Packmedia Arabic by ItaliaImballaggio - Gulfood Manufacturing 2025

Packaging solutions for food, beverage, dairy products, and dairy alternatives.

IMA serves the international dairy and dairy alternative industries with the best platforms and machines, consistently providing tailored technologies for the packaging of cheese, butter, margarine, dressings & sauces, sweet spreads, yoghurt, desserts, UHT milk and more.

From stand-alone machines to fully-integrated solutions, our advanced technologies and expert consultancy ensure tailored support for every need, from primary to end of line packaging solutions.

Make the most, with us.

d.miserendino@kairosmediagroup.it

و ItaliaImballaggio

BECAUSE TIME IS PRECIOUS

Robotic Bottle Unscrambler

Modular machine from 1 to 6 Delta Robots suitable for speeds up to 400 b.p.m.

Possibility to feed symmetrical or asymmetrical bottles, either in pucks or directly on the line conveyor

Simple human interface and historical data collection

HIGH PERFORMANCE / / / FLEXIBILITY SMART CONNECTION / AGILITY

One touch rapid change-over including bottle emptying

Davide Miserendino

Milena Bernardi, M. Costanza Candi, Generoso Verrusio

Salvatore Lavorini )salvatore.lavorini@kairosmediagroup.it(

Ligabue Traduzioni e Interpretariati

Max Marra & Gianni Valentino

Studio Grafico Page, Vincenzo De Rosa, Mehdi Kamkar

Group

Modena

Gulfood Manufacturing

Kairos Media Group Srl

Via Fossa Buracchione 84, 41126 Modena, Italy

Davide Miserendino

Via Fossa Buracchione 84 41126 Modena, Italy

T. +39 059 512103 – redazione@packmedia.net :فتاه

Massimo Chiereghin - m.chiereghin@kairosmediagroup.it

Roberta Pagan - r.pagan@kairosmediagroup.it Nicola Saracino - n.saracino@kairosmediagroup.it

Elisa Verzelloni - e.verzelloni@kairosmediagroup.it

Ai sensi del Regolamento Europeo sulla Protezione dei Dati 679/2016 (“GDPR”), del D.Lgs. 196/2013 del D.lgs. 101/2018 e delle successive modifiche e integrazioni, i trattamenti effettuati dal gruppo (U.C.I.M.A - proma-pack srl a socio unico- Kairos Media Group srl - MECS srl) saranno improntati ai principi di liceità, correttezza, trasparenza, limitazione delle finalità e della conservazione, minimizzazione dei dati, esattezza, integrità e riservatezza, nonché al principio di responsabilizzazione di cui all’art. 5 del Regolamento. Per consultare o rettificare i Vostri dati, o per opporvi alla ricezione della nostra rivista (art. 15-22 egolamento Europeo 2016/679), potrete rivolgervi ai Titolari del trattamento, nelle società del gruppo UCIMA (U.C.I.M.A - proma-pack srl a socio unico - Kairos Media Group srl - MECS srl) scrivendo alla email del gruppo privacy@ucima.it.

LOACKER

Maria Costanza Candi

Zambelli Packaging

Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 ضرعًم

Gulfood Manufacturing 2025

Gampack

LET’S SHAPE THE FUTURE OF YOUR PACKAGING, TOGETHER.

Welcome to Gampack, your trusted partner for secondary packaging machines and complete, fully integrated end-of-line solutions.

Why Choose our Modular Robotic Lines?

Gampack’s modular solutions integrate all packaging phases into a single, compact frame—from pack formation to product insertion, pack closure, and even palletizing when required. This continuous flow eliminates the need for transfer conveyors, optimizing space and reducing contamination risks. Designed for a wide range of products —from flexible packs like flowpacks and doypacks to capsules, bottles, and jars—our modular robotic lines ensure versatility, uninterrupted production, and maximum hygiene.

UNIMAC-GHERRI

CMI Industries

From design to installation of machines and packaging lines for chemical, cosmetic, parapharmaceutical, and food products. We stand by your side with streamlined processes, complete support, and maximum performance.

Gulfood Manufacturing

MAKRO LABELLING

Vision Systems

The entire Makro range can be equipped with RAPTOR (Rapid to Orientate) vision systems, ALICE and ALICE 360 (Advanced Label Inspection and Control Environment) label inspection systems, ensuring performance, reduced production waste, and maximum quality of the finished product.

Intelligent visioning system that commands the position of your containers before labelling to ensure labels are applied precisely where desired

Intelligent quality control system ensuring accurate and precise positioning of your labels, powered by auto-correction for a perfect placement.

