On our vibrant cover this month is Flir, the thermal imaging camera and sensor specialist. In the related cover story, Flir shares 60 years of infrared innovation.
At the heart of this issue is our sustainability focus. Discussions around sustainability and climate change are often pessimistic, a tone that is unavoidable given that we are on course for breaching the Paris Agreement and heading towards a 2.8% temperature rise by the end of the century.
Amongst the doom and gloom, however, there have been several rays of hope this year. One such example is that for the first time renewables are producing more power globally than coal, according to global independent energy think tank Ember.
In keeping with this positivity, our sustainability section is overflowing with sustainability success stories and innovative solutions. Kicking of the sustainability section, is an in-depth report on how a collaborative technological effort between Zebra Technologies and Polytag has enabled true waste packaging trackability for the first time, empowering environmental responsibility.
Elsewhere in the issue, you’ll find thought leadership pieces from GAMBICA and AEMT, and we share our experiences of this year’s excellent PPMA Total Show. To give you a clue as to the identity of our manufacturing champion this month: they were credited with Industry 4.0 and have played a decisive role in global economic strategy.
There are big changes coming to MEPCA magazine in the January issue that we can’t wait to share with you. In the meantime, I and the rest of the MEPCA team wish all of our readers a wonderful, gluttonous, yet green, Christmas.
Oliver Batt, Editor
Volklec Expands into Marine Sector with Underwater Power System Agreement
UK battery manufacturer
Volklec is partnering with offshore technology specialist Walker Subsea to develop a unique subsea power pack that could transform the way construction and military operations are performed on the seabed.
The multimillion-pound agreement will see the two companies create a first-tomarket solution, the D-SEA underwater battery pack, powered by Volklec’s 217005000mAh energy cells. Delivering a major step forward in subsea vehicle autonomy, D-SEA provides onboard energy storage to Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), currently limited by dependence on power from a support vessel.
In a global market valued at $5.9bn, underwater battery power is a key enabling technology for the construction of offshore renewable energy sites and defence of
critical ocean infrastructure. Thanks to the team’s deep battery systems expertise and agile, first-to-market approach, the project is now scheduled for underwater trials in Q1 2026.
Junaid Mujaver, Chief Operating Officer at Volklec, commented:
“At Volklec, we drive technological innovation by collaboratively designing, manufacturing and delivering sovereign energy storage solutions for our clients. Marking the latest exciting collaboration of several projects currently in the pipeline, we’re now helping Walker Subsea create a novel and powerful underwater energy storage device with a range of applications for the marine and defence sectors.”
based manufacturer for sustainability, supply chain de-risking and to enable sovereign capability. D-SEA marks just the first step in our long journey towards full, wireless capabilities for underwater transport, and the energy cells supplied by Volklec offer a significant step towards realising this vision.” volklec.com
walkersubsea.com
Stone Junction Appointed by Manufacturing Specialist Precision Micro
Technical PR agency Stone Junction has been appointed by Precision Micro, a global leader in photochemical etching, to deliver a focused media and content strategy aimed at driving visibility in fast-evolving industrial markets. The agency will support the company’s growth ambitions across the aerospace, energy, medical, electronics and automotive sectors, with a campaign built on technical storytelling and clear, data-led positioning. With over 60 years of experience, Precision Micro produces more than 60 million components each year for customers across a broad international base. The company’s photochemical etching process supports a wide range of applications, helping manufacturers meet complex design requirements with speed and accuracy. Its ability to deliver high-precision metal parts at volume continues to drive demand across energy, medical and advanced
manufacturing sectors. Because the etching process avoids mechanical force, the components are free from material stresses; a key advantage over conventional methods like stamping, laser cutting and CNC machining.
“Stone Junction understood what makes our work different and why it matters,” said Lee Weston, marketing manager at Precision Micro. “This isn’t just about generating coverage; it’s about building long-term credibility in sectors where specification and trust sit at the centre of every buying decision.”
The PR programme will centre on media relations, supported by long-form editorial and technical content. This will include a focus on emerging applications, alongside performance-critical parts in electronics and medtech.
Stone Junction will deliver a mix of technical national and international PR tailored to engineering audiences. The
campaign is international in scope, with all written content being translated into German, Polish and French. The campaign will also help position Precision Micro as a credible alternative to conventional processes, especially for manufacturers navigating complex specifications or working to accelerate innovation.
wechangeminds.com
Genius Foods Enhances Quality Control with Loma System’s IQ4M
Genius Foods, experts in gluten free bakery, has announced a significant upgrade in their quality control processes across key manufacturing lines at their Bathgate bakery. With their continued focus on quality and technology, the recent deal signifies a partnership where Loma Systems delivers improved data management, service levels and superior metal detection performance. Combining industry leading technology and quick recovery functionality, the IQ4M metal detector also features OPC-UA connectivity, RFID log on and an intuitive touch screen for improved security and useability. Loma conducted rigorous testing of their new IQ4M metal detector combination unit, featuring multi-spectrum technology and Loma’s patented variable frequency, demonstrating substantial improvements in reducing false rejects
across Genius’ bread, rolls and pancake production. Loma’s TRACS data management system was also introduced to provide Genius Foods with access to real-time production data, enhancing their operational efficiency.
“We are committed to utilising leading technology and processes to ensure the highest quality of our products and efficiency of our operations,” said Stephen Hann, Chief Executive Officer at Genius Foods. “We’re excited to be introducing Loma Systems’ advanced IQ4M metal detection technology, along with their enhanced data reporting capabilities, and responsive service levels.”
Ralph Mbanefo, International Sales & Service Director at Loma Systems, added, “Being a partner of choice to Genius Foods is indicative of a customer who values trust, reliability and advanced technology. Our commitment to provide technology leadership, coupled with highly supportive
local service and repair ensures that Genius Foods can maintain their high operational standards.”
This collaboration underscores Genius Foods’ commitment to maintaining excellence in their production processes and delivering safe, high-quality gluten free products to their customers. loma.com/en geniusfood.com/en-gb
Sustainability in the Age of AI
Nikesh Mistry, Sector Head, Industrial Automation and Test & Measurement, GAMBICA, examines the fraught relationship between AI and sustainability.
As artificial intelligence becomes the new engine of industrial innovation, the manufacturing sector must confront the elephant in the room: AI not being inherently sustainable. Like the motors and drives that power our factories, AI systems, especially large language models and generative tools, consume staggering amounts of energy. If we embrace AI without restraint, we risk compounding the very sustainability challenges we’ve spent decades trying to solve.
Let’s start with the numbers. According to the ECB and MIT Technology Review, AI-related data centres consumed around 20 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2023m, roughly 0.02% of global energy use. But that’s just the beginning. The International Energy Agency projects that by 2026, AI-driven data centres could require 90 TWh more, contributing 20% of the total growth in data centre energy demand. To put that in perspective, a single AI server might draw kilowatts of power continuously, and a single ChatGPT query can use 10 times more energy than a Google search.
Meanwhile, manufacturing remains one of the most energy-intensive sectors globally. In the UK alone, industrial motors account for over 65% of electricity use in manufacturing, with food and beverage processing among the top consumers. Add AI to the mix predictive maintenance, generative design, autonomous robotics and more, we risk layering energy intensive digital infrastructure atop already power predominant physical systems.
But this isn’t a call to reject AI, but to use it wisely. AI can be a force multiplier for sustainability if deployed with intention. For example, Smart scheduling algorithms can reduce peak energy loads by optimising production cycles. AI driven predictive
maintenance can extend equipment life and reduce waste. Generative design tools can create lighter, more efficient components, cutting material use and transport emissions. These are just a few examples but there are so many more use cases for using AI to maintain, monitor and reduce energy wastage.
Manufacturers must also advocate for transparency from AI providers. We need energy labels for algorithms, just as we have for appliances. And we must push for renewable-powered data centres, not just bigger ones.
Ultimately, AI is a tool not a saviour. If we treat it as a limitless resource, we’ll replicate the mistakes of the past. But if we treat it as a strategic lever, we can decouple growth from energy intensity and lead the charge toward a truly sustainable industrial future.
In response to growing concerns about AI’s environmental footprint, new technical guidance from BSI and IEC is beginning to help manufacturers measure and mitigate the sustainability risks of AI systems. They are working on a framework for calculating an organisation’s AI carbon footprint, covering energy sourcing, water use, pollution and lifecycle impacts. All the while
there will be international guidance on the environmental sustainability aspects of AI systems, including metrics for workload, resource utilisation, and emissions across the AI lifecycle. The best way to keep on top of these is to work with an association like GAMBICA who can help to either put your experts onto a technical committee or to feed back the information provided from the committees as we at GAMBICA are part of these groups to help understand and share the standards and regulatory updates with our members. These standards aim to equip developers, executives and policymakers with tools to assess and compare AI implementations, ensuring that productivity gains do not come at the cost of ecological harm.
For manufacturers, adopting these standards could mean integrating AI with low-carbon infrastructure, prioritising circular economy principles, and embedding sustainability into digital transformation strategies from the outset.
Let’s make AI the compass that guides us toward smarter, cleaner and more resilient manufacturing.
gambica.org.uk
The Electromechanical Repair Sector is Vital
As a year marked by severe supply chain pressures draws to a close, and with few signs of relief as 2026 approaches, Thomas Marks, General Manager of the Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades, argues that the electromechanical repair sector is more vital than ever.
Today, perhaps more than ever, the smartest way to keep industry moving is to fix more and replace less. Trade tensions, political uncertainty, limited materials and unpredictable freight costs have made new equipment harder to source, slower to arrive and more expensive. In this climate, electromechanical repair is not a short-term fix; it is the essential infrastructure that keeps factories, utilities and transport systems running when supply chains falter.
The pressures are wide-ranging and persistent. Shipping routes through the Red Sea remain disrupted, with freight rates and delivery times fluctuating sharply. Tariffs add further complications, driving up costs and delaying orders for motors, drives, pumps and gearboxes. At the same time, supply of key materials such as copper, electrical steels and rare-earth magnets remains tight, with China still dominating refining and magnet production. For asset managers, that means relying entirely on new equipment has become a risky strategy.
Meanwhile, uncertain economic conditions and stretched capital budgets make new investment slower and more complex. The practical alternative is to get more life and performance from what already exists – by restoring, upgrading and recommissioning assets rather than replacing them outright.
This is where the electromechanical repair sector comes into its own. Skilled repair engineers can return failed equipment to service quickly through motor rewinds, gearbox rebuilds, pump refurbishments, onsite machining and drive retrofits that recover efficiency and improve process control. These interventions remove the delays and costs tied to international shipping or component availability.
The financial argument is strong.
