Food & Ingredients International May 2026

ISSN 2149-2611

www.foodingredientsmag.com | MAY 2026

Smart

processing

redefines

the

food industry

Global food dynamics

purity, quality, and technology

THIS

MONTH

HIGHLIGHTS

16

Metsä Board brings

its Lead the Pack strategy

into practice

at Interpack 2026

6

Factory of the Future

in action: Syntegon

showcases integrated

solutions for tomorrow’s

food production

at interpack 2026

25

PLMA 2026

Gearing Up for the Global

Private Label Powerhouse

in Amsterdam

10

Alternative confectionery

packaging concepts

with

added value

32

Mondi spiMondi spices up

ultra-high barrier

paper packaging for Prymat

14

Further Processing Expert

Nothum Presents Pre-Dust,

Batter, Breading and

Frying Innovations

at ProPak Asia 2026

42

Plant-Based Food

Revolution:

Not an Alternative,

but the New Normal

2026 Media Kit

FOOD INGREDIENTS INTERNATIONAL

Ayça SARIOGLU

Coordinator

ayca.sarioglu@img.com.tr

Where packaging

innovation meets

global industry

In a time when the food industry is

being reshaped by rapid innovation,

shifting consumer expectations, and

sustainability imperatives, global

exhibitions serve as essential hubs for

progress. This year, we are pleased to

announce our presence at interpack, a

key meeting point for the world’s leading

packaging and processing professionals.

interpack is not only a showcase of

technology—it is a reflection of where the

industry is heading. From automation and

digitalization to sustainable materials and

smarter production systems, the event

brings together the ideas and solutions that

are defining the next generation of food

manufacturing and distribution.

While packaging and processing take

center stage, the role of ingredients

remains fundamental. Every advancement

in shelf life, product stability, sensory

experience, and nutritional value

begins with innovation at the ingredient

level. As consumer demand grows for

transparency, functionality, and quality,

the importance of ingredient expertise

continues to expand.

At Food Ingredients International, our

mission is to spotlight these innovations

and connect stakeholders across the

global value chain. Being present at

interpack allows us to engage directly

with industry pioneers, discover emerging

trends, and share valuable insights with

our international readership.

We invite our partners and readers to

join us in Düsseldorf as we explore the

future of food—together.

Publisher

Hüseyin Ferruh IŞIK

on behalf of

İSTMAG MAGAZİN

GAZETECİLİK YAYINCILIK

İÇ VE DIŞ TİC. LTD. ŞTİ.

Managing Editor (Responsible)

Mehmet SOZTUTAN

mehmet.soztutan@img.com.tr

Advisory Editor

Ali ERDEM

info@img.com.tr

International

Sales Coordinator

Ayca SARIOGLU BEKTAS

ayca.sarioglu@img.com.tr

T: +90 212 454 22 33

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Technical Manager

Tayfun AYDIN

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Advisory Graphics & Design

Hakan SOZTUTAN

hakan.soztutan@img.com.tr

Digital Assets Manager

Emre YENER

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Sidel introduces Returnable PET – Still Water, its latest purpose-built

returnable PET bottle developed specifically for the still water market.

With beverage producers and retailers actively seeking innovative solutions

to reduce waste and promote circularity in this high-volume category,

returnable PET bottle production presents significant opportunities.

Sidel launches its lightweight

returnable PET bottle for still water

with unique design opportunities

“Driven by increasing consumer expectations

around reuse and the evolving regulatory

environment, especially within the EU[1], Sidel has

taken an important step in bottle design, offering

still water producers unique and optimised,

reusable solutions”, said Jerome Neveu, Packaging

and Mold Product Manager at Sidel.

Unlocking new possibilities

for still water producers

This new design marks an important evolution in

reusable packaging, giving beverage producers new

opportunities. As an industry-first, beverage producers

can access a returnable PET solution, designed around

the needs of still water, rather than adapted from

carbonated water requirements, removing all the

structural constraints associated with carbonation.

“With our new Returnable PET – Still Water, Sidel

has introduced a returnable bottle that is truly

purpose-built for still water, one of the largest

bottled beverage markets. Beverage producers

are no longer limited to bottles originally designed

for carbonated water. Instead, we offer the first

returnable PET bottle developed specifically for

still water, delivering significant lightweighting

opportunities, durable aesthetics and customisable

design options,” continued Neveu.

Lightweight and fully recyclable

As a returnable PET bottle designed for still

water, Sidel’s new Returnable PET – Still Water

is 10% lighter than the lightest 1-litre returnable

carbonated water bottles currently used for

still water. The bottle is designed to withstand

up to 25 washing cycles, delivering consistent

durability and performance from start to finish.

It is also fully compatible with existing PET recycling

streams, enabling bottle‐to‐bottle circularity at the

end of its service life. This new design is compatible

with Sidel’s entire EvoBLOW blow-moulding range.

Customisable, unique design appeal

Sidel’s new bottle offers cylindrical and distinctive

square shapes, ranging from 0.5 to 2-litre

capacities. Returnable PET – Still Water easily

enables customisable and unique designs, reflecting

a brand’s signature single-use-bottle shape, while

using a returnable packaging format.

The ability to create textured surfaces preserves the

bottle’s premium appearance throughout multiple

reuse cycles, enhancing the bottle’s tactile and

visual appeal. This glass-like PET bottle matches the

market needs of retailers, hotels, restaurants and

catering (HORECA), where aesthetics is essential.

4 FOOD & INGREDIENTS INTERNATIONAL MAY 2026

THE

NEXT

CHAMP

Yeni

Linde Xi10-Xi20

kazanmak için

tasarlandı.

Factory of the Future in action:

Syntegon showcases integrated

solutions for tomorrow’s

food production at interpack 2026

The food industry is undergoing a profound

transformation. Rising energy and raw material

costs, increasing labor shortages, growing product

diversity and stricter regulatory requirements –

such as the European Packaging and Packaging

Waste Regulation (PPWR) – are fundamentally

reshaping production environments. Manufacturers

must make their processes not only more efficient,

but also more flexible, transparent and resilient.

At interpack 2026, Syntegon demonstrates how

these challenges can be translated into concrete

solutions. At the core is a clear paradigm shift:

away from isolated machines and towards

integrated, data-driven production systems. With

the new neXt system architecture, a fully integrated

frozen food line solution and enhanced packaging

technologies, the company presents a holistic

concept for the Factory of the Future.


From machine setups

to connected ecosystems

At the heart of Syntegon’s presence is the new

neXt system architecture. It redefines production

not as a sequence of individual process steps,

but as a connected, intelligent overall system.

Machines, software, data analytics and operator

interfaces are combined into an operational

ecosystem that can be continuously optimized.

This approach directly addresses key industry

challenges: production lines must be highly flexible,

easy to operate and capable of maintaining

stable processes – even with limited personnel.

neXt provides the foundation for increasingly

autonomous production environments.

Three guiding principles for efficiency

and autonomy

The system architecture is built on three

clearly defined principles that run through all

showcased solutions.

Seamless Operation enables consistent, end-toend

processes across the entire packaging line.

Standardized interfaces, harmonized control

concepts and uniform operator experiences

ensure intuitive handling, reduced set-up times

and fewer sources of error. This significantly

lowers training requirements – a crucial

advantage in times of labor shortages.

Smart Decisions brings data intelligence

directly into production. Connected machines

continuously generate data on performance,

quality and machine conditions. Combined

with cloud-based tools and AI-driven quality

control, this creates a new level of transparency.

Production managers can detect deviations early,

make informed decisions and improve overall

equipment effectiveness.

With Touchless Automation, Syntegon takes

another step towards autonomous production.

Repetitive, non-value-adding tasks are

systematically automated – from material supply to

process optimization. Autonomous mobile robots

supply machines independently, while advanced

splicing systems enable uninterrupted operation.

As a result, packaging lines can run for extended

periods without manual intervention, freeing up

personnel for higher-value tasks.

MAY 2026

FOOD & INGREDIENTS INTERNATIONAL

7

New machine platforms as modular

building blocks

At interpack, Syntegon introduces two new machine

platforms fully integrated into the neXt architecture:

the HFX flow-wrapping platform and the TRX

top-load cartoning platform. Both follow a modular

design and are built for long-term scalability.

This means that new functionalities, additional

automation modules or digital services can be

integrated at any time. Manufacturers benefit

from a future-proof investment that can adapt to

changing requirements – whether through new

packaging formats, increased production volumes

or evolving regulatory demands.

End-to-end line solution for frozen food

Syntegon demonstrates how this system approach

translates into practice with a new integrated line

solution for frozen food applications. In a global

premiere, the company combines its SVX Agile

vertical bagger with the new Elematic 4001 case

packer into a fully synchronized packaging line.

The solution covers the entire process – from

primary packaging to secondary packaging –

under one consistent control philosophy. This

reduces interface complexity, simplifies operation

and increases overall line performance.

A key technological highlight is the gravitybased

case packing system. Instead of using

traditional robotic pick-and-place methods, bags

are grouped and released directly into cartons

via a controlled drop mechanism. This allows

for significantly improved carton utilization – a

critical factor in frozen food logistics, where

reducing “shipping air” is essential.

With capacities of up to 120 bags per minute and

up to 25 cases per minute, the line is designed

for high-output applications. At the same time, its

integrated design ensures greater transparency,

reduced operational complexity and lower total

cost of ownership.

Greater flexibility for advanced bag styles

Another focus is the further development of the

SVX platform. With its new corner seal capability,

Syntegon significantly expands the range of

processable bag styles. In addition to standard

formats, the system now supports premium

designs such as block-bottom bags, full corner seals

and Doypack-style packaging.


These formats are widely used in snacks,

confectionery and bakery products, but they

place high demands on machine performance

and process stability. Syntegon addresses these

challenges with intelligent automation features.

Automatic axial adjustment and advanced web

tracking systems continuously monitor and correct

film positioning, ensuring consistent seal quality even

during material variations or reel changes. Manual

intervention is minimized, leading to improved

uptime and higher overall equipment effectiveness.

In addition, guided format changes and

improved accessibility support operators

in day-to-day production. Settings can be

reproduced reliably, set-up times are reduced

and operational reliability is enhanced.

Sustainability and efficiency combined

Sustainability is an integral part of the overall

concept. The showcased solutions are designed

to use resources more efficiently and support the

transition towards sustainable packaging materials.

For example, the SVX platform enables reliable

processing of mono-materials, which are essential

for recyclable packaging solutions. At the same

time, improved process stability reduces material

waste, particularly during start-up and changeovers.

At line level, sustainability is further enhanced

through optimized carton utilization, reduced

transport volumes and energy-efficient system

design. Flexible machine concepts also extend

equipment lifecycles, contributing to long-term

resource efficiency.

From machine supplier to lifecycle partner

With its interpack presence, Syntegon highlights

its strategic transformation: from a traditional

machine supplier to a holistic system and lifecycle

partner. The focus shifts from individual machines

to integrated solutions across the entire lifecycle.

