foam enters the vacuum system, it is effectively

collapsed in the foam separator by a calming section

with a large diameter for foam settling. The rising

liquid level is detected by appropriate sensors and

an automatic separation process is initiated by an air

lock consisting of electro-pneumatic actuators and a

receiver tank to enable drain in continuous operation.

Please visit: www.atlascopco.com

KM Packaging celebrates

40 years of innovation

and excellence

KM Packaging, a leader

in innovative flexible

packaging solutions, is

celebrating 40 years of

delivering reliable, cuttingedge

packaging across

many varied sectors,

including fresh produce,

ambient, chilled and frozen

convenience foods,

confectionery, and snacks.

This milestone highlights four decades

of dedication, growth, and strong

partnerships that have consolidated the

company’s standing in the industry.

Since its inception in 1984, KM

Packaging has established a reputation

for close collaboration with customers,

ensuring their products are wellprotected,

presented, and preserved.

KM Packaging’s ability to adapt to the

ever-changing market has fostered

long-term loyalty, with key customers

staying with the company from its

inception. This enduring trust reflects

KM’s commitment to providing highquality,

tailored packaging solutions.

The company’s longevity and market

leadership are also attributed to its

robust supply partnerships, which have

been carefully nurtured over the years.

This strategic approach allows KM

Packaging to offer one of the most

comprehensive ranges of lidding films

around the world.

Looking ahead, KM Packaging is

committed to sustainable growth,

ensuring long-term business viability.

The company’s expansion into

Australia and more recently North

America highlights its commitment

to growing its global presence while

maintaining exceptional customer

service.

For further details, please contact:

T +44 (0)1832 274944

contact@kmpack.co.uk

www.kmpackaging.com

Leak detection with

the Contura® series

from INFICON

The food and packaging market

is facing major challenges: longer

transport routes and growing demands

on products today require better shelf

life. In addition, there are increased

demands in terms of environmental

compatibility, legal requirements and

consumer wishes. In order to fulfil these

criteria, it is necessary to carry out leak

tests on packaging during production

to prevent leaks and damage. These

tests ultimately serve to ensure product

safety and consumer protection –

such as in the case of vacuum-sealed

coffee capsules and packaging.

Here, manufacturers attach particular

importance to brand-relevant quality

features such as freshness, color,

creaminess and aroma and flavour

intensity.

Expertise in the food and packaging

industry

Established suppliers of leak testing

systems have proven to be reliable

partners for coffee producers. With

its extensive expertise in the food

and packaging industry, INFICON, for

example, has tried-and-tested products

for this application in its portfolio. The

easy-to-use systems are used where

quality requirements are particularly

high: for coffee packaging. “This is

not least due to the special properties

of the popular hot beverage,” argues

Arman Khazali, Operations Manager

at Italian coffee manufacturer and

INFICON customer Bialetti from

Coccaglio, in the province of Brescia.

According to Khazali, coffee is a luxury

foodstuff that, like wine, is based on a

raw material. Due to natural influences,

such as the climate or soil conditions,

the fruit is not identical for every

harvest.

For more information about

INFICON and its products,

please visit: www.inficon.com

Macsa id UK showcased SPA2 Nano UV Laser

Coder and Thermal Ink Jet Printer at PPMA 2024

Macsa id UK highlighted a wide range of advanced

coding and marking equipment at PPMA 2024 last

year. Amongst the machines on show were the high

speed SPA2 NANO UV laser system which offers

high contrast, damage free operation, and clean and

uniform marking making it ideal for a variety of delicate

or difficult substrates including flexible packaging

films. There was live demonstrations of a conveyor

mounted Macsa low cost idTIJ thermal inkjet printer.

With significant ease of use and low maintenance

benefits, the idTIJ is aimed at fast, high resolution

applications. Macsa’s affordable SPARK small

character laser coder and Fiber laser coder for marking

aluminum beverage cans were also highlighted.

Macsa’s versatile SPA2 NANO UV laser system is

compact, lightweight and simple to install and delivers

a high quality beam that is used for precision marking

of delicate or difficult substrates such as flexible

packaging films or high strength, high heat resins. The

machine’s digital galvos and drivers together with new

dual processor facilitates easy integration in the most

demanding production lines.