Siemens’ True Cost of Downtime study found large manufacturers now lose around 11% of annual revenue to unplanned stoppages – worth millions of dollars per hour in some sectors. A rapid repair that cuts downtime by even a few hours protects revenue, output and customer commitments.
But the case for repair goes beyond money. Unplanned stoppages disrupt supply, strain workforces and carry environmental costs. Scrapping and replacing large assets consumes materials and energy, while a wellexecuted repair restores efficiency and reliability with a far smaller footprint.
Repair has also become more strategic. The best repair houses do not simply return equipment to its original state; they engineer out weaknesses, upgrade components and adapt assets for their actual operating conditions. Improved insulation, higher-grade alloys and variable-speed drive retrofits all reduce future failures and lessen dependence on long global supply chains.
A high-quality repair can also buy valuable time. When a critical pump or motor fails, the ideal new unit may have a months-long lead time. Repairing the existing unit allows production to continue while a replacement is specified correctly and scheduled for installation during planned maintenance, rather than in crisis.
Transport unpredictability reinforces the point. With shipping capacity and routes still uncertain, local repair that is supported by nearby workshops and test facilities puts control back in the operator’s hands and avoids costly logistics delays.
For asset owners, the lesson is
straightforward: build repair into resilience planning, pre-qualify partners, and treat every repair as a chance to upgrade. Combine this with good monitoring to catch problems early and track the results in hours saved, waste avoided, and emissions reduced.
In a year when global supply remained uncertain, electromechanical repair turned unpredictability into uptime. It strengthened resilience, protected budgets and supported sustainability. Repair has always mattered, but I believe that today it matters more than ever.
theaemt.com
Manufacturing Champion of the Month
MEPCA are delighted to introduce Professor Henrik von Scheel as our manufacturing champion for December. Speaking candidly with our editor, Henrik discusses his company, Strategic Intelligence, what Operate to Grow means, and why he’s so passionate about manufacturing.
Amongst Henrik’s impressive accolades, he is known as the originator of Industry 4.0, and renowned as an influential futurist. Henrik is also a Professor of Strategy Management, dedicated to the study and research of strategy, and a sought-after keynote speaker, globally.
From his achievements to date, you might be surprised to learn that he suffers from severe double deficit dyslexia. It was through his battle with this that he came to realise that he had a natural gift in what he refers to as “patternicity”, which in terms of economic strategy is the discipline of deriving repeatable patterns from complex, multi-faceted data.
The insights drawn from this to help shape key strategies at the World Economic Forum, Mckinsey, BCG and Blackrock, to name but a few. It was from this approach that Industry 4.0 originated.
“I own a company called Strategic Intelligence, which set the global agenda for the last two decades, so 20 years at the World Economic Forum. So, we normally send that report to the World Economic Forum, then McKinsey, Deloitte, all of them. Take the 32 trends in manufacturing and make it squeeze down to what’s important for them to sell.”
“My passion is in manufacturing,” he explained, “Because if Europe ever needs to come back to growth, we need to come back to growth through our manufacturing.”
Henrik believes that politicians in Europe and the UK do not understand or seem to care about manufacturing, and through increasing bureaucracy, politicians are driving countries towards de-industrialisation, with high energy costs being a particular being a barrier, driving away private equity,
which is ultimately what funds research and development in the sector.
However, in manufacturing Henrik sees real promise; there is, he says, the rare opportunity to grow, and he explained the strategic concept of Operate to Grow.
“That means they [manufacturers] have enough technology to stop buying in. And now they need to integrate and connect the dots.” It is essentially leveraging what a company already has for greater strategic effect.
“First, I look at what I have. What is the core of my business? Where do I compete in hyper competitiveness and industry competitiveness? How can I use my technology, my advantage without adding more money to it?”
As he explains, it is also about having the right people and building relationships with suppliers. And this is something he believes has been devalued by AI agents, which act as middlemen in B2B transactions.
“Manufacturing is a trust business. So that
means you need to reestablish the supplier relationship and the customer relationship. And the key element that you see in the mega trend is trust.” Trust, despite being an emotion, is a factor considered as part of Strategic Intelligence, as it makes a material difference.
Despite pessimism on the current global stage, Henrik remains positive about manufacturing’s future. Having not had the most straightforward starts in his life, part of the reason Henrik is so passionate about manufacturing is that he identifies with manufacturers; with their struggles, and their persistence.
“Manufacturing always had an ability to survive. Manufacturing has some of the coolest people around because they’re practical, they’re hands-on, they are solving practical problems and whatever shit falls on their street, they somehow find a way, and they build a flower plantation on it and they sell the flowers.”
von-scheel.com
Hills Waste Solutions Strengthens Focus
Hills Waste Solutions has announced a renewed focus on supporting manufacturers across the South West, led by recently appointed Divisional Director, Caroline Wilde.
With more than 20 years’ experience in the sector, Caroline brings first-hand knowledge of the complex waste management requirements of manufacturing businesses. During her previous role, she was closely involved in managing waste and recycling services for Honda’s former plant in Swindon, one of the region’s largest manufacturing operations.
Caroline sees an opportunity to expand awareness of the tailored solutions Hills provides to manufacturers; from specialist recycling and compliance management through to rapid-response support and live data reporting.
“Manufacturing waste requires a different level of expertise and flexibility,” says Caroline. “Hills has always offered these services, but many businesses don’t realise just how much we can do to help them. We innovate to help businesses improve waste efficiency and cut costs while staying compliant with reporting and ERP requirements, all in order to help achieve their sustainability goals.”
Hills’ manufacturing services are designed around the specific needs of each manufacturing site. The company prides itself on being responsive and flexible, adjusting collections, container sizes and schedules to match fluctuating production demands. With local disposal points and a fleet that uses renewable HVO fuel, Hills also helps manufacturers cut their carbon footprint while improving operational efficiency.
Manufacturers benefit from a continuous focus on improvement of recycling performance and access to a dedicated customer portal with real-time waste reporting, compliance documentation, and collection calendars, helping to support
“Manufacturing waste requires a different level of expertise and flexibility,”
Caroline Wilde, Divisional Director,
Hills
businesses with Extended Producer Responsibility requirements. Hills also provides support with the rental or purchase of waste management equipment. Additional services include secure branded product destruction, hazardous and WEEE waste management, liquid collections by tanker, and specialist waste sampling and analysis.
Waste Solutions.
Backed by a dedicated support team and regular account reviews, Hills ensures waste is managed reliably and responsibly, leaving manufacturers free to focus on their core operations.
Rickard Lindvall, Flir’s Vice President, reflects on six decades of infrared progress and how the new iXX-Series puts expert-grade thermography in everyone’s hands.
What you can’t see can stop a line, trip a breaker, or risk a life. For sixty years, Flir has answered that problem the same way: make heat visible, measurable and useful in time. From van-mounted scanners in the 1960s to a handheld that finishes the job on site, the path has moved steadily – less gear, more clarity, faster action.
“Engineers need reliable answers quickly,” says Rickard Lindvall. “Our north star is image quality you can trust and a workflow that moves findings into decisions without delay.”
From early scanners to everyday tools
Infrared moved from labs to industry in the mid-1960s when AGA (now part of Flir) built cameras for predictive maintenance. Utilities were early adopters, mounting cameras on vans to scan substations and find hot connections before they failed. Sensitivity and speed rose with cooled mid-wave arrays, first with liquid-nitrogen systems, then Stirling-cooled FPAs.
The leap that changed everyday work came in 1997: uncooled longwave microbolometers that removed cryogens, shrank the package, and extended run time. One-piece handhelds followed; oncamera measurement became standard; MSX® (Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging) added crisp visual edge detail, so labels and components were unambiguous in reports. Then came Wi-Fi and camera-to-cloud, and camera data moved without memory cards or cables.
Each step cut friction. The image got cleaner. The reporting got faster. The decisions moved up.
What customers told Flir
Across plants, utilities, and data centres, the inspection wasn’t the slow part: the reporting was. After an inspection round, pockets filled with SD cards; filenames didn’t match assets; a solid capture lacked load or ambient notes; context lived in a notebook that never reached the report. Decisions waited. Permits expired. Risk sat on the floor longer than it should.
That bottleneck shaped Flir’s latest cameras. Keep the physics and optics that define Flir; re-engineer the steps around capture—context, sync and structure—so a technician can leave site with a finished, defensible report.
Meet iXX: thermography that feels familiar
The Flir iXX-Series behaves like a
smartphone. Newer techs follow embedded best practices; experienced thermographers move faster because routine steps are handled. The iXX is serving up thermal imaging, but everyone’s invited.
“Not every shift has a master thermographer,” says Lindvall. “So, we put the method into the workflow. The first image should be the right image, with the context a planner needs.
Proof in practice: Blackmon Power
Charlotte-based Blackmon Power does third-party electrical testing, arc-flash studies, and commissioning. They paired the Flir i65 (part of iXX) with the Condoit electrical data app and changed their day.
Before: 8-12 hours of reporting on large studies after the site visit. After: a client-ready report in under five minutes.
At the Kings Mountain Data Center Campus of major customer, T5 Data Centers, a technician scanned switchgear and distribution assets. Each capture took 15–20 seconds. Suspect findings were checked with a Flir multimeter. Images and notes synced as they worked. The office reviewed and released the report the same day; no card pulls, no manual renaming, no spreadsheet rebuilds.
The benefits went beyond speed. T5 could see history across sites and plan maintenance windows with confidence. Guided fields trimmed omissions and repeat visits. A standard template meant the
same study, performed by different people, produced a consistent, defensible result.
“Using the Flir i65 and Condoit app as our new workflow platform is a total gamechanger,” says Tyler Grant, Project Manager at Blackmon Power. “I’ve been doing this job for 10-15 years and it’s never been this easy. In particular, the platform moves reporting from the office to the field. Once the data and images are gathered on site, we can generate a report within five minutes. Then once synchronised to the cloud, I can run the report and send it to the customer immediately from my location in the office.”
What changes on Flir’s floor
Electrical:
capture” shows the label and component clearly (MSX) and attaches load and ambient data automatically. By the time the planner leaves site, they have enough data to approve parts and a safe window for replacement.
Mechanical: should a bearing trend warm over two weeks, the portal graphs the temperature rise with images and notes. The technician then moves it from “watch” to “replace” before it becomes a line-stopper. Facilities: if heat bleeds around a roof penetration, the camera ties the visible/ thermal pair to the asset record. No one asks for “a clearer photo.”
This all means less time between “we saw it” and “we fixed it”, with fewer surprises between plan and actual.
Designed for the teams companies have
Most sites run with mixed experience on shift with a few seasoned specialists covering more ground while newer technicians are learning. The iXX approach raises the baseline and reduces variance. The interface is familiar; the capture is guided; the report is ready when the door closes. Outcomes depend less on who held the camera and more on the method embedded in the tool.