This includes not only system integration, but also

comprehensive service offerings – from preventive

maintenance to performance optimization and

data-driven services. The goal is to maximize

uptime, reduce operating costs and create longterm

value for customers.

Making the Factory of the Future tangible

By combining system architecture, integrated

line solutions and advanced machine capabilities,

Syntegon demonstrates at interpack 2026 what

the Factory of the Future looks like in practice:

connected, data-driven, flexible and sustainable –

and, importantly, already achievable today.

The message is clear: the transformation of food

production is no longer a distant vision, but a

concrete and actionable path forward. And Syntegon

positions itself as the partner to support this journey.

Learn more about Syntegon:

https://www.syntegon.com/next/?utm_campaign=fdh-interpack-cp-2026-en&utm_source=

trade-media-food-ingredients-international&utm_medium=email&utm_content=advertorial

MAY 2026


9

Alternative confectionery

packaging concepts with

added value

Sweets with added

health benefits are in vogue

interpack 2026 conveys a resounding message:

the confectionery industry is changing - in terms of its technology,

its functions and its role in sustainability. Three of the 18 exhibition

halls are specifically dedicated to process and packaging

technology for confectionery and baked goods, in a demonstration

that manufacturers are responding to new consumer habits,

evolving recipes and rising sustainability requirements.

Whether chocolate, sweets, fruit gums or

chewing gum – confectionery remains popular,

but consumer expectations are undergoing a

noticeable change. The demand is no longer

just for sweet treats, but for products with added

health benefits: plant-based and sugar-free

recipes, organic ingredients, protein-rich snacks

and innovative ingredients that make taste, colour

and texture a multi-sensory experience.

At the same time, processing and packaging

requirements are on the rise. Confectionery is


one of the most demanding foods when it comes

to production technology: high fat content, sticky

surfaces, temperature-sensitive recipes and high

standards placed on appearance, freshness and

shelf life require machines, materials and processes

that are coordinated with precision. interpack

2026 will showcase the solutions the industry is

developing to meet these needs – from sustainable

packaging materials and flexible machine concepts

to digital added value right along the value chain.

The global confectionery market is growing

continuously. Last year, market researchers

estimated the market for chocolate confectionery

alone at around 173 billion US dollars, and the

trend continues unbroken. The market is expected

to grow to over 300 billion US dollars by 2034,

which represents an annual increase of almost

seven per cent. According to Fortune Business

Insights, Europe dominates in this context with a

market share of around 52 per cent in 2025.

Sustainably packaged sweets

Due to its barrier properties, plastic has long

been considered indispensable, especially for

confectionery, which is sensitive to oxygen, moisture

and fat migration. At interpack, proof will be

delivered that this assumption is becoming more

and more outdated. Paper-based barrier packaging,

monomaterials and recyclable solutions have long

since made the leap from niche to industrial practice.

Companies such as interpack exhibitor Koehler

Paper are consistently driving this development

with functional papers. Product lines such as

NexPlus Advanced or NexPlus Seal Coat offer

packaging papers that boast oxygen, mineral oil

and grease barriers, are heat- or cold-sealable and

can be easily recycled in the waste paper stream.

These materials can be visually impressive as well,

as seen from the high-gloss finish of the latest

generation, which enables brands to attain a highquality

presentation without plastic.

Courtesy of specially developed technology, the

NexPlus Seal Coat paper achieves a uniform highgloss

appearance without any stress whitening. On

packaging machines, the paper can be processed

at the same speed as plastic and, moreover, can

be heat-sealed at lower temperatures. According

to the company, this fulfils the desire of many

brands for a high-quality, glossy presentation –

with a recyclable monomaterial that can be easily

disposed of in waste paper and complies with

the 95/5 rule. NexPlus Seal Coat has already

been awarded the “Made for Recycling” seal by

environmental service provider Interzero.

Sustainable concepts have already been

successfully implemented here. A few years

ago, the start-up Nucao was the first chocolate

manufacturer on the market to use primary

packaging made from NexPlus Advanced paper.

Chocolate manufacturer Vivani has taken an

alternative approach, packaging its organic

chocolates in home-compostable NatureFlex

film, made from renewable raw materials by

interpack exhibitor Futamura. Supplemented

by FSC-certified paper wrapping and mineraloil-free

printing inks, sustainable packaging is

transformed into a brand message, too.

Machines process alternative materials

Alongside the packaging materials themselves,

machine concepts are also under development.

The focus here is on modularity, flexibility and

convertibility. Manufacturers such as Theegarten-

Pactec and Rovema are responding to these

requirements with machine platforms that are

able to process different materials and formats.

Theegarten-Pactec is presenting its new FPC6 for

the first time at interpack. This high-performance

machine packs chocolate bars, tablets and

pralines in tubular bags and is aimed specifically at

manufacturers of chocolate, confectionery, muesli

and protein bars, functional food and snacks,

as well as at co-packers and contract packers.

A system from a single source:

From the FPC6, the tubular bags

are fed into the directly connected

BLM high-performance cartoner

Well-protected:

Chocolate in barrier paper from Koehler Paper

MAY 2026


11

The BVC 250 Candy flow-wrapping machine

also produces resealable paper bags.

The machine not only processes a wide variety

of product formats, but can also handle multiple

sealing types – cold sealing, heat sealing and

hot-wire cut-off systems for water-soluble films. It

therefore offers a great deal of flexibility when it

comes to packaging materials.

At the trade fair, Theegarten-Pactec is now

presenting an additional folding method, the

“Smart Bunch”, for the CHS confectionery

packaging machine, which was first presented at

interpack 2023. This extension is designed not

only to increase the machine’s flexibility, but also

to reduce consumption of packaging materials.

With its BVC 250 Candy, launched last year,

Rovema offers a flow-wrapping machine that is

able to process monomaterials and composites as

well as paper and paper composites, achieving

output rates of up to 300 bags per minute. In order

to meet the complex requirements for sustainable

packaging, Rovema says it works together with

well-known packaging manufacturers and tests

alternative packaging materials for machinability,

sealing properties and performance parameters.

Recently, the company demonstrated the

production of paper bags that can be resealed after

opening by simply tucking them inside each other.

Adding new features to packaging is a topic

that interpack exhibitors are also addressing.

Resealability, intuitive operation and an improved

user experience are taking centre stage. Exhibitor

Aplix’s Easylock is an example of how such added

value can be realised technically. The sensory

hook-to-hook closure system made of recyclable

PE provides acoustic and tactile feedback when

opening and closing the bags and is particularly

tolerant of product particles – which represents an

advantage for confectionery, too.

Beyond pure technology, the topic of digitalisation

and transparency is also becoming more

prominent in the confectionery sector. One

chocolate manufacturer’s new traceability solution

has just been distinguished with the German

Sustainability Award 2026. Consumers can use

the QR codes on the packaging to trace the origin

of their product’s cocoa back to the agricultural

community that produced it. This is made possible

by a smart tracking tool that links all the data from

the source to the chocolate factory. Digitalisation

in the confectionery industry therefore not only

increases efficiency, but also creates trust.

The new FPC6 flow-wrapping machine processes

different product formats and can handle multiple seal types


UPM Specialty Materials and Felix Schoeller, a specialty paper

manufacturer, have developed a customizable recyclable* barrier solution

designed specifically for flexible food packaging, such as chocolate and

snack bars. In response to the growing demand for recyclable packaging,

this food-safe, fibre-based solution supports the packaging industry’s

transition toward upcoming recyclability requirements under the EU

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

UPM and Felix Schoeller

introduce customizable, fibre-based

solution for flexible food packaging

As brand owners face diverse packaging needs,

the collaboration addresses varying end-use

requirements by offering customizable levels of

barrier protection. Based on UPM SolideTM Lucent

packaging paper, Felix Schoeller has created a

barrier concept that can be tailored to the specific

performance requirements of different products.

“We always start with the customers’ needs.

Instead of relying on fixed technologies or standard

barrier levels, we design customizable coating

solutions that deliver the protection required –

whether against oxygen, moisture, grease, or for

sealing and mechanical performance. UPM Solide

Lucent has proven to be an excellent base material

for this. It runs reliably on our coating lines,

offers well-balanced mechanical performance,

and delivers outstanding printability. This enables

solutions that truly protect what matters,” explains

Andreas Bergmeier, Head of Innovation &

Technical Sales Packaging, Felix Schoeller.

“Flexible food packaging is evolving quickly, and

brand-owners need solutions that deliver both highperformance

barrier protection and recyclability.

Our collaboration with Felix Schoeller demonstrates

how UPM Solide Lucent can be adapted to different

end-uses, enabling fully fibre-based packaging

concepts that are ready for tomorrow’s regulatory

expectations,” says Markus Kamphuis, Technical

Sales Manager, UPM Specialty Materials.

UPM Solide Lucent packaging paper is designed

for easy converting. The paper features an

exceptionally smooth and dense surface. This allows

for lower coating weights while still delivering the

strength needed for reliable performance on highspeed

production lines. A range of grammages is

available to match specific application requirements.

UPM’s and Felix Schoeller’s solution will be on

display at UPM Specialty Materials’ stand F29, Hall

8A at Interpack, Düsseldorf, Germany, May 7-13.

* Recyclability is assessed using the standard CEPI version 3 (Feb. 2025) and evaluated according to

4evergreen evaluation protocol scorecard version 2.0 (Jan. 2025).

MAY 2026


13

Further Processing Expert

Nothum Presents Pre-Dust, Batter,

Breading and Frying Innovations

at ProPak Asia 2026

BANGKOK, Thailand, 10-13. June 2026 – Nothum Food Processing Systems

All Photos Copyright Nothum Food Processing Systems

The Nothum SuperFlex is a world-renowned breading machine

with a reputation for homestyle coating.

Nothum is a leading manufacturer of further processing equipment,

headquartered in Springfield, Missouri USA, with a worldwide sales

and service network and an international office in the Netherlands. At

ProPak Asia, taking place June 10–13, 2026, the company will showcase a

dynamic portfolio of advanced, highly specialized processing innovations.

Nothum’s presence at ProPak Asia 2026 will

highlight the versatile SuperFlex Homestyle Breading

Machine for a perfect breading/coating solution. Also

featured are the BatterPro All-in-one Batter machine,

the dedicated VersaCoat Flatbed Breading machine,

and the ProTherm Continuous Fryer.


chain system preserve coating integrity, while an

automatic feed guarantees consistent accuracy. The

VersaCoat’s efficiency increases yield and reduces

breading waste by up to 50% while significantly

lowering dust and allergens.

The Nothum BatterPro: the all-in-one solution

for superior battering and liquid coating.

SuperFlex – multiple breading modes

in one system

The Nothum SuperFlex is a globally recognized

breading machine, known for delivering a

consistent, homestyle coating. It efficiently

processes a wide variety of dry ingredients, from

free-flowing flour to coarse crumbs.