Our New Vision System ensures precise control of packaging quality thanks to the algorithms developed by Makro for the world of Labelling.

Our mission is clear: to design state-of-the-art labelling machines that stand the test of time, meeting the evolving production needs of every customer while ensuring maximum benefits and reliability. With production entirely Made in Italy, we combine technological, mechanical, and electronic innovations with environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, focused on energy savings and the effective implementation of a more sustainable economic development model. All of this begins with a deep knowledge of every aspect of labelling and translates into working with passion, professionalism, and expertise, as well as a commitment to staying close to our customers by providing the fastest support throughout the entire lifecycle of the labelling machine.

TGM, an excellence in Pharma and Cosmetics Packaging

TGM-TECNOMACHINES, a leader in the production of automatic filling, cartoning and end-of-line machines, offers two flagship tube-filling models: the B620 and the BOX 100.

The B620 is designed for the pharmaceutical industry and stands out for its modular architecture, allowing full customization based on specific customer requirements. Optional features include tube cleaning, a laminar flow hood, and a barcode reader for tube identification. While the displayed configuration is set up for plastic tubes, the machine can be easily adapted for metal tubes using a dedicated kit. Designed for maximum versatility, the B620 enables tool-less format changes in just 6 to 9 minutes and provides quick, practical and ergonomic solutions to meet market demands.

Known as the “queen” of single-tube machines, it reaches speeds of up to 100 pieces per minute, making it ideal for new product launches and small batches, while also ensuring scalability for future growth.

The BOX 100 is a horizontal cartoning machine with intermittent motion, engineered to integrate seamlessly into medium-to-high production lines. Like all TGM machines, it is built with a modular approach, allowing tailored configurations to suit diverse packaging needs.

At Cosmopack 2025, the most recent trade show attended by TGM, the company presented a dedicated range of filling and cartoning machines for cosmetics and secondary packaging. «We’ve been attending Cosmopack since 1996», sales director Cristian Caroli noted, «and this edition allowed

us to demonstrate high flexibility, quick format changeovers and efficient operation, particularly suited to subcontractors managing a wide range of products. Among the highlights are a vertical cartoner offering high flexibility, quick format changeovers and efficient operation, particularly suited to subcontractors managing a wide range of products. The vertical machines support both manual and automatic loading, depending on the level of automation preferred by cosmetic and pharmaceutical customers, who account for 90% of TGM’s business. In response to new pharmaceutical formats such as biopharmaceuticals, TGM focuses on simplifying packaging and filling operations. It collaborates closely with pharmaceutical companies to develop verifiable and safe processes that reflect the high standards of quality its machines are known for».

TGM-TECNOMACHINES is an Italian machinery manufacturer located in the province of Bergamo, in an area with a high density of manufacturing companies, and one of the most dynamic industrial areas in Italy.

The company is managed by the Togni family: initially it was run by founder Giancarlo, later with the support of his wife Rosa who, while continuing to manage the administrative and financial side, subsequently became managing director. Over the years, the skilled and technical contribution of their daughter Daniela, an engineer, has continuously grown. She now manages the general organisation of the company, as well as the production and commercial departments, while her husband Andrea coordinates assembly and preparation of the machines and lines.

MAKRO LABELLING, Intelligent Choice

Makro Labelling is a dynamic company that has made technological innovation its strength. Today, it is an international benchmark in the industrial labelling sector for the beverage, food, home & personal care, and pharmaceutical industries.

Makro Labelling is a dynamic company that has made technological innovation its strength. Today, it is an international benchmark in the industrial labelling sector for the beverage, food, home & personal care, and pharmaceutical industries.

An extensive international sales network, prompt pre- and after-sales assistance, combined with operational flexibility and the ability to anticipate the needs of an ever-evolving market, ensure the satisfaction of every labelling requirement. The product range includes labelling machines capable of handling up to five elements per bottle, available in self-adhesive, cold glue, roll-fed, hot melt, or combined versions.

For companies with small production needs, there are the MAK 01, MAK 02, MAK 03, and MAK 1 models, which guarantee speeds of up to 12,000 bph, with mechanical or electronic rotation of the bottle plates.

For medium and large-scale production needs, Makro offers the MAK 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 models, capable of managing production speeds of up to 50,000 bph.

The entire Makro range can be equipped with RAPTOR (Rapid to Orientate) centering systems and ALICE label inspection systems, including the new ALICE 360 (Advanced Label Inspection and Control Environment), ensuring top performance, reduced production waste, and maximum quality of the finished product.