“Infrared is most useful when it answers a simple question right now: repair, monitor, or schedule,” Lindvall says. “Our aim is to get that answer into engineers’ hands faster than ever.”
What’s next—practical, not flashy
In any thermal image, a single frame contains millions of temperature data points. Combined with context, that’s a powerful signal for decision support. Flir is investing in getting that signal into the right shape at the point of work so teams can prioritise risk, trend what matters, and act earlier without adding complexity. The goal is to experience fewer surprises between plan and actual, complete more first-pass fixes, and spend more time inspecting rather than formatting.
“Customers don’t buy features; they buy solved problems,” Lindvall says. “If we remove the hours of admin after an inspection, we give engineers time back, and that’s the most valuable feature of all.”
Sixty years, same purpose
There’s pride in Flir’s history of pioneering radiometry, early handhelds, image enhancements that made documentation clearer, and connected cameras that moved evidence without cables. The through-line is practical: detect the undetectable, predict the unpredictable. Help people see what others can’t, understand what it means, and act with confidence. With iXX, more of the team can do that on day one. flir.com
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Focus On: Sustainability
P16. Discover how an inventive UV tag & trace system is tackling single-use packaging.
True Traceability for Recycling is in Sight
Hope for solving the single-use packaging crisis comes in the form of a collaborative technological effort between Zebra Technologies, Polytag and OEM Automatic UK. MEPCA talks with Tim Stoddard of Zebra and Jon Anderson at Polytag about this innovation and the partnership that shaped it.
Aprincipal challenge in achieving circular economy in packaging and improving recycling rates is how to accurately track single-use plastics.
With new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations now in force, which financially penalise businesses for single-use packaging, it has become ever more important for companies to be able to provide accurate data about where and when their packaging is recycled or disposed of.
The problem is that current recycling sorting technology is simply not able to deliver the level of accuracy required.
Fortunately, a collaboration with Polytag and Zebra Technologies has delivered an ingenious solution by developing a system that combines invisible UV tags, infra-red and machine vision to trace individual items of recycling from the producer to recycling centre. The system can be retrofitted in recycling centres, and it provides accurate, real-time data to businesses.
Driving the project was Polytag, a leading provider of innovative QR code and UV tag & trace solutions for circular economies, and based in Wales, the second-best country for recycling in the world. Speaking at the First Friday Club Editors’ Briefing, Jon Anderson, Chief Technology Officer, Polytag, detailed how the solution works and where Zebra’s machine vision expertise comes in.
As a method of identifying the product, they applied UV ink to the packaging at the point the label is manufactured. It cannot be seen by the consumer but fully surrounds the packaging and includes the GTIN and barcode data, in a universally readable format, to GSTL standards.
“I think sustainability and innovation are quite intrinsically linked,”
Tim Stoddard, General Manager EMEA, Zebra Technologies.
Jon Anderson, Chief Technology Officer, Polytag
Tim Stoddard, General Manager, EMEA at Zebra Technologies
The next step was to develop the detection technology. For this they combined hardware from OEM Automatic UK, industrial automation experts and the third technology partner in this innovative collaboration, and worked closely with Zebra Technologies to leverage its Aurora Vision Library, powerful machine vision software, to achieve 100% accuracy in detecting and tracking waste packaging.
Speaking with MEPCA’s editor, Jon recalled that after the founding of Polytag and the first phases of research and development, they were seeking a more industrial solution for the project. They had been working in partnership with AMRC (Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre) Wales, which connected them with OEM Automatic UK, an exclusive supplier of Basler cameras and vision components, and later, Zebra.
“We explored quite a few options,” he explained, “of both technologies that were built within camera and also technologies that were more software based, and after trying a few we found that for this specific use case, although not developed for this type of detection, we found the Zebra algorithm very, very, very powerful and it allowed us to have a lot of control and flexibility with the work we did.”
Elaborating on what technologies were trialled prior to partnering with Zebra, Jon said, “Our system was using a hardwarebased controller camera system, so the cameras themselves decoded directly inside there, and we determined that, when we looked at options, you want a more software-based approach.” They therefore looked at open-source software, and trialled and tested machine learning tools. But Zebra provided them with the way forwards.
As the partnership took shape, a key area Polytag and Zebra worked closely together on was the optimisation of the software and training of staff, combining their expertise.
When asked about the foremost challenges of the implementation for the proof of concept, it proved to be what separated the project from the more typical industrial application of a decoding system: an uncontrolled environment.
“We’re dealing with materials that are running at different speeds, of different qualities, of different levels of damage and elements […] You start to see performance issues where you’re trying to code without really specific boundaries. So, where in a more industrial application you can refine the cameras and the lighting to be very specifically targeting areas which have minimal image size. We needed in some of
these systems to have four cameras across a belt of 2.8 meters wide, but still be able to decode these at speed.”
Zebra worked with Polytag to help iterate and refine the software as they faced these and other challenges.
For Zebra, a project such as this had a great deal of synergy with both internal sustainability ambitions and their wider commitments to help customers with circular economy projects. As Tim Stoddard explained, sustainability is something that both he and the wider company have long championed.
“So, personally, I have been sponsoring a number of our green earth initiatives. We have a number of internal and external practices. We have sustainability objectives.” These include the Zebra Emissions Targets (Scope 1-3). Both to be achieved by 2030 against a 2020 baseline, Zebra is aiming for a 50% absolute carbon emissions reduction at Zebra sites (i.e., scope 1 and 2) and 15% absolute carbon emissions reduction in supplier manufacturing and customer product use (i.e., scope 3).
As well as these internal goals, Zebra has the “Green Herd” a team of volunteers working to differentiate the brand in terms of sustainability, with regional, out-of-hours initiatives, such as tree planting.
“I would say I’m passionate about that,” he continued. “I think, you know, as a company, we talk about innovation as being one of the pillars of our culture. I think sustainability and innovation are quite intrinsically linked.”
For these reasons and more, the collaboration with Polytag was an ideal project for Zebra.
“When you combine passion and purpose, for me, it leads to some of the best outcomes. And this is a great example of that, working with Jon and the team. It’s been great not only to do something so innovative and creative, but also to make a material difference.”
Since completion of the trial, the system is gaining momentum, with large consumer brands such as Ocado utilising Polytag for traceability.
Jon: “What we do have now is a large network throughout the UK where we are again collecting data every single day and building a really interesting picture of our customers product as it’s getting recycled.” And while he couldn’t share the details explicitly, he said, “We’ve got a number of interesting projects going on further afield across Europe and into Asia, but nothing quite crystallised to this point yet.”
Tim is confident in the extensive applicability of the underlying technology: “It’s pretty horizontal in terms of different use cases. Traditional use cases are typically quality inspection, quality assurance, quality control. I would still say that’s a generic or one of the primary use cases. We’ve seen this expansion requirement around damage detection. We’ve seen some interesting use cases around batch code visibility. Ultimately, asset tags that are not visible to the human eye and be able to pick those up. And we have one customer move from, I think it was about sort of a 35 to 50% accuracy using human eye to 90%.
“It’s not only a time saving, but also an accuracy saving … the learning capabilities are accelerating rapidly. For us, it’s about understanding the customer problem and then leveraging the solution to be able to address that. And those are probably the typical use cases we see.”
Did they foresee there being other future collaborations between them outside of this project?
“Yeah, absolutely.” Jon said, “Zebra would be our first point of call if we needed any enhancement. For a lot of this, expect our technology is going to continue to
broaden its existing. I can’t see us inventing something very different away from our current key focuses. But we continue to work with Zebra as we need support across the different parts.”
Tim: “And let me just compliment that. Two of the themes that are forefront of mind for me are security and sustainability. And certainly, from a sustainability perspective, we’re looking at how we can address customers’ problem statements, whether it be optimising workflows, whether by minimising errors or helping them achieve their sustainability objectives. So, I think, you know, through the partnership, we’ve got great relationships and I’m sure we’ll identify some additional problem statements to go address together. And we’re passionate about doing that.”
For Zebra, this has been a prime example of what they term their “ecosystem”, a key differentiator for them as a brand, which Tim explained at a high level:
“So, we bring solutions to market and our ecosystem will add and create value around it. And that’s exactly what OEM Automatic and Polytag have done here. So, we have
this overall ecosystem, which is whether it could be resell partners, it could be influence partners or independent software vendors.
“We [also] have something very specific, which is our advanced machine vision specialist program, which is designed to reward those specialists in those spaces who are willing to invest in it. And this three-way partnership is a perfect example of that; of where we can work with the right ecosystems to be able to address the right customer problems in the most effective manner.”
Tim has previously described the company as a chameleon; “as they are a brand that hides in plain sight.” The analogy perfectly captures how common place Zebra’s technology is, intersecting with so many aspects of peoples’ lives, but rarely, if ever, noticed. This project serves as another fine example.
polytag.io/ zebra.com/gb/en
www.schmersal.co.uk
uksupport@schmersal.com
5 Myths in Sustainable Waste Management
Here, Marc Bamford, Manufacturing Waste Specialist at Biffa, shares 5 misconceptions holding Food and Drink manufacturers back from sustainable waste management.
Sustainability in the food and drink industry is no longer a marketing promise; it’s a measurable responsibility.
As carbon reporting, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and retailer sustainability requirements continue to tighten, the role of waste management is evolving fast. Once treated as a back-ofhouse function, waste now sits at the heart of resource efficiency, emissions reduction and corporate transparency.
Yet, many manufacturers still underestimate the potential of sustainable waste management to deliver meaningful environmental gains. Here are five common misconceptions that can hold progress back, and how a data-led, partnershipdriven approach can change the picture.
1. “Waste management is just a disposal service.”
Historically, waste was seen as something to remove efficiently. But in sustainable manufacturing, it’s a resource stream with measurable carbon value.
By analysing materials at every stage – from ingredient handling to packaging returns – businesses can identify where waste can be prevented, repurposed, or recovered for renewable energy. Reality: sustainable waste management starts with understanding what you’re wasting, not just removing it.
2. “You can’t achieve carbon reduction through waste.”
Waste-related emissions account for a significant share of a site’s carbon footprint, particularly in food and drink production.
Redirecting material from landfill to recycling or anaerobic digestion (AD) can dramatically reduce Scope 3 emissions while generating renewable energy to power the
circular economy.
Reality: every tonne diverted from landfill is a step toward net zero, and a measurable sustainability gain.
3. “Data on waste doesn’t drive sustainability decisions.”
Without robust waste data, sustainability strategies lack direction. Visibility of volumes, material types and contamination rates provide the insight needed to track progress, meet EPR obligations and identify opportunities for carbon reduction. Reality: data is the new raw material of sustainability. The right insight turns waste reporting into a tool for improvement, not just compliance.