The NANO UV can mark multiple materials with

similar parameters, reducing the need for operator

intervention and increasing line up time and efficiency.

It is capable of generating greater contrast for more

appealing aesthetics and improved readability of 2D

codes. Through suppressed heat effects, burns and

yellow tinting are eliminated which allows for a virtually

perfect finish.

Please visit: www.macsa.com

18


Appointments News

Macpac steps into

the next generation

Brothers Lloyd and Jim Kershaw join family business

Macpac (www.macpac.co.uk)

– one of the UK’s largest

family run thermoformed

packaging manufacturers

has welcomed Lloyd and Jim

Kershaw to the business.

The sons of owner and

Managing Director, Graham

Kershaw, have joined

Macpac as part of a longterm

plan designed to drive

the business to the next

generation of sustainable

packaging.

Founded by the Kershaw family

in 1973, Macpac has been an

independent and highly innovative

thermoforming business for over 50

years.

The brothers bring nearly two

decades combined experience in

design, marketing, and engineering,

specialising in sustainability from

outside the industry.

The brothers certainly achieve this

with Jim joining after spending nearly a

decade working in the pharmaceutical

marketing consultancy industry. His

master’s degree in environmental

sciences and clean technology bring

insights into the needs of clients and

patients in the medical sector, whilst

having a deep knowledge of modern

manufacturing.

Jim is excited by the challenges of

developing new production techniques

to keep improving Macpac’s

environmental strengths.

Graduating from Cambridge University

with a master’s in general engineering,

Lloyd spent nine years as a Chartered

Structural Engineer and Associate to a

prestigious London design studio.

For product enquiries please contact:

Macpac, contact: 0161 4421642 or

email: info@macpac.co.uk.

Pulse expands

presence in Poland

with key appointment

Narrow web printing ink specialist Pulse

Roll Label Products (Pulse) has welcomed

Przemysław Juszczyk to its team in

Poland, strengthening the company’s

position in the country and beyond.

Mr Juszczyk brings vast experience

to the narrow web ink manufacturer’s

operation in Poland – Pulse Polska.

He has a strong background in print,

having trained in printing, worked at

a printing house, and most recently

served as a sales manager at

Reprograf Grafikus for almost 15 years.

In his new role, Mr Juszczyk will

support Pulse’s customers in Eastern

Poland and Slovakia. Colleague

Artur Mansfeld, Pulse Polska Sales

Manager, will focus on serving

customers in Western Poland and

Czech Republic.

Pulse Roll Label Products Managing

Director Gary Seward said, “We are

delighted to welcome Przemysław to

the Pulse family. His experience and

skills make him a highly valuable asset

to the Pulse Polska team and our

growth ambitions for the region.”

The Pulse Polska facility was formally

opened at the start of 2024, giving

the narrow web ink specialist a direct

presence in the country as well as

growing its position in Central and

Eastern Europe.

For information on Pulse Roll Label

Products and Pulse Polska, please

visit: pulserl.com

The Pulse Polska team can be

contacted directly on:

sales@pulsepolska.pl.

Measom Freer announce

new appointment to

support growth strategy

A Leicester based family-owned plastic

packaging manufacturer has appointed

a new Business Development

Manager to support its strategy to

diversify into new markets.

Measom Freer has appointed Craig

Edwards to the role of Business

Development Manager to help drive

strategic growth and generate new

business within the chemical market.

Craig brings a wealth of industry

experience to the business having

previously worked at plastic packaging

manufacturer Faerch UK, and more

recently, packaging distributor Pont

Packaging.

As part of his role, Craig will be

responsible for shaping strategy and

product development to generate new

business in the chemical market with a

focus on sectors such as janitorial and

car care.

Craig will also work closely with the

production team to roll out a ‘On

Time in Full’ inventory service to

customers. The new offering will

provide customers with ‘their allocated’

products as and when they are

needed, with manufacturing to replace

stock as it’s taken, reducing order

fulfilment times.

Established in 1937, Measom Freer is a

fourth-generation family run business

specialising in the design, manufacture

and supply of injection and blow

moulded plastic packaging.