ProTherm Continuous Fryer – achieving

consistent taste and texture

The Nothum ProTherms superior fryer delivers a

consistently better product and offers significant

savings for both oil and energy. The unique

‘float tank’ design of the ProTherm Fryer

requires a very shallow frying oil tank when

compared to traditional fryers. As a result, it

uses approximately 40% less frying oil while

achieving a higher rate of fresh oil turnover. This

provides longer production hours on the same

oil, especially when a secondary filter is applied.

For more information,

visit Nothum at ProPak 2026 in Bangkok,

Thailand from 10/06/2026 – 13/06/2026

at booth C3-AN78 in the Challenger Hall 3.

The SuperFlex is designed for maximum

efficiency. The system uses a low breading

charge and adjustable production settings to

boost yield while minimizing waste. Its versatile

design allows for a quick conversion from a

flat belt (ideal for formed products) to a drum

(suited for whole muscle, bone-in, or homestyle

products), with an optional configuration for

tripleflip or hand-toss application modes.

To ensure optimal coverage without excess usage,

the machine automatically monitors and controls

the precise volume of dry ingredients needed

throughout production.

BatterPro – the all-in-one solution

for perfect battering

The Nothum BatterPro ensures consistent product

quality through automatic viscosity adjustment

and integrated temperature control. Its horizontal

paddles gently mix without shear force, and a

second liquid option allows for additives. The

BatterPro increases yield while reducing labor and

minimizing batter waste. Shorter downtime and

changeover times, along with a smaller footprint,

eliminate the need for redundant equipment. With

the industry’s best viscosity accuracy, consistent

product quality is ensured with the BatterPro.

VersaCoat – delicious taste and texture

in flatbed breading

The Nothum VersaCoat ensures superior versatility,

handling multiple coatings from traditional flours to

various crumbs. Its low breading charge and incline

Nothum equipment consistently delivers

a reproducible product – delicious and crispy,

with a uniform, homestyle finish.

MAY 2026


15

Metsä Board brings

its Lead the Pack

strategy into practice

at Interpack 2026

At Interpack 2026 in

Düsseldorf (7–13 May), Metsä

Board, a leading European

producer of fresh fibre

paperboards and part of

Metsä Group, will showcase

how its Lead the Pack

strategy supports customers

in developing competitive and

future‐ready brand packaging

with a focus on food and

foodservice, healthcare and

retail end uses. Metsä Board

will welcome visitors at its

stand in Hall 8a / Stand D49.

The packaging industry is facing increasing

expectations related to recyclability, material

efficiency and reduced reliance on fossil‐based

materials, alongside brand owner climate

commitments and evolving regulation.

Packaging choices are also gaining attention

as part of broader value‐chain considerations,

including Scope 3 emissions.

Aligned with its recently published Lead the

Pack strategy, Metsä Board’s focus at Interpack

is on helping customers navigate this changing

environment through material innovation,

collaboration and service‐driven development.

The company will present new product and

service solutions designed to enable lightweight,

material‐efficient packaging options, particularly


for food, foodservice, healthcare and retail

packaging, alongside its new FastTrack availability

service and enhanced design‐to‐market

collaboration, supporting customers’ practical

packaging development needs.

At the stand, Metsä Board will showcase its portfolio

of lightweight folding boxboards, white kraftliners,

foodservice boards and dispersion barrier boards

offering new opportunities for plastic replacement,

alongside Muoto ® , a novel moulded fibre packaging

solution developed by Metsä Spring.

A key element of Metsä Board’s Interpack

presence will be daily Design for Packaging

Impact Workshops, exploring practical

approaches to packaging development and the

impact of material choices on brand performance,

functionality and sustainability considerations.

Metsä Board will also contribute to Circular

Economy Day at Interpack. On 11 May,

Sustainability Manager Kaisa Munukka will deliver

a Spotlight presentation titled “Towards holistic

value creation in pharma packaging - interlinking

nature and climate at the Circular Economy.”

Metsä Board invites Interpack visitors to explore

how Lead the Pack is translated into practical

support for brand packaging development

through lightweight materials, expertise and

collaboration in Hall 8a / Stand D49.

MAY 2026


17

Alimentaria FoodTech, which will be held from 6 to 8 October 2026

at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue, will bring together the latest

innovations in machinery, technology and ingredients for the agri-food

industry. The meeting will present a wide range of specialised offerings

with the participation of the main players in the sector and the support

of business associations and national research centres.

Alimentaria FoodTech,

a key meeting point

for the entire food industry

The show thus consolidates its position as a

benchmark event in Europe thanks to a unique

transversal approach that covers all phases of

the food industry’s production process, from

production to conservation and commercial

distribution. This leadership is endorsed by the

high level of occupancy recorded five months

before its celebration, with 85% of the 32,000 m²

of exhibition space already contracted.


•Around 400 companies will

participate in the benchmark

show for innovation,

technology and ingredients

for the food industry

• Five months before its

celebration, the event has

already reserved 85% of its

exhibition space

To respond to the challenges of the food and

beverage sector throughout its production process,

the exhibitors at Alimentaria FoodTech 2026

serve nine industrial sectors: Transformation,

Ingredients, Packaging and labelling, Digitalisation

and automation, Food safety, Refrigeration,

Handling, storage and logistics, Industrial and

auxiliary services and Smart Agro.

In this sense, the ingredients area will be one

of the fastest growing spaces. It will feature

the participation of more than 35 leading

brands where it will bring together exhibitors of

ingredients, additives and innovative intermediate

solutions, aligned with new market demands and

with the most demanding standards in quality,

sustainability and food safety.

Forecasts point to the participation of some

400 exhibiting companies, 20% of which come

from 15 countries, mainly European, including

Germany, Italy, Portugal and Turkey. To date,

leading companies in the sector have already

formed their participation MIMASA, Dordal,

Handtmann, Weber, Vaessen Schoemaker,

Hiperbaric, ULMA, Frontmatec, Tetra Pak, Roser

Group, Haratek, CSB System, Brenntag, Impag

Iberia and Bizerba, among many others.

The director of Alimentaria FoodTech, Ricardo

Márquez, highlights that the event “consolidates

itself as a key platform for applied innovation

and business generation, where agri-food

companies find creative solutions to accelerate

their digital transformation and incorporate the

latest developments in their production lines,

thus adapting to the challenges of a global and

uncertain market”.

Among the main novelties, the exhibitors will

present their solutions for two sectors that have

been growing significantly since the last edition of

the fair, the ready meals and pet food sector. Two

expanding segments that will have a comprehensive

proposal of equipment, technology and ingredients

adapted to their production processes.

MAY 2026


19

The international dimension will be one of the

strategic axes of Alimentaria FoodTech 2026.

The Hosted Buyers programme will facilitate

the participation of a hundred high-level buyers

from more than 25 countries and the holding

of around 800 previously scheduled business

meetings with exhibitors.

Innovation hub for the entire food ecosystem

The programme of activities will be structured

around key areas such as automation, robotics,

digitalisation, artificial intelligence and the

development of new ingredients to respond to the

main challenges of sustainability, food safety and

production efficiency in all agri-food sectors.

This edition will also feature the FoodTech

Innovarena, a space dedicated to innovation and

entrepreneurship that will host numerous activities

and speakers. This hub will integrate the Speakers’

Corner, a stage for presentations by technology

centres, startups and exhibiting companies,

and will also be the setting for the Innova and

Emprende awards, which are celebrating their

fourth edition in recognition of research and

business dynamism. The Ingrenova area will also

bring together innovative ingredients and additives

with high added value for the food industry.

Great sectoral support

Alimentaria FoodTech 2026 has the collaboration

of a wide range of national associations with the

aim of representing the different areas of the agrifood

industry in a transversal way. From the meat

and dairy sector, with ANAFRIC and FENIL, to

the beverage segments, with the participation of

Cerveceros de España and Zumos y Gazpachos de

España, as well as the presence of producers of ready

meals (ASEPAPRE), bakery, pastries, pastries and

confectionery (PRODULCE and ASEMAC), and plantbased

products (Somos Vegetales), among others.

Also together with ICEX, the multisectoral

association amec and the Spanish Federation

of Food and Beverage Industries (FIAB),

Alimentaria FoodTech reinforces its international

dimension, expanding its reach in strategic

countries and consolidating itself as a key

platform for companies seeking to expand and

connect with high-value international buyers.


Poly-clip System drives sustainable

packaging solutions in the fresh produce segment:

net-pak ® and the Somi

Net Clipper impress

at Fruit Logistica 2026

explained: ‘Circular solutions are gaining

importance in the fresh produce sector. Industrially

compostable components such as those used in netpak

® can be recycled in accordance with standards

and integrated into existing production processes.’

The new Somi net clipper also attracted a great

deal of interest: its compact design, automatic

net tube change and powerful Poly-clip DC N3

600 clip module with up to 60 cycles/min enable

easy integration into existing machines. The Somi

net clipper on display covers product weights

between 250 and 800 grams. The portfolio is

complemented by the CGC net machine, which can

handle packaging weights of up to 3,000 grams.

Trade visitors were impressed by the low energy

consumption, the possibility of retrofitting existing

systems and the high level of process reliability.

Dr Alexander Giehl,

CEO of Poly-clip System

At Fruit Logistica 2026 in Berlin, it became clear

that sustainable and practical packaging solutions

continue to be a major focus in the fruit and

vegetable sector. Trade visitors engaged in intensive

discussions about efficiency, resource conservation

and process reliability – topics that are currently

shaping the industry. With its certified net-pak ®

complete system and the new Somi net clipper,

Poly-clip System presented solutions that combine

ecological advantages with cost-effectiveness.

‘Poly-clip System demonstrated at Fruit Logistica

2026 that sustainable net packaging has now

reached a high level of maturity, ’ adds Dr Giehl.

‘Clip packaging is increasingly becoming a practical

alternative to film or tray solutions. ’ The trade

fair reflected an overall optimistic mood: interest

in certified, industrially compostable solutions is

growing, and many companies are considering

specific changes to their packaging systems.

With net-pak ® and the Somi net clipper, Poly-clip

System focuses on cost-effective practical and

sustainable solutions in the fresh produce sector,

while consistently driving forward the development

of machines, materials and complete systems.

‘The response from industry and trade has been

excellent,’ says Dr Alexander Giehl, CEO of Polyclip

System. ‘Sustainable packaging only delivers

when it is reliable, flexible and operationally

efficient. With net-pak ® , we offer exactly this

combination – designed for practical use and

suitable for a variety of fruit and vegetables.’

Many discussions focused on the industrial

compostability of net-pak ® components. Omar

Olivas, Head of the net-pak ® Business Unit,

MAY 2026


21

Provisur delivers best-in-class equipment at ProPak Asia 2026

PROVISUR ® Technologies

at ProPak Asia 2026

Separation technologies perfect for fish paté

Provisur Technologies, a global leader in industrial food processing

equipment, will present a comprehensive portfolio of high-performance

solutions at ProPak Asia 2026, booth C3-AU28, taking place

June 10 –13 in Bangkok, Thailand. Designed to maximize yield,

efficiency, and product quality, Provisur’s technologies support

processors across meat, poultry and seafood applications,

helping them achieve #more at every stage of production.