4. “Sustainability requires major capital investment.”
True sustainability progress is often achieved through operational precision rather than big spending.
Simple changes, smarter segregation, optimised collections, or rethinking packaging materials, can yield significant reductions in cost, waste and carbon. Reality: incremental, data-informed adjustments drive the biggest sustainability gains over time.
Each manufacturing site has unique materials, outputs and sustainability pressures. A direct partnership model enables waste solutions to be designed around those specifics, supporting carbon reduction targets, circularity goals and traceability needs.
Reality: tailored, collaborative partnerships create sustainable value where standardised contracts cannot.
The bigger picture
For food and drink manufacturers, waste management is no longer an afterthought, it’s a strategic enabler of sustainability.
Those leading the way are using waste data to inform decisions, cut emissions, and close the loop on resources.
By treating waste as a measurable sustainability lever, not a service line, manufacturers can move beyond compliance and toward genuine circularity, turning yesterday’s by-products into tomorrow’s environmental progress.
Because in modern manufacturing, sustainable waste management isn’t just about doing less harm, it’s about creating more value. To find out more about how manufacturers can create value from waste visit Biffa’s website.
biffa.co.uk
Climate Change is a Hot Topic for SMEs
For the UK to achieve its carbon-neutral ambitions, businesses of all sizes must play their part in reducing carbon emissions. Discover how NORD Gear Ltd is using its extensive experience of electric motors and drive systems to help SMEs lower CO2 emissions and save costs.
Akey objective at the global climate change conference, COP26, is to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.
Coupled with the UK’s pledge to be a carbon-neutral nation by 2050, this means businesses of all sizes have a role to play in tackling climate change.
Electric motors use about 70% of all electricity consumed in industry, this high percentage is due to the widespread use of motors for tasks like pumping, compressing and powering machinery.
Typically, large businesses are thought to account for the lion’s share of this, however, smaller businesses are estimated to account for 50% of all UK business-driven emissions. Therefore, encouraging all businesses no matter what size, to become sustainable, makes sound environmental sense.
What is sustainability?
Sustainability is used to define how we avoid the depletion of natural resources through everyday activities. In a business context, sustainability generally refers to business activities that don’t negatively impact the environment, society or communities.
Business sustainability applies to key activities such as operations, logistics, waste and environmental management along with a wide range of assets, including natural resources, social and economic assets.
Given that electric motors use about 70% of all electricity consumed in industry, from an operations perspective, it is clearly a good place to start, both from a company’s sustainability point of view and its bottom line.
The NORD ECO Service reveals the savings potential of specific applications in order to optimise energy consumption for lower CO2 emissions as well as cost savings. NORD’s advisory concept is based
on extensive experience in the production of electric motors and cooperation with customers from over 100 industries. This collective knowledge is continuously incorporated into the further development of NORD’s drives, enabling it to offer suitable products for application optimisation.
In recognition of its contribution to sustainability, NORD Gear Limited received the MHEA Sustainability Award for the NORD ECO Service at the BulkEx 25 Conference.
Measuring performance data
After the installation of the NORD ECO BOX between the drive and the power supply to measure and survey the installed drive solution, real-time data on permanent loads, load peaks and irregular conditions is recorded over an appropriate time period. The longer the period, the higher the data density, which reveals patterns and random anomalies and enables the generation of a load cycle for the entire system.
An energy measuring device in the NORD ECO BOX tracks current and voltage. It determines the effective or reactive power,
i.e., the actual energy consumption, and calculates the proportional power factor.
Data evaluation
Upon completion of the NORD ECO survey, the data is uploaded to custom software developed by NORD and automatically evaluated. The customer receives the final evaluation in the form of a PDF document, which outlines the essential key data.
In the evaluation of the results, the large amount of recorded data allows for the exact reading on whether a system with the dimensions used meets the requirements of the respective application. Oversizing is one of the most common issues in the optimisation for energy efficiency.
When evaluating and interpreting the collected data, values on consumption, utilisation and TCO are broken down. The key data obtained is used for comparison with other potential drive systems in order to make the best ecological and economical decision.
Sustainability can have a positive impact on a business’s bottom line, as well as the environment. bit.ly/493Wpv8
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Adapt Carbon Intensity Models to Tariff Impacts
Tariffs and the way organisations adapt to limit their impact conflict with established sustainability and carbon intensity models. However, manufacturers can adapt their carbon intensity models to tariff realities, as Saskia van Gendt, Chief Sustainability Officer at Blue Yonder, explains.
In today’s complex global trade environment, manufacturers are discovering that decarbonising supply chains is deeply intertwined with evolving tariff regimes, regional policies and shifting market dynamics.
For many manufacturers, tariffs disrupt long-standing sourcing and production strategies. Companies that once relied on a specific supplier base or geographic region for recycled, low-carbon, or bio-based materials are now being forced to diversify. However, alternative sourcing locations may lack access to sustainable inputs or clean energy, which increases carbon intensity across operations. As a result, trade policy shifts can directly shape an organisation’s ability to achieve its sustainability targets.
Tariffs also influence the global transition to renewable energy. For example, China has historically been a dominant producer of solar panels, wind turbines and other clean energy technologies. If tariffs or trade barriers restrict access to these critical components, prices may rise and deployment could slow, delaying progress toward renewable energy goals in many regions. Likewise, reshoring manufacturing to the United States or Europe can increase industrial energy demand faster than renewable capacity expansion, temporarily driving greater reliance on fossil fuels and undermining emissions reduction efforts.
This dynamic illustrates a broader truth: tariffs are no longer purely economic instruments. They act as powerful environmental levers that accelerate or impede sustainability progress depending on how companies respond.
Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and supply chain analytics enable manufacturers to navigate this complexity. AI-powered models simulate the environmental and financial impacts of
relocating production, factoring in the carbon intensity of regional energy grids, logistics networks and material inputs. Supply chain analytics provide the data-driven insights required to evaluate trade-offs between cost, risk and emissions, allowing manufacturers to make informed, dynamic decisions in real time.
At Blue Yonder, we see many manufacturers integrating digital platforms that connect procurement, logistics and sustainability functions. These technologies help companies reroute shipments, identify alternative suppliers, or adjust factory schedules as new tariffs or policy changes emerge, all while keeping emissions tracking and sustainability metrics visible at every stage of the decision-making process.
Real-world examples already exist in logistics and consumer goods. In logistics, route optimisation tools reduce fuel consumption and emissions while cutting costs. In consumer goods, new tariff structures on fast fashion imports incentivise companies to prioritise higher-quality, longer-
lasting materials over disposable products, embedding sustainability directly into their core value proposition.
Procurement practices also evolve to keep pace with tariff volatility. Rather than relying on annual supplier reviews, leading organisations adopt scenario-based planning supported by digital twins and AI-driven risk models. These tools enable procurement teams to assess real-time trade-offs between financial exposure and environmental performance, ensuring that sustainability remains central even amid market disruption.
Ultimately, tariffs highlight the delicate balance between global trade dynamics and environmental responsibility. Manufacturers that use advanced analytics and connected supply chain technologies will navigate uncertainty most effectively, maintaining cost competitiveness without sacrificing longterm ESG commitments. In today’s volatile landscape, digital agility is no longer a luxury; it’s a prerequisite for sustainable growth. blueyonder.com
Continuous Improvement Builds Customer Trust
For Andrew Moll, Global Operations Manager at Cargostore, sustainability is more than a corporate catchphrase; it’s a decisive factor in earning customer trust and winning procurement opportunities. Here, he provides valuable insights into extending ESG improvements across the supply chain.
In the energy sector, across both offshore and onshore operations, major companies demand full transparency over their supplier’s ESG credentials as part of a drive to make the entire supply chain more responsible.
At Cargostore Worldwide, we have experienced this shift firsthand. When a global offshore EPC customer of ours recently requested an updated EcoVadis ESG scorecard, it underscored a truth every supplier must face: environmental, social and governance performance is a shared priority, not just an internal benchmark.
Independent verification matters
Two years ago, we began our EcoVadis journey to benchmark our sustainability credentials. The process is rigorous; covering environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and data security, and importantly, it is a fully independent process.
In our first assessment, we earned a bronze medal, landing in the 84th percentile of companies assessed. Crucially, EcoVadis provides a corrective action plan that highlights gaps and spurs continuous improvement.
Rather than resting on our laurels, we have embraced the challenge and are striving for continuous improvement. We are currently targeting silver status in our upcoming reassessment this year, which will create a roadmap for reaching the gold standard. For us, this is not just about badges; it is about embedding sustainability in every decision and proving it through thirdparty validation.
From policies to practice
Continuous improvement means moving
beyond written policies. For example, rather than simply stating anti-discrimination measures in our employee conduct policies, we actively monitor and report on workplace inclusion. We also strengthened data protection to shore up security through staff training and third-party security audits.
Extending responsibility across the supply chain
We work with many large, global energy industry contractors who have their own stringent ESG expectations. Their procurement teams are not just checking boxes; they are holding suppliers accountable for safe, ethical and sustainable operations.
Even though the EcoVadis process meant certain sustainable procurement criteria wasn’t required, we decided to voluntarily engage with depot and transport partners on safety and waste management, going above and beyond what was expected of us.
The bigger picture: trust and competitiveness
Third-party validation signals to customers that a supplier’s claims are credible.
According to PwC’s 2024 Global Supply Chain ESG survey, 79% of investors cite ESG risks as a key factor in supply chain decisions, while the World Economic Forum reports that companies with advanced ESG practices benefit from up to 20% lower supply chain costs due to efficiency gains and risk reduction. Our EcoVadis journey demonstrates that continuous ESG improvement is a business enabler, not an administrative burden.
Leading through action
We firmly believe at Cargostore that
sustainable practices need to jump off of paper and become embedded into real-life, creating a more equal and safer future for all. A perfect example of this is the groundbreaking portable welfare unit that we launched earlier this year. It provides hygienic, inclusive, and energy-efficient sanitation for offshore wind technicians at a level that has not been readily available before now.
Designed from recyclable materials and powered by a low-voltage rechargeable battery with optional solar lighting, the LiftaLoo not only improves technician welfare but also reduces emissions by cutting unnecessary vessel trips. By enabling mobile, on-site facilities that support workforce diversity and well-being, the LiftaLoo exemplifies Cargostore’s commitment to sustainable offshore operations.
As we strive toward silver, and ultimately gold, we will continue to embrace clientdriven ESG validation. Continuous improvement is not simply compliance; it is the foundation of lasting customer trust, operational excellence, and competitive advantage. cargostore.com
Securing the Future with Solar Energy
Efficiency, quality, and planning reliability are essential for the success of photovoltaic (PV) projects. As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, LAPP UK & Ireland explain how its tailored, single source connectivity solutions can benefit solar systems.