Cama: Know the market, know the people and deliver the best possible solutions

Ahmed Mohamed, vice president of sales MENA region at Cama Group (Sheik Saeed Hall 2 | STAND: S2-A4) explains how local knowledge, class-leading technology and exceptional regional support combine to deliver best-in-class packaging technologies to a growing and highly demanding region.

Are there particular regional market or industry challenges?

Of course, the MENA region presents both exciting opportunities and unique challenges, one of which is the need for adaptable packaging solutions that can meet rapidly evolving consumer preferences. There’s also a growing demand for more sustainable solutions, localized branding, and portion-controlled packaging, especially in the food and beverage sector.

Cama has seen significant successes in the region, what is driving local investment and expansion?

Many countries are pushing for inward investment, including Saudi Arabia and Dubai, where there is emphasis on automatic machines for packaging and other traditionally manual processes. Indeed, many local companies are buying automated machinery to reduce their reliance on human resources.

What do MENA customers want from their machines?

Like our global client base, customers in the MENA region are looking for efficiency, flexibility, and future-proof technology. They want machines that can handle multiple SKUs, accommodate faster changeovers, and integrate seamlessly into existing production lines. Reliability is critical, too, as downtime directly impacts supply chain performance. There’s also a growing interest in compact designs that maximize floor space without compromising performance.

What do MENA customers want from their machine suppliers?

Beyond the machines, MENA customers expect strong partnerships. They value suppliers who offer local presence, responsive support, and training capabilities. Being available post-installation and providing proactive service and maintenance is essential, too. Customers also seek suppliers who understand regional market dynamics and can provide customized, scalable solutions tailored to their specific needs, whether they are SMEs or large multinationals.

Looking at the events at which you exhibit in the region, such as Gulfood and Saudi Food, what technologies from Cama Group will be of particular interest to the companies attending?

This year our focus is very much on our advanced robotic packaging lines, which are known for their high speed, flexibility, and precision. We’ll showcase how Cama’s machines support Industry 4.0

integration, offering intelligent diagnostics, real-time performance monitoring, and remote assistance. We have recently augmented our robotic offering with the introduction of our Automatic Carton Loading (ACL) technology. This comprises a collaborative three-axis robot that automatically loads the carton blank magazines on our packaging machines. Offering even great strength, reach and agility, it takes over what is traditionally a difficult, repetitive and onerous manual process. The technology integrates seamlessly with our machines and can be adapted to fit within available factory real estate. And for modern integrated packaging operations, it can communicate with upstream and downstream machines, so it can prepare to receive pallets transported by AMR (mobile robot). Modularity and scalability are also key. Our systems are designed to evolve with our customers’ production needs and visitors will see how our technology addresses not just the packaging of today – but anticipates the demands of tomorrow.

Finally, What CAMA solutions and technologies are particularly popular in the region?

Our IF Series integrated robotic loading units and BTG secondary-packaging platforms hit a real sweet spot. In many factories, automated secondary packaging is relatively new, so we often face restricted or interestingly shaped real estate in which to install our solutions. For this reason, our smaller monobloc machines, which are still capable of high-speed operation, are particularly popular. These solutions combine robotic precision with modular design, allowing for flexible configurations tailored to different product types, from confectionery to ready meals and dairy. We’re also seeing growing interest in our sustainable packaging solutions, especially those that support plastic- to-carton transitions and eco-friendly formats.

Goglio debuts at Gulfood Manufacturing with its complete packaging system

At the leading trade fair dedicated to the food industry in the Middle East, the company will showcase its integrated Fresco System®: packaging lines, high-barrier flexible laminates, plastic accessories (valves and spouts) and advanced services.

At booth S2 C77 – Sheikh Saeed Hall 2, Goglio will present its complete solutions for the aseptic, coffee, and industrial sectors, with a special focus on coffee – a strategic segment for the Group and set to gain increasing relevance in the Middle East. According to a recent Horizon Grand View Research report, the coffee market in the Middle East and Africa is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, reaching an estimated turnover of around USD 17 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% starting in 2025.

Visitors will have the opportunity to discover Goglio’s wide range of high-performance packaging solutions, the advanced services of the IIoT platform MIND, and, in particular, the G14 and G22 packaging lines.

THE GOGLIO GROUP – Goglio S.p.A. is a leading player in flexible packaging. Founded in 1850, the Group designs, develops, and manufactures complete packaging systems, providing packaging lines, high-barrier flexible laminates, plastic accessories (valves and spouts) and advanced services to meet every packaging need across multiple industries: coffee, food, chemical, cosmetic, detergent, beverage, and pet food. With a global footprint, Goglio operates production plants in Italy, the Netherlands, the United States, China and Brazil, as well as sales offices in various European countries, South America, and Southeast Asia. In 2024, the Group reported a production value of €470 million and employed 2,210 people. More information is available at https://www.goglio.it/en/

G14 is a compact and versatile vertical packaging line that can handle up to 75 packs per minute, processing formats from 125 g to 3 kg. It offers a large variety of finished packages and protective atmosphere packaging with inert gas compensation, making it ideal for granular, chunk and powder products.