Provisur and Fortifi – benefits from

integrated efficient solutions in production

As part of its continuous expansion, Provisur

strengthened its position worldwide through its

acquisition by Fortifi at the end of 2025. Fortifi

serves customers through its global manufacturing

and service footprint, and drives improvements

in food quality and yield, labor productivity, and

worker safety for many of the world’s largest food

producers. This integrated approach enables

processors to benefit from seamless, efficient

solutions across the entire production line.

At this year’s exhibition, Provisur will highlight

a range of advanced systems engineered to

address key industry challenges, including labor

optimization, sustainability, and consistent

product quality.


Fish products: Separation solutions from Provisur

STS Belt Separator – excellent product

quality for meat, poultry and seafood

Provisur’s STS Belt Separator maintains fiber

integrity and product structure with minimal

temperature rise while efficiently removing

bone fragments and cartilage. Its user-friendly

operation includes patented automatic pressure

control and an intuitive HMI interface with

onscreen storage of product recipes, delivering

more control, precision, and product quality.

At ProPak Asia Provisur showcases #more

“Processors today are under increasing pressure

to improve efficiency while maintaining the

highest standards of quality and consistency,”

said Silva Kumar, Provisur’s General Manager

for Asia Pacific. “Our solutions are designed to

help customers achieve these goals by delivering

higher yields, reducing waste, and optimizing

overall production performance, so they can

achieve more with every process.”

Provisur STS 800:

The STS can be used as a stand-alone machine

or integrated into a line

With a strong focus on innovation and

customer-driven design, Provisur Technologies

continues to support food processors worldwide

in meeting evolving market demands. Visitors to

ProPak Asia 2026 are invited to discover how

Provisur’s integrated solutions can help them

unlock #more productivity, #more efficiency,

and #more value across their operations.

Visit Provisur at ProPak Asia,

June 10 –13 in Bangkok, Thailand

Booth C3-AU28

Provisur, Silva Kumar

MAY 2026


23

Anuga Select Ibérica:

The great meeting point

where the foods of the future

come together in Madrid

The new trade fair, promoted by IFEMA MADRID and

Koelnmesse, is envisaged as a meeting point to connect the

Iberian food industry with the world’s leading markets.

From 16 to 18 February 2027, Anuga Select Ibérica

will bring together the main players

in the food and beverage industry on the Iberian Peninsula.

Madrid, 27 April 2026 - Anuga Select Ibérica, the

new benchmark trade fair for the food, beverage

and gastronomy industry in the Iberian Peninsula,

is beginning to take shape. This innovative project,

the result of an alliance between two of the main

European trade fair players, IFEMA MADRID

and Koelnmesse, invites producers, distributors,

auxiliary industry, institutions and organisations

linked to these sectors to participate in the first

edition of the fair, which is being held in Madrid

from 16 to 18 February 2027.

Anuga Select Ibérica is set to be a key meeting point

for companies from Spain, Portugal and international

markets interested in expanding their business,

discovering emerging trends and strengthening

business cooperation networks. The event’s strategic

location in Madrid will take advantage of the Iberian

Peninsula’s geographical position as a bridge

between Europe, Latin America and North Africa,

thus consolidating the industry’s export potential.

The fair will be combining a wide range of

industries, including Meat Attraction, for the meat

sector; Bakery & Ice Cream Attraction, for bakery,

confectionery, ice cream and coffee; frozen food;

refrigerated and fresh food; Fine Food; dairy;

beverages; hot drinks; auxiliary industry and

organic products, thus offering a comprehensive

view of the current food offer.

In addition to the trade show, Anuga Select

Ibérica will include complementary activities,

making the event an exceptional opportunity to

learn about the latest developments in each of the

industries represented; exchange knowledge and

close significant business deals.

Anuga Select Ibérica offers a powerful platform

for brands to strengthen their visibility, access

new markets and connect with high-value profiles,

including buyers, distributors, HORECA operators,

retailers, producers and specialised professionals.


to the RAI Auditorium. With a modern look,

improved visitor flow, and multiple access points,

the new space makes it easier for buyers to discover

emerging trends and product opportunities.

The pre-show seminar programme kicks off

on Monday 18 May with Spanish retailer

EROSKI, sharing insights on private label

strategy, innovation, sustainability, and strategic

partnerships. Workshops on packaging

and retailer-manufacturer collaboration will

complement the programme setting the tone for

two days of connecting, sourcing and growing.

With its international reach and industry expertise,

PLMA 2026 continues to set the stage for private

label innovation in Europe and beyond.

PLMA 2026

Gearing Up for

the Global Private

Label Powerhouse

in Amsterdam

New Home, New Look:

Idea Supermarket moves

to the RAI Auditorium

The Private Label Manufacturers Association

(PLMA) will host its 39th annual World of Private

Label International Trade Show on 19–20 May

2026 at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre.

Private label sales increased by €15.3 billion

According to NielsenIQ data for PLMA’s Private

Label Market Report, private label share across

17 European countries rose to 38.8% (MAT

W52 2025), up +0.33%pnt year-on-year. Shares

increased in 12 of the 17 markets.

Twelve countries now exceed 30% private label share,

and eight surpass 40%. Switzerland leads with 52.3%

(over €14 billion), the only market above 50%.

Strongest country growth was seen in Spain:

+1.1%pnt, Austria: +0.9%pnt Portugal: +0.7%pnt

and The Netherlands: +0.5%pnt.

The largest markets (Germany, the UK,

and France) reached a combined share of

40.4% (+0.3%pnt), with strongest gains in

Confectionery & Snacks and Perishable Food.

Across the 17 European countries researched,

top growth categories are Confectionery &

Snacks, Perishable Food, and Ambient Food,

representing €258 billion combined. Total

private label sales increased by €15.3 billion,

reaching €387+ billion in value.

“From niche to mainstream, private label’s growth

across Europe underscores a simple truth: retailer

innovation drives progress, and educated consumers

are the industry’s most powerful customers.”

commented Peggy Davies, President of PLMA.

More than 3,200 new and returning exhibitors

from over 75 countries including new pavilions

from Brazil, Egypt, Poland, South Korea and

Vietnam will present the latest food and non-food

innovations, highlighting quality, new product

development excellence, and international

collaboration across the private label industry.

A key highlight for 2026 is the Idea Supermarket,

PLMA’s Innovation and Trends Area, relocating

MAY 2026


25

Packaging machinery:

Revenue up, orders down

in the first quarter of 2026

In the first quarter of 2026, the Italian packaging

and processing machinery sector reported a 2.0%

increase in turnover compared to the same period in

2025, driven mainly by the domestic market, while

foreign demand remains weak. This is according

to UCIMA’s quarterly economic survey referring to

March and the first three months of the year.

Between January and March, overall turnover

growth was the result of a 15.2% increase in

domestic sales, offsetting a slight decline in

exports, which recorded a -0.2% decrease.

Order intake shows the opposite trend and

is beginning to raise concerns among Italian

packaging machinery manufacturers. In the first

quarter of 2026, overall orders declined by 5.8%,

mainly due to a contraction in foreign demand

(-6.8%), while domestic orders increased (+3.9%).

The level of production already secured remains

within normal ranges, stable at 7.7 months, in line

with the previous quarter.

However, a closer look at March highlights a

more critical trend in terms of orders. Total order

intake fell by 9.3% compared to March 2025, with

contrasting dynamics across markets: positive

performance on the domestic market (+18.2%) and

a decline in foreign markets (-12.6%).

From a sectoral perspective, the best results in March

were recorded in the Food, Pharmaceutical and

Chemical segments, while Beverage, Cosmetics and

other industrial sectors showed weaker dynamics.

Despite the slowdown in foreign orders observed in

the first months of the year, the sector continues to

demonstrate solid resilience. Operators’ expectations

for the second quarter of 2026 point to an overall

stable scenario, with signs of growth anticipated

both in the domestic and international markets.


Halal vs Non-Halal

Freeze-Dried Foods:

Certified Supply

Gains Favor

in Retail Market

Within today’s increasingly diverse global food

market, inclusivity and diet transparency has

grown from being a niche concern into being key

components of retail success. As major supermarket

chains and e-commerce platforms expand into

multicultural regions, production partners have been

chosen more meticulously than ever. Fujian Lixing

Food Co., Ltd. is an industry pioneer in vacuum

sublimation technology and today unveiled their

strategic plan to bridge the gap between high-tech

food processing and religious dietary compliance.

By offering a robust supply of freeze dried foods

HALAL certified and processed to the highest

international standards, Fujian Lixing helps retailers

capture a larger portion of the health-minded and

religiously observant consumer base by making

healthier snack options more widely accessible.

Industry Outlook:

At the Intersection of Health Trends

and Dietary Inclusion

The global freeze-dried food industry is currently

enjoying an unprecedented expansion, propelled

by both technological advances and shifting

consumer values. Around one-third of current

market trajectory can be defined by four trends:

Consumers Worldwide Are Switching to “Pure”

Snacking: As more consumers turn away from

processed and additive-filled snacks in favor

of “clean label” alternatives like freeze drying

(lyophilization), consumers worldwide are opting

for pure snacking solutions like freeze drying

that preserve nearly 98% of original nutritional

profile, vibrant color and intense flavor without

preservatives, added sugars or frying oils - an

increasingly important trend within the rapidly

expanding health and wellness sector.

Expansion into Emerging Markets: Middle East,

Southeast Asia, multicultural urban centers across

Europe and North America represent some of

the fastest-growing demographics for premium

snack sales. Here, the HALAL designation not

only indicates religious preference but is seen as an

indicator of purity, cleanliness and quality standards

- retailers increasingly appreciate that HALAL

certification provides them with a passport that

allows a single product SKU to sell across almost

every global market without restrictions.

Supply Chain Transparency: Modern retailers face

pressure to provide complete traceability of their

product lines, prompting the freeze-dried sector to

invest in automated production bases with limited

human contact that meet environmental control

regulations and eliminate human intervention in

production. This aligns perfectly with HALAL

requirements that require strict oversight over

every stage of production from start to finish.

The HALAL Advantage:

Why Certification Outperforms

Non-Certified Options

This analysis’ second pillar explores why global

retailers have been opting more and more often

for HALAL-certified freeze-dried supplies over

non-certified alternatives.

Trust and Consumer Confidence

A key distinction between HALAL-certified

producers and non-certified ones lies in third-party

verification of production environments. Stocking

HALAL-certified freeze-dried fruits or snacks sends

a clear signal that their brand shares consumers’

lifestyle values; additionally, their presence reduces

“hidden ingredient” fear by guaranteeing no crosscontamination

with non-permissible substances

during vacuum sublimation processes.