Solar energy is one of the most promising sources of sustainable power. The sun provides nearly 10,000 times more energy annually than humanity consumes globally. While this vast potential remains largely untapped, photovoltaic systems allow us to harness it efficiently. As system voltages increase in modern PV installations, the need for robust, high-performance cables and components becomes more critical. LAPP has responded to this challenge by becoming a leading provider of innovative, high-quality solar cables and connectors.
With over 60 years of experience in cable and connection technology, LAPP offers a comprehensive product range designed specifically for PV applications. Whether it’s rooftop installations, basement inverters, or large-scale solar parks, LAPP delivers integrated solutions that cover the entire energy chain, from generation to final supply.
Every project is unique, and LAPP’s experts work closely with customers to develop tailored solutions. From initial consultation to final delivery, clients benefit
from a dedicated point of contact that understands both technical and logistical needs. This personalised approach ensures that each solution is optimised for performance and reliability.
LAPP’s global presence means support is available wherever a PV project is located, with expert knowledge of local conditions and on-time delivery. Its logistical excellence ensures flexibility and responsiveness, even for large-scale or time-sensitive projects.
For solar parks, LAPP serves as a onestop shop, providing everything from cables to connectors. Its customised connection solutions offer significant advantages, including reduced installation time, lower labour costs, and tailor-made lengths.
Quality and security are at the heart of LAPP’s manufacturing process. All connections are 100% tested postproduction to ensure fault-free performance.
LAPP continuously improves its products and services, driven by the pursuit of maximum durability, robustness and flexibility. LAPP solar cables feature special sheath materials that make them flame retardant, halogen-free, and resistant to
ozone and UV. They withstand extreme weather – heat, wind and frost – making them ideal for outdoor systems. Solar system components face years of sun exposure.
Energy transmission and heat resistance warm cables and connectors, while temperature fluctuations from sunlight and operation cause brittleness. LAPP’s ÖLFLEX® cables, solar cables, SKINTOP® cable glands, and EPIC® SOLAR connectors undergo extensive inspections and performance tests in collaboration with customers. This ensures high-quality standards.
LAPP’s products are RoHS-compliant and suitable for global use. Expert knowledge is required not only when selecting the components used, but also for assembling and using the components correctly. LAPP also offers on-site support to its customers. With LAPP, each PV project is supported by a partner committed to innovation, precision and sustainability, empowering a cleaner energy future.
lapp.com/en_GB/gb/GBP/
Exploring Sustainable Forklift Power
Across the world, focus on reducing materials handling equipment fuel emissions is intensifying. Sometimes to meet corporate environmental objectives, and often hastened by local standards and regulations. Discover how bio-based fuel can reduce fleet emissions.
For tough industrial materials handling applications, where diesel fuel has been the goto fuel source for decades, reducing emissions is challenging. While achieving zero emissions operations may be the end goal, there are options that are available right now for businesses keen to reduce their truck emissions as part of the journey to greener operations. Hyster explains one such solution: HVO 100.
HVO 100 is a bio-based, renewable, liquid fuel diesel alternative that meets the standard EN15940 for paraffinic fuels. According to BioFuel Express, HVO is reported to help eliminate up to 90% of greenhouse gas emissions (such as CO2). This fuel type makes it possible to significantly reduce overall emissions from trucks previously using diesel, while limiting impact on performance.
An increasing number of industrial trucks are available that can be fuelled by HVO from new. Trucks already in the field can also be converted easily to accommodate HVO fuel. Switching to HVO fuel is therefore a realistic option for reducing emissions across an entire fleet straight away. For example, HVO compatible lift trucks from Hyster are available with capacities from 2 tonnes to 52 tonnes, either as standard or with minor seal replacements, depending on the engine manufacturer.
As it is a less widespread fuel type, the cost of HVO is generally a little higher than diesel. Fuel consumption may be greater too. That said, compared to the cost of transitioning to an electric fleet, HVO is an affordable and easily adopted solution to immediately support a company’s journey to lower emissions.
HVO also gives businesses fuel flexibility.
Many diesel trucks are already compatible with HVO 100 fuel and do not require any modifications beyond filling the tank with a renewable, lower net emission fuel. For outdoor applications where cold climates may be encountered, HVO fuel can also withstand temperatures as low as -34 degrees C.
For organisations focused on sustainability, HVO fuel not only brings benefits around carbon emissions. It is fossil free, created from renewable sources. It is also bio-degradable and can be absorbed by the ground without damage to the immediate environment. This helps applications that are currently using diesel
fuel to clean up operations further. There is also no strong fuel smell from burning HVO, which contributes to a comfortable environment for operators too.
Some applications may use trucks at 2-3.5 tonne capacities for fewer hours or less intensively, and often for outdoor operations. At this capacity, HVO is also an effective and affordable alternative to diesel. The right power source will always depend on the specific application. However, HVO can provide a useful stop gap to start reducing emissions in the short term, while plans can be made, and capital raised for future transitions to electric power.
bit.ly/47RZGLE
Smart Sustainability in Workplace Washrooms
Tork, a brand of Essity, a global, leading hygiene and health company, explains how sustainable approaches in washrooms support business ESG goals and improves employee performance.
In manufacturing, engineering and processing environments, productivity is often framed in terms of throughput, efficiency and quality assurance. However, one overlooked source of operational efficiency is the workplace washroom. A recent study found that employees spend an average of around 14 minutes per day using the washroom. It’s a universal need and for some a momentary respite from the stresses of work1
Tork conducted a global Insight Survey2 this year, to explore consumer attitudes and responses to the conditions of washrooms in the workplace and in commercial venues. Results showed that 52% of people take action after a poor washroom experience,
impacting business revenue and reputation. Furthermore, the survey also found that 16% of respondents have avoided using the washroom at a workplace despite needing to, often resulting in discomfort and reduced performance.
Well-designed, sustainably managed washrooms that reduce waste, control consumption and prioritise hygiene can improve workforce efficiency and contribute directly to ESG performance.
Operational changes
In high-tempo industrial environments, every second counts. Ensuring washrooms are well-stocked and hygienic helps workers return to the line quickly and maintain
productivity. Reliable access to essentials like soap, paper towels and functioning dispensers supports smooth operations and reduces time away from core tasks. Sustainable washroom systems such as high capacity, low waste dispensers that hold sustainable consumables are engineered to reduce these pain points. Design features such as single sheet dispensing, controlled consumption and high-capacity refill formats cut restocking frequency, reduce the likelihood of outages and reduce waste.
From an efficiency perspective, having the right mix of washroom products and ensuring consistent availability of essentials like soap and consumables helps streamline
hygiene routines. Even small improvements in washroom setup can contribute to smoother workflows and support overall productivity.
Waste reduction as cost control
Washroom maintenance should be approached in a similar way to the line or the facility, streamlining both consumption and the user experience. Optimised packaging that minimises empty space by design and high-capacity refills reduce replenishment time and storage space requirements, improving logistics and inventory turns for facilities teams.
Sustainable washroom solutions go beyond using recycled materials, they embrace circularity. Paper hand towels are already recyclable; the key is managing the waste stream. By using dedicated bins and partnering with recycling services, these towels can be transported to mills and turned into new paper products, closing the loop and reducing waste. By diverting towels from landfill or incineration and giving them a new life, this approach can reduce overall waste by up to 20% compared to traditional waste handling methods and cut the carbon footprint together by as much as 40%. It’s a practical way to lower environmental impact while supporting long-term resource efficiency.
Health, safety and attendance
The link between hygiene, health and productivity is becoming more understood and recorded. Better hand hygiene correlates with fewer illnesses and infections, which in turn lowers absenteeism and can stabilise schedules and reduce overtime costs. Sustainable washroom systems contribute by making good hygiene intuitive while thoughtful designs such as touchless dispensers reduce cross contamination and other practices that would otherwise lead to poor hygiene behaviour. More sustainable paper towel and tissue formats also minimise litter and overflow that can otherwise create slip hazards. This is another essential consideration in processing environments where moisture and debris are common. Well maintained, hygienic facilities also support morale since employees who feel their employer invests in clean, functional amenities are more likely to react positively to other safety directives.
According to the 2025 Tork Insight Survey,
15% of respondents said they worked from home more than they otherwise would due to poor washroom facilities, impacting return-to-office compliance. While this is less relevant for production workers who cannot work remotely, inadequate facilities can still affect their sense of respect and wellbeing. In fact, the 2024 Tork Insight Survey revealed that some employees have even left jobs because of poor washroom conditions. Providing clean, well-stocked facilities signals that employers value health and comfort, which in turn supports higher workplace satisfaction and encourages employees to spend more time on-site.
ESG without the green premium
As with many changes to facility systems or product replacement, one frequent hesitation is perceived cost and there is a common assumption that more sustainable products are more costly. In practice, well-chosen sustainable washroom solutions often reduce total cost over time, through:
• Lower consumption per use reducing consumption of towels, tissue and soap.
• High-capacity systems cutting labour time on refills and callouts.
• Reduced waste lowering disposal costs and storage needs.
• Dispensers that are easy to clean and refill, reducing maintenance time
Inclusive hygiene solutions such as dispensers designed to be easy to use or soap formulated to minimise irritation on skin sensitivities, helps advance hygiene for as many people as possible. Third party certifications, recycled content and lower carbon processes also help companies
meet Scope 3 targets for purchased good and waste. In the UK, companies are encouraged to align their own Science Based Targets (SBTs) with the UK’s national goals, often requiring significant reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2035.
Tork provides a range of solutions designed to reduce environmental impact while improving operational performance. Its sustainability approach encompasses responsible sourcing, product design that minimises waste and solutions that help customers use fewer resources.
The quiet competitive advantage
In competitive industrial markets, advantages can be made in small efficiencies in places often overlooked. Sustainable washrooms are one of these. Using sustainable products and solutions for the washroom can support a business’s ESG goals while improving employee productivity and wellbeing. Executed well, a sustainable washroom will contribute to smoother shifts, fewer disruptions and safer environments, without imposing a cost penalty. For manufacturers seeking pragmatic solutions that enforces worker satisfaction and output, the washroom is an unexpected yet worthwhile place to start.
For more information on Tork’s sustainable solutions, visit:
2. The 2025 Tork Insight Survey was conducted with 11,500 respondents across the UK and European countries.
Net Zero Starts in the Supply Chain
For manufacturers, the Net Zero challenge is as much about the supply chain as it is about the factory floor. Manufacturers must familiarise themselves with Scope 3 emissions, as Daniel Usifoh, Co-founder of Axiom Sustainability Software, explains here.