Producing more than 20 million

plastic bottles, scoops, closures

and containers each year from its

state-of-the-art facility on Chartwell

Drive in Leicester, the company prides

itself on delivering quality, sustainable

packaging solutions.

For more information, please visit

www.measomfreer.co.uk

Matt Gilks steps

into key role at KM

Packaging

KM Packaging, a global

provider of flexible packaging

and lidding films, is pleased to

announce the appointment

of Matt Gilks as Business

Development Manager.

In his new role, Matt will serve

as a key contact for clients

seeking optimal packaging

solutions within the UK and

Ireland. Commenting on his

appointment, Matt said,

“Together with the team,

I navigate the technical

complexities, ensuring we meet

all food-grade requirements

and lead times while truly understanding

the customers’ requirements to provide

a positive packaging experience.”

He added, “I have always been

passionate about packaging, and

joining KM Packaging has been a

long-time aspiration. The company’s

skills, knowledge, and the quality they

deliver to customers set them apart in

the industry.”

Looking forward, Matt stated,

“Managing client expectations and

staying ahead in a fast-paced industry

will be key, but I’m confident in my

ability and proactive approach.”

Outside of work, Matt enjoys an

active lifestyle. He shared, “I love

mountain biking - the bigger the hill,

the better. I also enjoy playing and

watching football and spending quality

time with my wife and our three sons.”

For further details, please contact:

T +44 (0)1832 274944

contact@kmpack.co.uk

www.kmpackaging.com

20


Health & Safety

Automated projected signage

helps transform workplace safety,

say Projected Image

A growing number of businesses are

exploring automated projected safety

signage as a more effective way to highlight

hazards, reduce accidents and improve

workplace safety.

That’s according to Projected Image, leading

UK suppliers of LED gobo projectors and

experts in providing projected safety signage

for businesses in sectors ranging from

warehousing and logistics to automotive and

food and beverage.

The specialists say that by combining

powerful LED gobo projectors with motion

or light sensors, projected signage is proving

extremely beneficial in improving safety for

many workplaces.

“Traditional painted and printed safety signs

can easily be ignored or missed, especially in

busy environments where they become faded

or viewed so often that workers become

subconsciously ‘blind’ to them. However, by

automating signage – and using projections

which are bright, clear and difficult to ignore

– workplaces are not only transforming

their workplace safety, but making their

facilities more efficient too.” says Ian Spoors,

Managing Director of Projected Image.

According to Projected Image, projected

signs are especially impactful in areas

where traditional floor or wall signage is

likely to become worn, obscured or ignored.

Projected signage remains clear even in

low light, on wet surfaces or where layouts

frequently change.

In sectors like logistics, manufacturing, food

production and cold storage – which typically

operate within busy warehouses or facilities

– automated projected signage is more likely

to be adhered to as it’s only visible when it’s

needed most.

“Automated projected signage consists

of a gobo projector shining a bright safety

message only when triggered by a sensor,

such as when an approaching forklift or

pedestrian is detected. By only projecting

safety messages when needed, automated

projected signage systems improve sign

visibility, reduce sign blindness and help

teams respond to potential risks in real time,

creating a safer workplace!” adds Ian.

Projected Image have implemented projected

signage for a wide range of businesses

across the country, including leading names

like Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz and Dunbia.

As projected signage becomes increasingly

popular, more and more businesses are

pairing it with automation too.

“We recently delivered an automated system

for a leading manufacturer of renewable

energy. The system warns pedestrians of

forklifts when approaching roller doors,

which has significantly improved their health

and safety measures. Signs are brighter

and clearer, less likely to be ignored and are

helping to reduce the risk of accidents.”

says Ian.

Projected Image are the only business in the

UK who supply both powerful, IP-rated LED

projectors and the bespoke gobos which go

in them.

Their durable LED projectors offer up

to 50,000 hours of lamp life, providing

maintenance-free safety messaging.

“Automated projected signage isn’t just a

visual upgrade for businesses – it’s a smarter,

more responsive way to communicate safety

messages. By combining bright, clear signs

with automation, businesses can manage

workplace risks in a way that traditional

signage simply can’t.” concludes Ian.

More information about Projected Image

can be found at: projectedimage.com

22


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www.capcoder.com • Tel 01865 891466


Packaging, Warehouse and Automation Issue 201

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