Dardanel at Seafood Expo Global

Export-Focused Strategic Meetings

online sales operations in Russia, while new

collaborations in Italy, the United States, and

Canada are expected to broaden its reach in global

markets in the coming period.

As Türkiye’s seafood specialist, Dardanel participated

in Seafood Expo Global, one of the most important

international meeting points for the seafood

industry. Bringing together suppliers, buyers, and

decision-makers from across the globe each year, the

exhibition provided a valuable platform for Dardanel

to expand its international network and explore new

collaboration opportunities.

International engagement supports

export growth

Seafood Expo Global, which Dardanel attends

annually, plays a key role in enabling direct

engagement with industry stakeholders from different

regions and fostering new business opportunities.

Strengthening its international presence through

strategic partnerships in recent years, Dardanel has

increased the share of exports in its total revenue

to 15%, supported by its investments in its overseas

operation, Kallimanis. With a strong production

infrastructure, a diverse portfolio of value-added

products, and partnerships across various markets,

the company continues to expand its export footprint.

Innovative products stood out

At the Dardanel stand, premium products such

as Smoked Tuna Steak, the Cook In The Bag

series, Tuna with Basmati Rice, Tuna Pouch

with Jalapeño Pepper, and frozen sushi varieties

attracted significant attention. Designed to meet

diverse consumer preferences, these innovative

offerings stood out with their convenience,

practicality, and enhanced product quality.

Ready-to-eat formats, ease of use, and products

tailored to different taste profiles strongly reflected

Dardanel’s expertise in seafood on an international

stage. Meetings held during the exhibition also

paved the way for new opportunities to introduce

these products into different markets.

Concrete steps in new markets

While continuing to expand its export network,

which currently spans 41 countries, Dardanel

is further strengthening its international growth

through new partnerships and distribution

channels. The company has recently established

Expanding expertise to wider geographies

With nearly half a century of experience, Dardanel

maintains its leading position in the seafood industry

by delivering products developed with a focus on

quality, trust, and sustainable production. Seafood

Expo Global in Barcelona served as an important

platform supporting the company’s international

growth strategy. New contacts, strengthened

partnerships, and a well-received innovative product

portfolio were among the key drivers reinforcing

Dardanel’s export-oriented growth.

Dardanel took part in the Seafood Expo

Global held in Barcelona from April

21–23, 2026, showcasing its value-added

product range. At one of the world’s

leading seafood gatherings, the company

met with industry professionals from

various countries, strengthening its

international business connections and

holding key discussions aligned with its

export-driven growth strategy.

MAY 2026


29

Organized by Comasia Limited, the 2nd MEGA Halal Bangkok 2026, the

definitive international sourcing exhibition dedicated to the fast-growing

global Halal market, is set to take place from 15 to 17 July 2026 at the

Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok, Thailand.

The 2 nd MEGA Halal Bangkok 2026

Global Halal Industry’s

Major Sourcing

Exhibition Lands in Bangkok

Booming Global Halal Market Landscape

The global Halal economy continues its rapid

expansion, emerging as one of the world’s fastestgrowing

consumer markets with rising worldwide

demand for safe, certified, and quality Halal products

and services. As a strategic hub at the heart of ASEAN,

Bangkok serves as an ideal gateway connecting

regional Halal enterprises to global trade opportunities.

2026 Exhibition Showcases Key

Industry Sectors

Showcasing a curated selection of leading brands,

the 2nd MEGA Halal Bangkok 2026 will spotlight

four core high-growth sectors: Food & Beverage,


Beauty, Wellness & Health, and Fashion. Under

one professional roof, the exhibition will feature

over 400 exhibitors presenting innovative Halalcompliant

solutions, while attracting over 15,000

professional international buyers from more than

70 countries and regions.

Quality exhibitors from Thailand, Indonesia,

Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and other key

markets have already registered for the 2026 edition,

reflecting strong industry support for the event.

Strategic Partnerships with SHAPERS,

NFI & TMTA

In a significant move to elevate the event’s

international standing, SHAPERS MALAYSIA

SDN BHD, the Founder, Organizer & Developer of

MIHAS and HALFEST Malaysia, has joined forces

as the Co-organizer of MEGA Halal Bangkok,

bringing invaluable Halal industry knowledge,

extensive networks, and a track record of success

to elevate the show into an even more influential

platform for global halal trade and collaboration.

The NATIONAL FOOD INSTITUTE (NFI) of

Thailand and Thai Muslim Trade Association (TMTA)

have also joined as Strategic Partners to MEGA

Halal Bangkok. NFI brings technical expertise,

industry development programs, and public-private

coordination to accelerate Thailand’s ascent in the

global Halal economy while TMTA plays a key role in

elevating Thai Halal businesses to global recognition.

Engaging Global Markets Through

On-site Events

To strengthen industry engagement and reach

quality trade participants across core markets,

MEGA Halal Bangkok 2026 will host a series

of on-site roadshows and professional seminars

ahead of the exhibition. These targeted events will

be held in major cities across Thailand, Malaysia,

Indonesia, Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, Japan,

South Korea, the Philippines, and the Middle East.

Each session provides firsthand exhibition

briefings, insights into the latest Halal market

trends, and face-to-face business networking,

enabling exhibitors and buyers to prepare

their participation and explore potential trade

opportunities prior to the main event.

Boosting Global Engagement Through

Targeted Marketing

A comprehensive, full-scale global marketing

campaign is actively underway to drive massive

awareness and attendance:

• Strategic Media & Digital Coverage: Targeted

advertising across leading Halal trade journals,

TV, print, and online platforms, supported by

search engine marketing and tailored social media

campaigns in key markets.

• Influencer & Industry Partnerships: Collaboration

with regional Halal influencers, KOLs, and official

trade bodies to strengthen credibility and expand

reach to professional audiences.

• Precision Direct Marketing: Personalized EDM

outreach to a global database of importers,

distributors, and retailers, paired with high impact

outdoor advertising at major international airports.

Overseas Buyer Sponsorship Program

A key highlight for international buyers is the

Overseas Buyer Sponsorship Program, offering

a two-night complimentary stay at 5-star Halalfriendly

hotels in Bangkok or a USD 200 Cash

Subsidy to facilitate their visit and business

matching activities. This initiative aims to attract

high-quality international procurement delegations

and foster meaningful business connections

between exhibitors and buyers.

For more show information, buyer pre-registration,

or to explore exhibiting opportunities, please visit

www.megahalal-bangkok.com.

MAY 2026


31

Mondi spiMondi

spices up

ultra-high barrier

paper packaging

for Prymat

The partnership will see Prymat transition to new

paper-based packaging, created with Mondi’s re/

cycle FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate. This

ultra-high barrier solution was chosen following

extensive trials and tests, which proved it to be

a sustainable alternative to conventionally nonrecyclable

multi-layer structures.

According to Mondi’s product impact assessment

tool, FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate delivers

a significantly lower CO2 impact compared with

conventional multi-layer plastic or aluminium-based

solutions. Containing at least 80% high-quality

paper and a functional barrier coating optimised

for recycling, FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate

is confirmed recyclable according to the latest

CEPI recyclability laboratory test method, keeping

valuable materials in circulation. It provides

exceptional, long-lasting protection against

oxygen, water vapour and grease, with an oxygen

transmission rate (OTR) below 0.5 cm3/m2d and

water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) below 0.5

g/m2d, preserving the spices aroma and taste.

Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate also

delivers high-quality printing results that present

Prymat’s spice range attractively on the shelf. The

level of stiffness provides a very good dead fold,

allowing the end user to fold the pack after first use

to close it, and it will remain intact.

• Mondi has partnered with Prymat,

a Polish dried seasoning manufacturer,

to develop ultra-high barrier paperbased

packaging for its dried spices.

• The launch follows two years of

close collaboration, during which a

wide range of sustainable packaging

solutions were tested.

• The new packaging uses Mondi’s

re/cycle FunctionalBarrier Paper

Ultimate and replaces the previous

multi-material packaging.

Mondi has collaborated with

Prymat, the Polish dried seasoning

manufacturer, to create packaging

that contributes to a circular economy

while protecting its aromatic spices.

The new packaging is compatible with existing

filling lines at Prymat, delivering on the customer’s

sustainability goals while efficiently integrating

into existing processes, eliminating the need for

investment in machinery.

Adrian Goralski, Managing Director Mondi Solec,

says, “It is essential to understand the individual

needs of each customer when creating packaging

solutions. There are often several different routes

to sustainability, and at Mondi, we work closely

with brands to thoroughly learn about every step

of their production, distribution and end use, so

that we can create and test various options and be

sure we are delivering the best possible and most

sustainable outcome.”

Marta Klęka-Nowa, PR Manager Prymat, says:

“Prymat, as a leading producer of spices and

food additives, has consistently sought solutions

to transition from multi-layer packaging to

recyclable materials. Given the very high barrier

requirements and the preservation of spice

quality, aroma, and freshness, this posed a

significant technological challenge. Thanks to our

collaboration with Mondi, we were able to develop

a solution that aligns our sustainability ambitions

with the highest standards of product quality.

Working with Mondi was such a valuable

experience: we truly became one team working

together towards a shared goal.”


Food and beverage manufacturers are facing rising costs, labor

constraints, and increasing demand variability. But according to

operational experts at Cornerstone Consulting Organization (CCO),

the largest source of lost production isn’t labor or equipment—it’s

time hiding in plain sight. That time exists between batches.

Batch Downtime Is Costing

Food Manufacturers Millions

in Lost Output

annual production value-without adding headcount,

expanding the facility, or purchasing new equipment.

CCO estimates that eliminating batch downtime

can unlock the equivalent of one to two

additional production hours per shift.

CCO has identified a widespread issue in food

and beverage operations: “batch downtime”-

the gap between when one production run

ends and the next begins. Driven by cleaning

delays, staging inefficiencies, and uncoordinated

preparation, these gaps can consume 10–20% of

available production time.

“The time between batches is where companies

lose enormous capacity-and most don’t even

see it,” said Bill Currence, Managing Partner at

Cornerstone Consulting Organization. “They’re

investing in new equipment while leaving hours of

production on the floor every day.”

Small Time Losses, Massive Financial Impact

Even minor inefficiencies compound quickly. For

a mid-sized facility running multiple lines across

three shifts, recovering just 15 minutes per batch

transition can translate into millions of dollars in

The Physics Haven’t Changed -

Only the Visibility

While food manufacturers often view their

operations as fundamentally different from discrete

manufacturing, CCO emphasizes that the same

principles still apply: flow, constraints, and throughput.

“Whether you’re producing 100 parts per hour or

thousands of pounds in a batch, the physics are

identical,” Currence said. “Batch systems simply hide

inefficiencies in ways most metrics don’t capture.”