While Scope 1 and 2 emissions, which include those from on-site operations and purchased energy, have been the traditional focus, in reality, they’re just the tip of the iceberg.
The real Net Zero challenge lies in Scope 3 emissions, including those from purchased goods, transportation, product use and end-of-life disposal. You might be surprised to know that for most industrial businesses, Scope 3 accounts for more than 80% of their total footprint!
In other words, achieving Net Zero in manufacturing starts long before raw materials reach the plant and continues long after products leave it.
Why Scope 3 can’t be ignored
Manufacturing and process industries are under growing pressure from both regulators and customers. The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the UK’s Net Zero Strategy, and frameworks like the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) demand full value-chain transparency. Investors and procurement teams are increasingly expected to provide detailed carbon data from suppliers before awarding contracts.
For manufacturers, this makes Scope 3 more than a compliance issue. It is now a strategic priority that influences market access, supply chain resilience and longterm competitiveness.
Tackling Scope 3 with technology
Tackling the scale of Scope 3 emissions can seem daunting. Supply chains in manufacturing often stretch across thousands of suppliers and geographic
regions, many of which lack the resources to provide robust emissions data. That’s where communicating with your supply chain makes a huge difference.
The more data you have via your suppliers, the more accurate your view of emissions, making it easier to know where you can make your savings. Technological advances also provide a huge opportunity, including carbon accounting and ESG platforms; AI and machine learning; digital product passports and blockchain; and automation in operations.
For manufacturers already operating under tight margins, technology can help reduce both costs and carbon emissions.
Practical steps for manufacturers
While the technologies mentioned above are advancing quickly, there are immediate and practical steps manufacturers can take:
1. Engage your supply base. Start conversations with suppliers about emissions data, even if it’s imperfect at first! Collaboration is essential.
2. Prioritise hotspots. Use available tools to identify the 20% of suppliers or processes responsible for the bulk of emissions. Target these first for maximum impact.
3. Integrate with existing systems. Use ERP, MES, or procurement systems that are already in place and link them to digital sustainability platforms for seamless data capture.
4. Standardise reporting. Adopt common frameworks, such as the GHG Protocol or SBTi guidance, to ensure data consistency across suppliers. Even better, sign up for the forthcoming ISO/GHG reporting protocols, which should help streamline and standardise reporting.
5. Pilot digital tools. Trial blockchain
traceability or AI-based forecasting in one product line or material stream to build evidence and refine processes.
Regulation, risk and reward
Manufacturers that can demonstrate transparency and measurable reductions are already securing preferential contracts, strengthening customer relationships and gaining a competitive edge.
Supply chains are increasingly the battleground for Net Zero credibility. The winners will be those who combine operational excellence with digital innovation to cut emissions across the whole value chain.
Conclusion
Scope 3 is the frontier of decarbonisation for the manufacturing and process industries. The complexity is real, but so too is the opportunity, especially when you use digital platforms, automation and advanced analytics. Using these tools, manufacturers can turn a regulatory challenge into an operational advantage. axiom-sustainability.com
Sustainability Starts on the Factory Floor
As pressure mounts to decarbonise the industrial supply chain, the factory floor has prime potential to cut the carbon footprint. The key is to understand how this can be achieved. Mandeep Sidhu, Industrial Digital Transformation Consultant, SE Advisory Services, Schneider Electric, explains.
Areport from MIT Technology Review1 on Equipment Management and Sustainability backs this approach up, in the form of a roadmap that can be followed by manufacturing businesses in the UK. The roadmap offers five key takeaways to progress towards the UK’s target of achieving Net Zero by 2050. These takeaways are: asset modernisation, AI powered insights from contextualised data, sustainability by design, asset and energy efficiency and the factory floor acting as an important ‘command-and-control’ point for a larger decarbonisation journey.
The sector has already made excellent progress this year toward the Net Zero by 2050 goal, with the 2024 figures released earlier in the year reporting a 9% drop in emissions2. This was largely achieved due to blast furnace closures in the iron and steel industry and lower coal use across industry as a whole. However, there were also many small contributors, highlighting how any small energy savings can add up.
Digital transformation for efficiency and sustainability
Digital transformation drives sustainable supply chains by improving efficiency, resilience and transparency. By using a dedicated service partner to advise on digitalisation, companies can cut waste, lower emissions and meet compliance goals.
Operational efficiency and production optimisation reduce resource use and carbon impact through automation and analytics. Asset performance and data contextualisation enable predictive
maintenance, extending equipment life and supporting circular practices. Digital quality systems ensure compliance with environmental and social standards, while energy management tools help implement decarbonisation strategies.
A secure data infrastructure enables transparent reporting and accurate tracking of emissions. Governance and change management embed sustainability into decision-making, ensuring long-term cultural alignment.
Together, these pillars help organisations decouple growth from emissions and provide a framework for the following programmes.
Using a service partner to overcome challenges
Modernisation of legacy assets is a significant step manufacturers can take to cut their carbon footprint. This will reduce the
amount of energy and raw materials used in production, and it can cut CO2 emissions drastically as a result.
However, planning and delivering modernisation requires expert knowledge and time – and factory managers don’t always have this luxury. A service partner can support modernisation in three ways, which a factory manager can use individually or in combination.
The first is site auditing, which evaluates and maps electrical and automation systems. This creates a baseline view of current assets that can form the basis of a plan. The key is to use a partner with expert knowledge of automation and power systems, as well as experience in factory upgrades.
The second type of service aims to maximise the lifecycle of assets by modernising or upgrading individual machines. During this, the service
experts will develop a plan to incorporate digitalisation. In addition, they can minimise waste and disruption by replacing only timeserved equipment, while retaining assets such as cabling and cabinet that remain in good condition.
Third is an ongoing services membership such as Schneider Electric’s EcoCare, which puts the monitoring and maintenance of the newly improved operations into the hands of specially trained experts who are available 24/7.
Sustainability-as-a-service removes the guess work and ensure that all investment on the factory floor contributes meaningfully to sustainability of the entire supply chain. By using bespoke service memberships manufacturers in legacy or new facilities can quickly enable condition-based maintenance initiatives, unlocking real-time factory floor insight, which allows much greater accuracy for both maintenance and modernisation schedules. Industrial services ensure that the skills and expertise needed to measure performance and implement schedules that will support the journey of the manufacturer.
Sustainability on the factory floor
Other actions that manufacturers can take to decarbonise are around energy. For example, they can source low-carbon energy or invest in their own renewable energy microgrid.
They can also focus on resources. For example, by improving the energy consumption of machinery and equipment such as electric motors. Alternatively, they can reduce the number of processes or change processing steps to cut energy consumption or use of raw materials.
One example is the US steel company Castrip, which cut the carbon footprint of steel strip production by 80 – 85% by combining multiple energy-intensive production steps.
Command-and-control
As the sector takes action on the ‘quick wins’ of fuels and electricity under Scope 1 and 2 emissions, it has become clear that Scope 3 is often a major source of emissions. Scope 3 emissions include the energy embedded in raw materials that are sourced for production. It includes the energy used to make the steel, plastics and chemicals delivered to the factory gates.
Cutting the carbon footprint of these materials requires a ‘command and control’
approach to the supply chain. OEMs that want to drive down Scope 3 emissions are demanding that their suppliers take action in cutting two ways.
The first is cutting their own emissions, often by addressing energy consumption at their production sites, and sourcing and recycling waste material, which typically uses less energy than sourcing virgin materials. The second way is by having their environmental footprint data certified. The OEM buying the materials will benefit by having greater certainty over this data, which feeds into its own sustainability reporting. For example, the 1,000 top suppliers engaged in Schneider Electric’s Zero Carbon Project3 have made notable progress in adopting energy efficiency initiatives and shifting to renewable energy. This was achieved through technical training sessions and workshops to help measure emissions and implement reduction strategies leading to an overall reduction in supplier emissions and surpassing our 50% 2025 target ahead of schedule.
The most crucial factor of the sustainability of the supply chain journey is to not see the factory floor as isolated.
Accelerating decarbonisation
Make UK’s Digitalise to Decarbonise4 report shows that consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable products and this is placing pressure on OEMs. From the other side of the supply chain, the UK Government has set the target of a 66% reduction in industrial emissions compared to 2018 levels. So, with manufacturers facing
pressure from all directions to decarbonise, sustainability is shifting from being a customer benefit to a business-critical need for any manufacturer looking to remain competitive.
Expertise boosts sustainability
The good news for manufacturers is there has never been a better time to pursue sustainability as next-generation service models remove the complexities around decarbonisation. Solutions such as Schneider Electric’s SE Advisory Services –Industrial Digital Transformation Consulting, EcoConsult, EcoFit and EcoCare – are redefining maintenance strategies for the sustainable future by helping manufacturers overcome the three major challenges of setting a baseline, planning upgrades and ensuring proactive access to expertise. Manufacturers eager to trade on their green credentials should explore a service partnership that gathers the best from people, equipment, and digital capabilities to proactively monitor, support, maintain, fix, and advise factory floor operations 24/7.
Sustainable manufacturing has emerged as a critical focus for businesses aiming to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining economic viability. Learn how SMEs can benefit.
Sustainable manufacturing refers to addressing and reducing the overall environmental impact of manufacturing operations. Several major areas have emerged in the past few decades that define sustainability in manufacturing practices. Here are eight best practices.
1. Take a long-term perspective
Focusing on long-term gains is crucial for sustainable manufacturing. Companies should stay proactive about economic opportunities that align with sustainability goals. Being proactive involves staying informed about emerging trends and technologies in sustainability. This stance allows companies to adapt faster to changing market demands and regulatory requirements, ensuring they remain competitive and compliant while capitalising on economic opportunities.
2. Consult with local and regional governing bodies
Engaging with sustainability organisations and other governing bodies can provide valuable support and open up new possibilities for sustainable practices. By signalling a proactive stance, companies gain access to resources, incentives and guidance that might not be available otherwise. Local government programs often provide efficiency incentives and grants and to businesses that commit to sustainability initiatives.
3. Environmental project management
Investing in environmental project management is essential for navigating the complexities of sustainability initiatives. Depending on their capabilities,
manufacturers should consider hiring consultants or compliance experts to help identify challenges and uncover opportunities. These professionals can provide valuable insights and strategies for achieving sustainability goals efficiently and effectively.
4. Leverage existing solutions
Increasing the efficiency of existing production processes can be a huge leap toward sustainability without requiring large capital investments. For example, relatively simple energy-saving measures like optimising equipment usage or improving maintenance routines can constitute significant leaps toward cost and energy savings. Furthermore, adopting just-in-time manufacturing principles can greatly help reduce waste and improve overall efficiency.
5. Adopt continuous improvement workflows
Continuous improvement initiatives are particularly beneficial for SMEs as they focus on incremental changes that can lead to significant improvements over time. Implementing CI methodologies helps companies systematically identify areas for improvement, implement changes, monitor results, and make continuous adjustments.
6. Invest in manufacturing software
Investing in production efficiency is a cornerstone of sustainable manufacturing. Implementing a manufacturing ERP system can significantly enhance efficiency and control costs. Solutions like MRPeasy, which are purpose-built for SMEs, offer affordable and scalable options to effectively manage inventory, production, and supply chain processes. By optimising production, companies can reduce waste, improve
resource utilisation, and increase overall operational efficiency.
7. Incorporate sustainability practices with HR
Integrating sustainability practices within human resources is vital for fostering a culture of sustainability. This includes training employees on sustainable practices, encouraging participation in sustainability initiatives, and aligning performance metrics with sustainability goals. By making sustainability a part of the company’s ethos, employees are more likely to engage and contribute to environmental efforts.
8. Pinpoint and monitor performance metrics
Identifying metrics that correlate with sustainability simplifies tracking the environmental impact of operations alongside productivity. Transparent reporting of sustainability metrics increases credibility and accountability, building trust with customers, investors and regulators.
mrpeasy.com
The ESI-USB PLUS Box: One Device, Endless Measurement Possibilities
The ESI-USB PLUS box from ESI Technology Ltd is redefining flexibility in data acquisition. While it’s the perfect companion to ESI’s digital pressure transmitters, its capabilities extend far beyond pressure alone. Designed to work with any instrumentation device featuring a 4-20mA or 0-10V output, the ESI-USB PLUS box opens the door to countless measurement applications – all through a simple USB connection.
This clever little interface allows engineers and technicians to connect a wide range of sensors directly to a computer without the need for bulky power supplies or complex data logging systems. Whether monitoring temperature, flow rate, level, torque, or vibration, the ESI-USB PLUS box makes it easy to capture and analyse signals with accuracy and efficiency.
When used with the intuitive ESI-USB software, users can view live data, log readings, and export results for further analysis. Each channel can be clearly
displayed and recorded, offering instant visibility of system performance. The box also supports multiple inputs, making it ideal for comparative testing or monitoring several parameters at once.
Built with the same precision and reliability that define all ESI Technology products, the ESI-USB PLUS box combines robust industrial design with plug-and-play convenience. Compact, portable and
durable, it’s equally at home in the lab, on the production line, or out in the field.
From research and development to troubleshooting and calibration, the ESI-USB PLUS box provides a universal, user-friendly interface for all analogue instrumentation needs — giving users the power to turn any sensor into a smart, connected measurement tool. bit.ly/3XnWjHu
What Variables Contribute to the Cost of Injection Mould Tooling?
Investment into mould tooling can be significant, and with each project there are several variables that will impact on final mould tool costings.
Pentagon Plastics often get asked for a ballpark estimation for the manufacture of a new product that is still in the early design phase of a project; this is not as straightforward a request as it may initially seem as there are a number of complex factors to take into consideration.
These include the number of impressions, Hot or Cold runner feeds, material choice of the mould tool and the complexity of the component to be manufactured. The complexity of a component will significantly affect tool costings with consideration to the following elements including multi-stage ejection, side actions, inclined ejectors, up and aways, over moulded inserts, unscrewing, collapsing cores, actuated cores, camming cores, in mould closing, interchangeable inserts, sacrificial inserts (in high wear or damage susceptible areas), fixed half ejection, air blast, air assisted
ejection, cavity pressure sensors, valve gates, conformal cooling, and hand loaded inserts.
As demonstrated above, there are a number of contributing elements to the cost of a mould tooling solution, which is why it is imperative to obtain ‘like for like’ quotations from suppliers.
To obtain a quotation for a plastic injection moulding project, contact Pentagon Plastics’ in-house Engineering Team to optimise ROI. All tools are quoted and fully manufactured on-site here in the UK; customers can even pop in and see the tool as it is constructed!
pentagonplastics.co.uk
Bespoke Calibration Rigs for Ultra-Low Flow
Titan Enterprises has published a technical paper which expands on the investigation and resolution of calibration limitations experienced during pioneering ultrasonic flowmeter development for ultra-low flow applications.
Aleading innovator in flowmeter technology, Titan has developed bespoke calibration rigs to support the design and testing of its next-generation ultra-low flow and clampon ultrasonic flowmeters. The rigs were engineered in-house after the company identified that no commercially available system could meet the specific requirements of its latest research and development projects.
Titan’s current production flow calibration rigs comprise three certified piston provers operating with distilled water across flow ranges from 2 ml/min to 200 l/min and boasting an uncertainty of ±0.05%. However, due to practical availability – they are in constant use for production calibration – and the novel testing parameters required for research into ultra-low flow measurement, an alternative calibration tool was required.
A new ultra-low flow calibration rig was critical to the development of two major advancements in Titan’s ultrasonic flow measurement technology:
1. An ultra-low flow ultrasonic flowmeter with measurement capability down to 0.2 ml/min or below - targeting flows ten times lower than Titan’s current Atrato® meter –offering a competitive alternative to thermal devices.
2. A clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter for use with disposable medical tubing, designed to measure small batches of medicalgrade fluids for applications such as kidney dialysis equipment and bolus drug delivery monitoring, where accuracy, sterility and affordability are critical.
To meet the ambitious new targets, Titan designed a state-of-the-art miniature piston prover system, powered by dual synchronised stepping motors with rotational
encoders for precision tracking. This system features computer-controlled flow ranges, bolus simulation capabilities, and data output for in-depth performance analysis.
The design also carefully considered complex mechanical and hydraulic factors, including: system bleeding; valve synchronisation; linear motion stability; drive system stiffness; temperature effects; tubing compliance; calibration accuracy; and robust safety features like end-of-stroke detection.
“This custom-built rig represents a major step forward in Titan’s commitment to precision flow measurement and advancing our R&D capabilities,” says Neil Hannay, Senior R&D Engineer at Titan Enterprises. “By developing our own calibration infrastructure, we’re unlocking new performance frontiers to both industrial and medical flow applications.”
This complex project demonstrates Titan’s in-house expertise in exploring practical resolutions to overcome limitations in R&D and expand breakthrough technology.
By developing in-house capability for accurate and versatile meter calibration and testing, Titan can quickly advance the process from prototype to verified product. In-house proprietary software allows for rapid testing of multiple scenarios encountered by customers, helping ensure processes are optimised.
The calibration rig design principles will enable Titan to develop and build advanced tools tailored to customer-specific needs. Future developments include novel fluid test units and fully temperature-controlled systems, supporting the creation of cuttingedge products for both universal applications and OEM-specific solutions in the global market.
To read the full technical paper and for more information on Titan Enterprises and its OEM flow meter solutions, visit Titan’s website.
flowmeters.co.uk/news/technicalpapers/
MEPCA’s PPMA Total Show® 2025 Highlights
MEPCA reports on this year’s PPMA Total Show®, the packaging and processing industry’s most vital event.
The MEPCA team joined over 7,500 other attendees and 350 exhibitors in descending upon the NEC, Birmingham, for the PPMA Total Show® 2025.
Each year, we’re impressed with the quality and variety of exhibitions stands, and this year was no exception. On display was an incredible array of the most innovative packaging and processing machinery the industry has to offer, alongside numerous digital and robotic solutions.
Our first stop was Fortress Technology, manufacturer of X-Ray systems, checkweighers, and vision systems.
Speaking with Paul Ingall, Technical Support Manager, we learned that a quarter of product recalls are due to labelling errors, and Fortress’ answer is Vyper Vision, an advanced vision solution for accurate label inspection in the food and beverage industry, enabling fully automated top and bottom label inspection.
Part of the challenge with standard label scanning, Paul explained, are persistent problems with zoning, achieving repeatability, and the logical repositioning of images. If a package, or label, is scanned a slight angle, the accuracy is significantly reduced, leading to avoidable product wastage.
Where traditional vision systems are limited to recognising fonts, through deep learning, Vyper Vision’s OCR recognises symbols and is able to read most libraries. Through symbology, the system is able anchor to a specific word, meaning that Vyper can still read the information if misaligned, making it far less likely to misread a label and deem a product faulty, thereby achieving a new level of accuracy.
Paul explained that, after over 2 years in development, the Vyper Vision system was trialled at major meat packager. From
PPMA’s newly designed seminar theatre
the customer’s perspective, the set up was straightforward and it was indeed Fortress’ intention to reduce complexity and make the system useable for non-technical staff. Paul confirmed that the trial went incredibly well, with the business ordering 14 units on conclusion.
While presently the vision system is topdown positioned camera, the next step for even greater accuracy, which will make it suited to evermore complex packaging, will be a 360-degree version – something the Fortress’ R&D team are now working on.
Fortress had several inspection machines on display, including the Icon X-ray system for end-of-line contaminant detection, featuring IP69k-rated sensors and quickrelease conveyors. A common aim for all Fortress’ products is simple, robust design, ease of washdown, and intuitive and standardised user interfaces, which have all contributed to Fortress’ position within the market as a company that delivers high-end performance products at mid-level prices.
It was a pleasure to see the APEX Dynamics team again this year. Our editor spoke with Andrew Parsons, General Manager at Apex Dynamics UK, about how APEX’s product range has evolved since the prior show.
Andrew talked me through APEX’s latest developments in their extensive range of high-performance gearboxes and geared motor solutions. The APEX stand was a tactile experience, with a number of technologies that could be handled, including the new range of compact SGM Series of gearboxes, and new disc and elastomer couplings.
Out of sight but not out of mind, APEX’s technology was well represented at the event, with processing machinery being a leading market for the company. On top of that, robotics continues to be a strong commercial area for them, while the growing AVG and AMR market is proving to be in need of lightweight, precision gearboxes, such as the SGM Series.
Of all the solutions demonstrated, which included an automated lubrication system set up with rack & pinion, the precision of APEX’s planetary gearboxes was the most striking. A pencil lead was suspended between two perpendicular counter-rotating disks. Controlled by a servo set up, the gear boxes ran the discs in perfect unison without breaking the fragile lead held between them.
At the time of visiting APEX’s stand, Andrew explained that while they’d had a
APEX Dynamics’ Lubrication System with rack & pinion
The APEX Dynamics team
Paul Ingall, Fortress Technology (L) and Oliver Batt, MEPCA (R)
good number of enquiries so far, “I think it’s quality over quantity, which is better for us.”
Similarly, the ULMA Packaging UK team told us they’d also enjoyed excellent conversations over the first two days of the event, and a steady footfall throughout.