From Hidden Loss to Competitive Advantage

Leading manufacturers treat batch environments

as synchronized systems—where preparation,

production, and changeover operate as a

continuous flow. This includes staging the next

batch during production, standardizing changeovers,

and aligning labor and materials in real time.

“When you eliminate the gaps and align the system,

output increases immediately,” Currence said. “It

shows up in days, not months.”

MAY 2026


33

Cellera ® , Yangi’s dry forming platform requires no water and enables a high-efficiency production –

the technology delivers stable industrial output with cycle times of 4 seconds.

Yangi showcases fiber-based

MAP tray enabled by FiberIQ ® and

Cellera ® at interpack 2026

Yangi, a developer of industrial dry forming technology, will

showcase an efficient and economical dry forming fiber-based MAP

tray for fresh food applications at interpack 2026. Yangi develops and

supplies the machine platforms that enable this shift, supporting

the transition to next-generation fiber packaging at scale.

Anna Altner, founder of Yangi ®

As demand grows for scalable

alternatives to plastic, the

packaging industry is actively

seeking solutions that combine

sustainability with industrial

performance. At Interpack

2026, Yangi will demonstrate

how this transition is becoming

a practical reality.

Showcased at the Mondini

stand Hall 5, Stand F24,

the fiber-based MAP tray

serves as a proof point of

what is possible when fiber

is engineered using Yangi’s

proprietary technology

platform. While designed

for applications such as

fresh meat, poultry, fish,

and ready meals, the tray

demonstrates how dry forming


can meet the functional and

operational requirements

of modern food packaging.

“This demonstrates what our

Cellera technology enables,”

says Anna Altner, Founder of

Yangi. “We are proving that

fiber-based packaging can

meet industrial performance

requirements and scale.”

Enabling a new standard in

molded fiber with Yangi’s

FiberIQ ® system

While Wet pulp aims to be

sustainable, it consumes

significant energy and water.

Paper thermoforming is

constrained in terms of

geometry. Both technologies

fall short in areas where

plastics still lead, particularly

for deep, rigid, and highly

functional packaging.

Yangi’s Dry-forming Cellera ®

technology addresses these

challenges by enabling fiberbased

packaging with greater

design freedom, strength,

efficiency and cost savings.

Yangi’s FiberIQ ® system

enables precise control

of fiber distribution and

material architecture.

Fiber is transformed into a

programmable material system

with consistent and repeatable

performance. Combined with

the Cellera ® platform, which

not only eliminates the water

process entirely but enables

a high-efficiency production,

the technology delivers stable

industrial output with cycle

times of 4 seconds.

The MAP tray is the proof of

what’s possible

The MAP tray is designed

for compatibility with highspeed

tray sealing systems and

supports modified atmosphere

packaging while maintaining

structural integrity across

chilled, frozen, and heated

conditions. It combines

predictable performance with

premium surface quality,

enabling packaging producers

and brands to transition from

plastic without compromising

efficiency or shelf impact.

Yangi ® Fiber-Based MAP Tray for fresh protein applications,

for superb shelf-life on the retail shelf

MAY 2026


35

hubergroup launches LED ink

for food packaging at METPACK

hubergroup Print Solutions will showcase its extensive portfolio

for metal decoration at METPACK.

At this year’s METPACK, hubergroup Print Solutions presents

its comprehensive portfolio for metal decoration at hall 1,

booth 1B11, underlining its position as a one-stop partner

for metal packaging printers worldwide. With a strong focus

on innovation, compliance, and performance, the company

showcases solutions tailored to the evolving demands of the

industry. Highlights include two series for food packaging: the

conventional offset series TINKREDIBLE MGA, which was

recently launched globally, and the NewV tin LED MGA series,

which will make its official debut at the exhibition.

At the core of hubergroup’s METPACK showcase is

its broad offering for metal decoration – including its

conventional series TINKREDIBLE and its UV series

NewV with LED and mercury-vapour curing systems.

The portfolio covers a wide range of applications

such as food cans, aerosols, closures, crown caps,

and chemical‐technical packaging, and is known for

high colour brilliance, strong scratch resistance, and

environmentally conscious formulation.

Driving the shift to LED-UV in food packaging

A key highlight at METPACK 2026 is the

introduction of NewV tin LED MGA, a LED-curing

ink series for food packaging designed for threepiece

can applications. This innovation responds

directly to the growing industry shift toward LED-

UV curing technologies, particularly in sensitive

food applications where safety, efficiency, and

sustainability are critical. The series complies with


Patrick Hübel, Director Product Management and

Technical Marketing Offset at hubergroup.

the requirements of the German Ink Ordinance

(GIO), the Swiss Ordinance, and the guidelines of

renowned brand manufacturers.

“With NewV tin LED MGA, we are giving metal

decorators a reliable, future‐proof LED solution

that meets the stringent safety requirements

of food packaging while delivering excellent

printing performance,” says Jan Museler, Product

Manager Metal Decoration at hubergroup. “It’s

an important step in supporting the industry’s

transition to LED‐UV technologies.”

A fully integrated system for metal decoration

Complementing the TINKREDIBLE and NewV

ink systems, hubergroup provides a full suite

of varnishes and fountain solution additives,

all engineered to work seamlessly together.

This integrated approach ensures consistent

performance, high efficiency in the pressroom,

and reliable end-product quality – delivering a

complete system from a single source.

Jan Museler, Product Manager,

Metal Decoration at hubergroup.

Equally important is the company’s strong focus on

service. hubergroup provides local technical support

and expert consultation, ensuring customers receive

tailored guidance for their specific pressroom

requirements. This hands-on approach helps metal

decorators optimise processes, improve efficiency,

and achieve consistent results.

“METPACK is the ideal platform to demonstrate

how our fully integrated pressroom solutions

support metal decorators in meeting evolving

market demands”, says Patrick Hübel, Director

Product Management and Technical Marketing

Offset at hubergroup. “By combining highperformance

products with strong technical

service, we enable our customers to achieve

consistent quality, greater efficiency, and a

smoother transition to future-ready technologies.”

Visitors to METPACK are invited to explore

hubergroup’s full metal decoration portfolio and

discover how integrated solutions can unlock new

potential in metal packaging production.

hubergroup’s offering is characterised by integrated

solutions and a strong focus on service.

MAY 2026


37

ACTEGA to

Showcase

Next-Generation

Metal Packaging

Solutions at

METPACK 2026

ACTEGA, manufacturer of

specialty coatings, inks,

adhesives, sealants and

compounds for the print

and packaging industry, has

announced its participation

in METPACK 2026 (5-8

May 2026, Messe Essen,

Germany), where it will be

exhibiting in Hall 3, stand

3C55. As a global, full-range

solution provider for metal

packaging, ACTEGA will

demonstrate its extensive

portfolio of high-performance

solutions, all engineered to

meet the industry’s rigorous

demands for sustainability,

regulatory compliance, and

operational efficiency.

PROVALIN ® is a patented,

PVC and plasticiser-free

compound for metal vacuum

closures ideal for a wide range

of food applications, particularly

well-suited for baby food.

ACTEGA will showcase solutions that provide

can makers and manufacturers with the

strategic agility required to excel in high-speed

production environments. The highlights of the

ACTEGA stand include exhibits that demonstrate

ACTEGA’s forward-thinking solutions for nextgeneration

coatings – such as ACTNext ® and

ACTEcoat ® – sustainability-driven solutions such

as ARTISTICA water-based beverage end sealants

and industry-firsts such as PVC- and plasticizer-free

PROVALIN ® compounds and INNOCAN ® digital

printing technology with offset quality.

Jörg Mahn, Head of Business Line Metal Packaging

Solutions, ACTEGA, comments: “Alongside many

other product examples, these latest solutions are

a must-see for visitors to METPACK. They are a

result of ACTEGA’s deep technical knowledge and

strong consultative partnerships and are set to

shape the future of metal packaging production,

ensuring our customers remain competitive and

compliant in this rapidly evolving industry.”

ACTNext ® - Enhancing Sustainability

and Efficiency

A central pillar of ACTEGA’s presentation at

METPACK 2026 will be its next-generation

advanced UV and UV/LED energy-curing coatings,

ACTNext ® . For applications such as general line

cans, aerosol cans, drums, closures and the exterior

surfaces of selected food cans, the ACTNext ® range

eliminates the need for large, energy-intensive drying

ovens. This innovation addresses the industry’s high

energy consumption and environmental impact by

substantially lowering carbon footprints and VOC

emissions while maximizing line efficiency without

compromising surface quality or performance.

Future‐Ready Solutions for Food

and Beverage Closures

A particular highlight for food and beverage

closures is ACTEGA’s patented PROVALIN ®

compound portfolio for metal vacuum closures, the

industry’s only proven PVC- and plasticizer-free

solution. Designed for various closure types, such

as Twist-Off ® closures and Press-On Twist-Off ®

closures, PROVALIN ® is suitable for a wide range

of food applications and particularly well suited for

baby food and other sensitive products.

By strategically combining PROVALIN ® with

high-quality internal coatings ACTEcoat ® and

ACTEbond ® , ACTEGA ensures maximum

compatibility across all components. This

holistic ecosystem simplifies the supply chain,

streamlines production processes, and provides

food closure manufacturers with a reliable,

future‐ready solution they can trust.

Marta Ochalek, Head of Global Market

Management, Closures Food, states: “Partnering


with ACTEGA means leveraging our expertise as

a complete solutions provider for food closures.

With our advanced offer we ensure unmatched

protection, product compatibility, and process

efficiency for food metal packaging.“

In parallel, ACTEGA will address the specific

challenges facing beverage closure manufacturers

as regulatory frameworks tighten and sustainability

expectations continue to rise.

The introduction of regulations like EU 2024/3190

marks a decisive shift away from BPA‐based

coatings. ACTEGA’s advanced BPA‐NI and PFAS‐NI

coatings for crown corks and aluminum (long) caps

provide a future‐ready solution. These coatings

meet regulatory requirements while offering reliable

protection for demanding applications. SVELON ®

835 ULG enables ultra-low gauge crowns (0,15mm),

drastically reducing steel consumption and thereby

lowering both costs and carbon footprint. ACTEGA’s

sustainable compounds offer a versatile solution

for beverage closures. With different sustainable

grades available – from reduced fossil content to

biodegradable concepts – customers can flexibly

balance sustainability targets and cost efficiency.

Innovations such as ACTEGA’s INTELLOX ® family

complete the portfolio of solutions by offering

PVC-free compounds for crown corks that enable

secure QR code integration while giving the best

filling good protection due to oxygen scavenger

technology.

Innovative Solutions for Beverage

and Food Cans

Further demonstrating its commitment to sustainable

innovation, ACTEGA will also highlight its

ARTISTICA water-based beverage end sealants.

Formulated with renewable raw materials and zero

VOCs, this range includes ARTISTICA RB1006 Z3,

the first sealant for beverage cans to achieve Cradle

to Cradle Material Health Platinum certification.

Engineered for 2-piece aluminum beverage

applications, ARTISTICA sealants deliver up to 20%

material savings with the lowest dry film weights

in the market, providing an advanced solution that

strengthens the entire operation with 24/7 reliability.

Visitors can also learn more about ROTARflow –

a technology that controls, adjusts and monitors

the amount of ARTISTICA water-based sealants

applied to can ends directly at the point of

application. This award-winning digital system

means fewer manual checks, narrower specs,

reduced spoilage, and faster QC decisions for

can makers – while giving brand owners greater

confidence in consistent, high-quality results.

Alongside these innovations, ACTEGA will

demonstrate how digitalization is opening up

entirely new possibilities for metal packaging

design and production. Developed in partnership

with HP Indigo and Vislo, the unique INNOCAN ®

technology makes cost-effective short-to-medium

runs a reality by enabling offset-quality digital

printing on metal. The innovative process works

by laminating a digitally printed film onto the metal

sheet, coated with ACTEGA Dual Cure Coatings,

facilitating full serialization and personalization.

José Trigo, Head of Global Market Management

Cans Food/GL & Cans B&B Americas, ACTEGA

comments: “For years, short runs and high

customization have been the Achilles heel of metal

packaging. INNOCAN ® alters that paradigm entirely.

By enabling digital printing with true offset-quality, we

are giving can makers the essential tools to meet the

demand for shorter runs and faster changeovers.”

To complete its comprehensive METPACK showcase,

ACTEGA will also present solutions that elevate brand

differentiation directly at the point of sale. Visitors

to the ACTEGA booth are sure to be captivated

by the ACTstar ® special effect inks, designed

to achieve unparalleled, on-shelf differentiation.

Compliant for indirect food contact, these PTFEfree

inks allow brands to create standout packaging

that captures consumer attention. The portfolio

includes thermochromic, tactile, and fluorescent

effects, enabling brands to deliver interactive, sensory

experiences that resonate with consumers.

As a global full range metal

packaging provider, ACTEGA

delivers high performance

solutions built for sustainability,

compliance, and efficiency.

MAY 2026


39

Gerber ® Enhances Beloved

Puffs and Teether Wheels Snacks

with Nutrient-Dense Sorghum

As part of its commitment to evolve with the needs of

babies and parents, Gerber ® , a trusted leader in early

childhood nutrition, is updating its Puffs and Teether

Wheels snacks with a new recipe featuring sorghum,

a nutrient-dense, gluten-free whole grain. This change

increases the whole grain from 2 grams to 5 grams per

serving, offering more nutritional value in every bite

without compromising on the taste and texture babies love.

Sorghum provides fiber, protein, antioxidants, and

minerals like iron and magnesium. While the recipe is new,

the taste and texture of Gerber Puffs and Teether Wheels

will remain consistent, with the same great dissolvability.

“We know parents want to feel confident in the snacks

they choose for their little ones, which is why we’re

dedicated to crafting recipes with wholesome, high quality

ingredients,” said Oscar Benítez, President of Gerber. “By

transitioning our beloved Puffs and Teether Wheels to a

sorghum-based recipe, we’re able to increase the amount

of whole grain giving parents the peace of mind that

comes with knowing when they choose Gerber, they don’t

have to compromise on nutrition or taste.”

The updated Puffs and Teether Wheels are already rolling

out on shelves nationwide, and as part of the update, the

recommended age for Teether Wheels will increase to 12+

months from 10+ months to best match the developmental

stage of older infants. This reformulation reinforces

Gerber’s commitment to nutritious recipes and high-quality

ingredients, so parents can continue to feel confident in the

snacks they choose for their children.


Sun Chemical to demonstrate

a wide range of transformative

solutions at interpack 2026

“interpack 2026 marks the beginning of an important

new chapter in our evolution, from trusted materials

provider to complete solutions and services partner,”

said Mehran Yazdani, President, Global Packaging

and Specialties. “Real advancement requires the latest

innovations, and a strategic partner who can provide

extensive expertise coupled with geographical reach

and continuous investment. Close collaboration with

our customers continues to be a key driver for all

our teams at Sun Chemical, and we look forward to

welcoming visitors to our stand at interpack to discuss

how we can help them transform.”

Strategic insight

At interpack 2026, Sun Chemical’s on-stand Insight

Lab will offer expert-led seminars and tailored, oneto-one

guidance to help delegates make packaging

decisions for today and tomorrow. Sessions will explore

packaging future scenarios, legislation and data

requirements, brand design, and color management—

designed to spark interaction and practical takeaways.

Aura, a leading global packaging consultancy and

part of the Sun Chemical group, will join the team

at interpack 2026. Aura provides expert advice and

services across the packaging landscape to help solve

problems, improve performance, and achieve their

goals. The services they provide include branding,

consultancy, technology and market insights.

Innovative Materials Solutions

Material solutions to be showcased at the event will

include Nitrocellulose-Alternative (NC-alternative)

inks, primers and adhesives; direct food contact inks

and coatings; and a range of German Ink Ordinance

(GIO)-compliant solutions. These innovations sit

within the business’s hero solutions range, designed

to help packaging producers meet performance,

sustainability, and compliance needs.

Highlights for customers across

the wide markets Sun Chemical serve:

• With a strong focus on sustainability and

compliance, the range of NC alternatives for both

flexo and gravure printing processes will be featured.

From lamination and surface to a range of versatile

applications, these products ensure seamless system

transfer without compromising performance. The

range encompasses Solvacycle, SoliCycle, Duratort,

Duralam and DuraCycle ink series.

• Sun Chemical is delighted to be the first company

globally to offer a RecyClass‐certified NC‐alternative

system, combining approved inks with compatible

lamination adhesives, including SunUno SoliCycle

inks, and SunLam lamination adhesives with a range

of ULM ultra-low-monomer products.

• For brand owners looking to increase renewable

content and reduce carbon footprint without

compromising print performance and quality, Sun

Chemical offers SunVisto AquaGreen. Suitable for

a range of paper packaging applications, the latest

generation incorporates significantly higher biorenewable

raw material content than previous versions.

Sun Chemical will reveal its expanded

value proposition at interpack 2026,

aligning its latest innovations in high

performance inks, coatings, primers and

adhesives with strategic consulting and

technology capabilities. This showcase

will demonstrate how customers can

transform packaging challenges into

real commercial opportunities.

• GIO-compliant and low migration solutions on display

include SolarFlex FSP and SolarWave FSP, UV flexo

inks tailored to deliver exceptional results on a diverse

range of substrates. These will be showcased alongside

GIO-compliant SunCure FLME inks for carton

packaging, complemented by compliant SunCure UV

coatings and SolarFlex high lustre metallics

• Featuring vibrant colors and unparalleled efficiency,

SunCure FLM and SunWave FSP UV offset inks and

coatings will also be featured. Suitable for sensitive

flexible packaging in segments such as food and

tobacco, they incorporate rapid-cure technology and

an expansive colour gamut.

• SunPak DFC inPace inks deliver the latest

direct food contact technology for the sheetfed

market, while AquaSafe offers a water-based flexo

ink solution for DFC applications. Both are fully

compliant with EU food safety standards.

• Sun Chemical’s retentive, deinkable, and washable

technologies help increase recycling rates while

maintaining pack integrity throughout its lifecycle.

SolarWave Integra inks are retentive, SolvaWash are

retentive and washable inks, and SolarFlex CRCL like

other Sun Chemical offerings is designed for deinking

without a primer, helping to balance circularity with

performance in flexible packaging markets.

• When it comes to digital print applications, the

SunJet solutions offer an extensive ink portfolio for

different technology platforms, and SunEvo provides

efficient coating solutions for digital printing, including

primers, varnishes, adhesion promoters and adhesives

- supporting performance, durability, and seamless

integration into existing workflows.

MAY 2026


41

Plant-Based Food Revolution:

Not an Alternative,

but the New Normal

Consumption culture and habits are changing

Interest in plant-based products is no longer

limited to consumers who adopt specific dietary

lifestyles. Today, consumers who embrace a

more balanced, diverse, and flexible approach to

nutrition are also turning to this category. The

growing popularity of flexitarian diets shows that

plant-based products are becoming more visible

and accessible in everyday consumption.

Ebru Akdağ highlights three key pillars of

this transformation:

“First, plant-based products are no longer limited

to certain groups; they are in everyone’s basket.

Second, the interest of younger generations is

rewriting consumption patterns; for example,

more than three-quarters of young people aged

16–24 in Germany regularly consume plant-based

options. Third, economic accessibility is gradually

improving over time. For the market to reach

$160 billion, demand alone is no longer enough;

price and accessibility also play a key role.”

Plant-based product launches increased

by 302% over the past 4 years.

We are witnessing the end of one era in the food

world and the birth of a new norm. Plant-based

foods are rapidly transforming from a niche

consumption area into a mainstream category.

According to Mintel data, the market is expected

to reach $160 billion by 2030.

According to data from the Mintel Global New

Products Database, the number of new packaged

products carrying a plant-based claim increased

fourfold between 2018 and 2022. This is the

clearest evidence that the food industry has

permanently shifted its direction toward a plantbased

future in line with consumer expectations.

According to Ebru Akdağ, Chairwoman of the

Board of the Plant-Based Foods Association

(BİTKİDEN), consumer preferences have

become more influential than ever in shaping the

direction of the food industry. Consumers now

make their choices based on the value a product

adds to health and life. Akdağ says, “What we

are talking about today is not a new product

category, but a changing consumption culture.”

Ebru Akdağ, Chairwoman of the Board

of the Plant-Based Foods Association (BİTKİDEN)


Caraway Tea Company, a U.S.-based manufacturer of premium teas

and herbal products, is expanding its capabilities to support the

growing demand for functional tea blends featuring adaptogens and

botanical ingredients, including mushroom-based formulations.

Caraway Tea Company Expands

Functional Tea Manufacturing

with Adaptogen and

Mushroom-Based Blends

As consumer interest in wellness continues to rise,

tea brands are increasingly exploring ingredients

such as lion’s mane, reishi, and other functional

botanicals. Caraway Tea Company supports these

formulations through custom blending and privatelabel

manufacturing, helping brands develop products

that align with evolving consumer preferences.

The company’s manufacturing capabilities allow

for the integration of powdered and cut-andsifted

ingredients into tea formats, including

pyramid sachets, traditional tea bags, and looseleaf

pouches. This enables customers to create

functional tea products that combine traditional tea

with modern wellness ingredients.

“We’re seeing strong interest from brands looking

to develop functional teas that go beyond traditional

formulations,” said Michael Caraway, Founder of

Caraway Tea Company. “Our focus is on helping

customers bring these products to market efficiently

while maintaining consistency and quality.”

Caraway Tea Company works with a range

of functional ingredients commonly used in

wellness-focused products, including botanicals

associated with focus, relaxation, digestion,

and overall well-being. The company’s flexible

manufacturing approach supports both emerging

brands and established companies seeking to

expand into functional tea categories.