ULMA were there to demonstrate their automated packaging solutions, including the TSA 680P traysealing line, integrated with CP200 case packer, demonstrating a complete end-of-line solution able to produce 120 packs a minute.
On discussing ULMA’s more recent developments with the team, one notable model released this year was the FM400 horizontal flow wrap packaging machine, designed for washdown in situ, to minimise time spent partially dissembling or moving machines to wash them properly, meeting hygiene standards with minimal downtime.
Supporting their technologies, ULMA has a suite of digital solutions, built in-house. Alongside digital solutions, another area they have been focused on is sustainability, something the company takes very seriously, both in terms of its products and operations. This is perfectly encapsulated by ULMA’s patented VenturiTM System, a vacuum sealing solution which runs 20% faster than traditional gravity-based vertical lines, reducing material used while improving efficiency.
Our next stop was LOMA Systems, manufacturer of inspection equipment for the food and pharmaceutical industries.
MEPCA has previously featured the The LOMA® Training Academy, so our editor jumped at the chance to see it
demonstrated at the LOMA stand. Carl Wilkinson, Aftermarket Service Manager at LOMA Systems, explained the evolution of the flexible digital training system, designed to help train and upskill staff away from the factory floor.
The system is designed to keep learners engaged using short 5–8-minute modules and knowledge checks between each module. At present, there are 20 courses available, which includes key inspection technologies such as metal detection, X-ray inspection and check weighing, along with broader training for food safety and quality management.
Carl made it clear that the Training Academy is not a replacement for hands-on machinery training, which remains invaluable, but instead serves as an accompaniment to it. By enabling valuable learning to be done away from the machinery, it reduces
downtime and frees up skilled staff members, and further, it enables greater operational flexibility by more swiftly training new staff and, for example, upskilling existing personnel for shift cover in other disciplines, etc.
LOMA’s inspection technology models were not to be overshadowed. The company were also here to showcase the IQ4M and X5DE models, released in May this year.
The secret of the X5DE, the company’s flagship X-ray inspection equipment, is its dual energy capabilities. Ralph Mbanefo, International Sales & Service Director, demonstrated via the surprisingly clear display that the machine is able to capture X-ray images at both multi energy levels (high and low), enabling greater distinction of material properties and enhancing the system’s capability to identify contaminants
LOMA Systems’ X5DE X-Ray Inspection System
Katherine Ryan, Automate UK Awards
and minimise false rejections. This patented technology is new to the processing industry and is setting a new standard in contamination identification, particularly at lower frequencies.
Alongside the Variable Frequency technology LOMA has become known for, the IQ4M boasts multi-spectrum detection, enabling the system can select the optimal frequency for the material being scanned. Designed for meat and other highly reactive products, it helps to reduce false product rejections.
Under the banner Inspect. Protect. Comply, Mettler-Toledo highlighted its proven product inspection solutions for the food and pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.
The technologies showcased included the X52 X-ray Inspection System, a premium
dual energy system that delivers outstanding contaminant detection; Profile Throat Metal Detector, a system that inspects free-falling products ahead of Vertical Form, Fill and Seal (VFFS) packaging in spacerestricted environments; CMV Combination System, which brings together dynamic checkweighing, label inspection and metal detection; and Data management software ProdX™, designed for automating the monitoring, reporting and collating of all product inspection activities in real-time.
Speaking to MEPCA, Mike Pipe, Head of Product Inspection UK, Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection, said: “Visitors to the stand learnt how the technologies provided manufacturers with the confidence to inspect every product, protect their brand and comply with industry standards, while reducing costs and optimising productivity.”
Automate UK Awards
MEPCA were honoured to attend the awards ceremony later that evening. Greeted in the foyer with Prosecco and music from an incredibly talented harpist, MEPCA and the other guests were in high spirits by the time they were seated for dinner and the awards began.
Automate UK continued their recognition of the importance of apprenticeships with their Rising Star award, this time going to Huxley Bertram Engineering’s Christian Pullen, presented by prior winner and MEPCA Manufacturing Champion Lewis Morley; while at the opposite end of industry experience spectrum, the Lifetime Achievement award went to Albert Bradley for his incredible contribution to the packaging machinery industry over a career spanning 68 years.
Once the awards were over and food polished off, comedian Katherine Ryan took to the stage to deliver an acerbic yet wellreceived set. Following dinner, the guests filtered back into the foyer for the night’s music act, Boyzlife, a nostalgia inducing Irish supergroup formed from Westlife and Boyzone members.
MEPCA extends its thanks to Automate UK for delivering another excellent event, and to all exhibitors that welcomed our team to their stands. Once again, The PPMA Total Show®, now in its 38th year, demonstrated why it has retained such prestigious position in the year’s event calendar.
ppmashow.co.uk
MEPCA Team
Automate UK Awards
Stand Bookings Now Open for Subcon 2026
The UK’s leading event for manufacturing supply chains, Subcon, returns to the NEC Birmingham on 3-4 June 2026, promising its most comprehensive and forward-looking edition yet.
Now open for stand bookings, Subcon 2026 will build on the show’s extraordinary growth and deliver a vital platform for innovation, collaboration and business development across the UK’s industrial sectors.
Following an impressive period of expansion, with visitor attendance up by 85% and exhibitor numbers increasing by 30% in just two years, Subcon continues to strengthen its reputation as the go-to event for subcontract manufacturing, supply-chain solutions and engineering excellence.
Bringing together over 200 exhibitors and 6,000 visitors, Subcon showcases the technologies, partnerships, and processes driving the future of British manufacturing. The event spans a wide range of industries including aerospace, automotive, defence, energy, medical, and electronics, reflecting the breadth and adaptability of the UK’s engineering base. Exhibitors range from precision component suppliers to contract manufacturers and materials specialists – all committed to helping OEMs and tier suppliers deliver smarter, more resilient production.
Leading speakers and CPD-accredited programme
A major highlight of the show, the Subcon Conference, will once again feature a CPDaccredited programme tackling the most urgent challenges and opportunities shaping the sector. This year’s themes focus on how manufacturers can grow competitively and sustainably in a changing global landscape:
• Circular Economy & Remanufacturing
• Supply Chain Resilience & Sourcing
Diversification
• Workforce of the Future & Skills Transformation
• Sustainability in Materials & Processes
• Cybersecurity & Physical Security in Manufacturing
• New Business Models: Manufacturing-asa-Service (MaaS)
• Manufacturing in a Geopolitical & Trade Context
• Smarter Supply Chain: Digital Logistics, Traceability & Transparency
• Human-Robot Collaboration & Cobotics
• Digital Validation & Virtual Commissioning
Networking and collaboration
Beyond the exhibition and conference, Subcon remains one of the UK’s most effective forums for networking and collaboration, with dedicated networking sessions, informal receptions, and the popular “Pubcon” returning for 2026. A chance to grab a drink and catch up with old and new connections.
Stand bookings and sponsorship opportunities are now open
For companies looking to raise their profile and connect with decision-makers actively sourcing new suppliers, stand bookings are now open. Exhibitors benefit from extensive marketing support and lead-generation tools, maximising engagement before, during and after the event.
Save the date
3–4 June 2026, NEC Birmingham, Hall 3A Visitor registration will open in early 2026, offering free access for professionals across manufacturing, engineering and supplychain management.
In an era defined by transformation, Subcon 2026 stands as the essential meeting place for an industry in motion; where innovation drives growth, and growth defines the future.
subconshow.co.uk
3D Print Manufacturing
Midlands 3D Printing
T: 01785 594389
E: sales@midlands3d.com
W: www.midlands3d.com
Anti Vibration Products, Mounts & Bushes
Fibet Rubber Bonding (UK) Ltd
T: 01282 878200
E: sales@fibet.co.uk
W: www.fibet.co.uk
Connectors & Cabling Solutions
CEMBRE Ltd
T: 01675 470 440
E: sales@cembre.co.uk
W: www.cembre.com/en
Design-In Power Supply Solutions
Ideal Power
T: 01733 309865
E: salessupport@idealpower.co.uk
W: www.idealpower.co.uk
Drives, Motors & Gears
Flow Meters
Nord
T: 01235 534404
E: GB-sales@nord.com
W: www.nord.com
Industrial Fans
Axair Fans UK Limited
T: 01782 349 430
E: sales@axair-fans.co.uk
W: www.axair-fans.co.uk
Machine Safety
Schmersal UK Ltd
T: 01684 571980
E: uksupport@schmersal.com
W: www.schmersal.co.uk
Marking Solutions
T-Mark
T: 0330 153 8320
E: sales@t-mark.co.uk
W: www.t-mark.co.uk
Pressure Measurement Specialists
ESI Technology Ltd
T: +44 (0)1978262255
E: sales@esi-tec.com
W: www.esi-tec.com
Robotics & Automation
KUKA Robotics UK Ltd
T: 0121 505 9970
E: sales.uk@kuka.com
W: www.kuka.com
Sensors
Titan Enterprises Ltd
T: +44 (0)1935 812790
E: sales@flowmeters.co.uk
W: www.flowmeters.co.uk
High Shear Mixing Equipment
Silverson Machines Ltd
T: +44 (0)1494 786331
E: sales@silverson.co.uk
W: www.silverson.co.uk
Industrial Communications
Brainboxes
T: + 44 (0) 151 220 2500
E: sales@brainboxes.com
W: www.brainboxes.com
Intoware
T: 0115 977 8969
E: hello@intoware.com
W: www.intoware.com
IFM Electronic
T: 020 8213-0000
E: enquiry.gb@ifm.com
W: www.ifm.com
PLUS Automation Ltd
T: 0121 58 222 58
E: Sales@PLUSAutomation.co.uk
W: www.PLUSAutomation.co.uk
Storage Solutions
BITO Storage Systems Ltd.
T: 02476 388 852
E: Info.uk@bito.com
W: www.bito.com
Test & Inspection
AMETEK Land (Land Instruments International)
T: +44 1246 417691
E: land.enquiry@ametek.com
W: www.ametek-land.com
The Heart of British Manufacturing & Electronics
10000+ attendees 28 years as the South’s leading industry show
550+ exhibitors
Kickstart 2026 at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics - the UK’s leading industrial event. Join 550+ suppliers, from global giants to agile SMEs, in one dynamic marketplace. Connect, innovate and drive your projects forward at the South’s essential meeting point for manufacturing and electronics.
I’ve found it incredibly useful - great for sparking new ideas and making valuable contacts. It’s exciting to discover a wide range of technologies and products I hadn’t come across before. It’s an excellent way to stay up to date with the latest industry trends. The event is massive, with so much to see. I’d definitely recommend attending, and I’m really looking forward to the seminars!