By combining traditional tea expertise with

modern formulation capabilities, Caraway Tea

Company continues to support innovation

within the tea and wellness space.

MAY 2026


43

• Long-term partnership delivers reliable corrugated packaging

for fresh produce applications.

• Mondi’s ProVantage SmartKraft Brown containerboard grade

combines strength, surface integrity and consistent performance.

Pacapime Hungary and Mondi’s

containerboard are keeping fruit

and vegetables fresh and protected

with high-quality packaging

Pacapime Hungary operates a 42,000 m2

corrugated production site in Mórahalom with

an annual capacity of up to 180 million m2.

The company supplies customers in Hungary,

Romania, Croatia, Serbia and Western Europe,

with a strong focus on fresh produce boxes for

apples, pears, tomatoes and bell peppers.

Packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables requires

reliable strength, durability and effective

ventilation to protect produce during transport

while maintaining attractive presentation at retail.

To meet these requirements, Pacapime Hungary

relies on Mondi’s ProVantage SmartKraft Brown

containerboard grade.

Mondi, one of the global

leaders in sustainable

packaging and paper,

builds on its long-standing

partnership with Pacapime

Hungary to deliver high-quality

corrugated packaging for fresh

fruit and vegetables across

Central and Western Europe.


ProVantage SmartKraft Brown features a

100% fresh fibre top ply, ensuring high surface

integrity and consistent quality. Its strength

properties support reliable burst and tear

resistance, while consistent runnability and

processing properties enable efficient production

and dependable box performance.

“High-quality kraftliners are important in fresh

produce applications,” says Tom Pissens,

Managing Director at Pacapime Hungary. “The

paper must consistently support box performance,

as our customers rely on us to deliver quality

packaging every time.”

Since 2024, Pacapime Hungary has been led by

Lynn and Tom Pissens, representing the fourth

generation of the family in the corrugated packaging

industry. The company combines decades of

expertise with a modern, lean production setup,

enabling fast decision-making and flexibility,

particularly during peak agricultural seasons.

The collaboration between Mondi and

Pacapime Hungary is built on a long-term

partnership approach, including close technical

cooperation and on-site containerboard

support. Joint trials, data-driven optimisation

and continuous knowledge exchange help

ensure paper choice and packaging solutions

are fit for purpose and aligned with evolving

customer requirements.

“Business is about people and long-term

trust,” says Lynn Pissens, Managing Director

at Pacapime Hungary. “Our collaboration with

Mondi provides the stability and technical

expertise that allow us to deliver consistent

quality and drive innovation together.”

Sustainability is a shared priority for both

companies. Pacapime Hungary has invested

in water treatment systems, solar panels and

transparent certification processes to meet growing

customer and consumer expectations. Mondi’s full

fibre mix containerboard portfolio supports circular

packaging solutions designed to protect products

while optimising material efficiency.

Through the combination of high-quality

containerboard, technical expertise and longterm

collaboration, Mondi and Pacapime

Hungary provide reliable and sustainable

corrugated packaging solutions that reduce food

waste, create value across the supply chain and

protect fresh produce from field to shelf.

MAY 2026


45

Offering the highest purity

available as well as excellent

solubility, Qura Creatine will

launch at Vitafoods Europe

As well as rapidly growing, the global creatine

supplements market is diversifying. In addition

to traditional benefits for performance, creatine

consumers are now targeting areas like brain

health, cognition and women’s health, and

seeking modern product formats.

But despite its increasingly broad customer

base, the B2B market for premium creatine

is currently dominated by a single player. For

many years brands and formulators seeking


high-purity creatine monohydrate backed by

comprehensive documentation had to rely on a

well known German supplier.

The launch of Qura Creatine, a next generation

creatine monohydrate, is set to disrupt this

status quo. It promises not just a credible

alternative to the current market leader,

reducing risks resulting from supply shortages,

but also a step change in the category.

Designed for brands seeking to exceed

consumer expectations and

offer innovative new formats,

Qura Creatine is built on three pillars:

• Ultra-purity: Qura Creatine offers the highest

purity currently available on the market (>99.95%

as supported by independent verification).

• Transparency: Each batch is fully traceable

Qura Creatine, a challenger ingredient

brand offering a unique combination

of ultra-purity, solubility and

transparency, is promising a “long

overdue” alternative in the market for

premium creatine monohydrate.

and independently tested in the EU and USA to

support safety, provide anti-doping assurance, and

meet global regulatory requirements.

• Solubility: Modern creatine delivery systems like

stick packs and beverages require high solubility.

Unlike traditional creatine monohydrate products,

Qura Creatine is specially engineered for excellent

solubility and rapid dispersion.

Michael Hekking, Co-Founder of Qura Creatine,

said: “With demand for high-quality creatine

rocketing and consumers crying out for innovative

new products, it’s unsustainable for the market

to be a near-monopoly. Qura Creatine will

introduce long overdue choice in a segment that

has been static for too long, reducing the risk of

supply being unable to keep up with demand.

But more than that, its combination of purity,

effortless solubility, transparency and independent

verification represents an evolutionary leap

forward in the category. We’re going to redefine

what ‘premium creatine’ truly means.”

Qura Creatine is carefully designed to meet the

parameters required for modern manufacturing.

In controlled internal testing (available to view at

https://tinyurl.com/yx7urvy4) it has demonstrated

faster dispersion than a leading premium creatine.

Grit and bitter aftertaste have been eliminated, and

its mesh size makes it ideal for multiple formats,

including sachets as well as tablets and capsules.

Michael Hekking, Co-Founder of Qura Creatine,

added: “In today’s creatine monohydrate market,

where consumers want greater choice and brands

are moving towards new formats, purity alone is

not enough. The future of the category has to be

about innovation and demonstrable utility: we’re

focusing on how creatine actually performs. As

well as offering formulators the quality, scientific

substantiation and transparency they now expect,

Qura Creatine is specially engineered for the next

generation of creatine formats.”

Qura Creatine is produced and co-packed in FSSC

22000‐ and IFS-certified facilities, and is vegan,

kosher and halal-compliant. It will be showcased

at Vitafoods Europe (5th to 7th May 2026 in

Barcelona) in Hall 6, Stand #6D84L, as well as

featuring in the New Ingredients Zone.

MAY 2026


47

Growing interest

in European apples in Colombia

In Colombia, where cuisine is rooted in fresh

ingredients and strong regional traditions, interest

in high-quality food products and a more varied

everyday diet is on the rise. This trend reflects

a broader global approach to nutrition, which

highlights the importance of fruit and vegetables

in the daily diet, as recognised by organisations

such as the FAO and WHO.

Growing interest in European apples

in Colombia

Changing consumer preferences are also evident

in the growing interest in high-quality imported

products, including European apples. Trade data

reflects this trend: according to the European

Commission (Agridata), imports of apples from the

European Union to Colombia have risen by nearly

70% over the past five years, reaching more than

23,000 tonnes in the 2025/2026 season.

Quality, nutritional value and versatility

Apples from the European Union are produced in

line with strict quality and food safety standards,

including full farm-to-fork traceability and controls

at every stage of production. This gives consumers

confidence in their origin and production standards.

In addition, fruit entering the Colombian market

must comply with the phytosanitary requirements

set by Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA).

These include, among others, obtaining the required

DRFI import document, holding a phytosanitary

certificate issued by the country of origin, and

undergoing inspection upon entry into the country.

European apples are also valued for their

nutritional benefits. Naturally high in water, they

are a good source of fibre, vitamins and minerals

that support a balanced diet.

Their versatility is another key advantage. They can

be used in both traditional desserts and contemporary

dishes. In Colombian cuisine, they work well in fresh

fruit salads, juices and light snacks, as well as in

savoury recipes inspired by international flavours—

paired with meat or used in aromatic sauces.

The information and promotion campaign “Have an

apple day! Get to know high quality apples from EU”,

co-financed by the European Union, invites consumers

to explore new culinary possibilities by combining local

traditions with inspiration from European cuisine.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the quality

of European apples, their nutritional value and the

production standards applied across the EU.


Sweden Launches

“Made with Sweden” Campaign,

Highlighting Deepening

Collaboration with Türkiye

While many countries are turning inwards, Sweden

is choosing a different path. Not because we are

naïve, but because decades of experience have

shown that openness drives innovation, economic

growth, and long-term resilience.

Sweden’s most well-known breakthroughs—from

Bluetooth and the pacemaker to the threepoint

seatbelt, Spotify, and today’s leading tech

companies—were created in an environment where

ideas cross borders and collaboration is encouraged.

The “Made with Sweden in Türkiye” campaign

builds on this foundation. It reflects a simple

but powerful idea: real value is created when

partners combine their strengths. The campaign

showcases how Swedish companies, researchers,

and creative industries collaborate globally — and

how this same spirit underpins Sweden’s longstanding

partnership with Türkiye.

Examples of Swedish – Turkish

collaboration include:

• Ericsson Türkiye’s pioneering R&D in 5G and 6G

technologies across Istanbul, İzmir, and Ankara.

• Systemair’s EUR 15 million investment in Türkiye’s

first LEED Gold–certified factory in Kocaeli.

• Joint research between Istanbul University and

KTH Royal Institute of Technology on sustainable

bio-based materials, resulting in new publications

and European funding.

• A growing cultural exchange through Swedish

platforms such as Spotify, Storytel, and globally

recognized Swedish gaming companies.

Türkiye already plays a central role in this vision.

Swedish companies employ more than 60,000

people across the country, with cooperation

spanning automotive, textiles, industrial

production, electronics, energy efficiency, and

digital services. These partnerships are not

one‐way investments—they are mutual gains, built

on shared ambition and shared benefit. This is why

Sweden doesn’t say ‘Made in.’ We say,

‘Made with.’

Looking ahead, the goal is to strengthen this

momentum: encouraging new partnerships,

attracting talent, and supporting companies and

Ambassador of Sweden in Ankara,

Malena Mård, and Consul General of

Sweden in Istanbul, Karin Hernmarck,

have jointly published an opinion piece

on the long-standing and expanding

partnership between Sweden and Türkiye

in the trade-area, and the “Made with

Sweden in Türkiye” campaign.

institutions in both countries to innovate together.

This is an invitation to build the next chapter of

Swedish – Turkish cooperation.

Team Sweden stands ready to support collaboration in

innovation, sustainability, culture, and talent exchange.

MAY 2026


49

Inspired

by the nature

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2024

www.plantbasedfoodnews.com

salmon

Revolutionizing the food market

with plant-based

Gulfood

Manufacturing

celebrates 10 th anniversary

PRINT COPIES

8,650

+

+

DIGITAL COPIES

OVER 58,000

AT ALL MAJOR

TRADE SHOWS

Digital copies of the magazine is up at international magazine platforms such as

yumpuu, magzter and Turkcell Application.

www.plantbasedfoodnews.com

Food & Ingredients International May 2026

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