G22, on the other hand, is a fully automatic horizontal packaging line for formats from 50 g to 1 kg, with a speed of up to 70 packs per minute. It provides several finished packages and vacuum packaging with partial or total inert gas flush, and is suitable for granular, chunk and powder products. G22 also allows fast changeovers in bag size, style, and material.

Both lines ensure full integration between the packaging line and the internal and external valve application stations.

CMI Industries: more than just chemical filling

Focus on the food and beverage industry: foreign markets, sustainability and important technological partnerships.

Present in numerous foreign markets in the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East, South America and Australia, CMI industries offers its customers efficient coverage of foreign markets for both its core business and the segments it is active in, which in addition to chemical filling, para-pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, also include food and beverage.

Ahead of the company’s upcoming participation in Fachpack, where it will be showcasing two machines, a filling machine for corrosive products and a single-head capping machine, CEO Davide Comoli takes stock of the company’s ability to be successful on foreign markets. The company’s strengths range from versatility to the ability to offer custom solutions, as well as speed and precision, making it a winning choice compared to its competitors.

“Speed and accuracy are essential in our market”, explains Davide Comoli, CEO of CMI, “and give us an edge over our competitors in Turkey and China. We are also present in the African market both in the Mediterranean basin and the Maghreb basin, as well as in Central Africa and in South Africa, and we are expanding towards the Middle East, with a new representation in Dubai, where we plan to take part in some of the major trade shows in the sector, such as Gulfood and the Saudi Food Show. As for the American continent, we are breaking ground with a new agent in Mexico, and are aiming to open up to new markets in the area”.

Versatility and sustainability for F&B

The strength of CMI Industries is the result of successful technologies for very different markets, with particular expertise in handling highly variable products and formats imposed by the chemical industry.

“We are able to handle any type of product”, Davide Comoli continues, “including creamy, viscous and liquid products, with a spin-off in the market for spreadable creams, jams and honey, and in the beverage sector, where we operate with specialised partners”.

This is one of CMI’s strengths: the ability to provide complete turnkey lines, thanks to a network of specialised partners that allow the company

to follow the customer every step of the way, from the drafting of the layout to the purchase of machinery for line integration, as well as FAT and SAT, with assembly and testing carried out first in the company and then at the customer’s site.

The supply ecosystem is also designed to drastically cut costs and emissions, thanks to a short supply chain made up of partnerships linked to the local area. This is a further element of sustainability, as Davide Comoli points out. He concludes by explaining that:

“CMI machines today are mostly equipped with advanced electronic systems. For some of these types, we make use of our strong partnership with Bosch Rexroth, whose components enable precise and flexible management of machine functions directly from the panel. The ability to set and save different capping profiles is just one example of many applications: from automatic adjustment of process parameters to continuous monitoring of operational performance, and predictive maintenance.

These solutions are not limited to diagnostics, and are an integral part of the company’s sustainability strategy. The ESG approach is a key driver for CMI, which relies on measurable data throughout the supply chain to develop increasingly efficient and eco-friendly technologies. A specific example of this is our washing systems, which are designed to drastically reduce time and water consumption at a key stage of the production process: plant sanitisation”.

UNIMAC-GHERRI: innovative and integrated solutions for food packaging

The Italian company provides customized, turnkey food packaging systems - filling, capping, handling, and automation - designed for hygiene, precision, and global performance

In the food industry, quality, hygiene and precision allow no compromises: they require reliable, flexible technologies capable of meeting increasingly demanding standards.

UNIMAC-GHERRI, headquartered in Italy, is an international point of reference for those seeking customized equipment and fully integrated lines for food packaging.

With decades of experience in designing and manufacturing filling, capping and product handling machines, the company delivers innovative, turnkey solutions for every stage of the production process.

UNIMAC-GHERRI’s machines and lines are exported worldwide and backed by a global technical support network. Continuous participation in international trade shows and collaborations with strategic partners confirm the company’s role as an ambassador of Italian quality and reliability in the packaging industry.

Lines and machinery designed for the food sector

UNIMAC-GHERRI delivers turnkey systems for filling and capping containers in glass, metal, and plastic. Its machines handle dense, semi-dense, and pasty products – such as sauces, creams, jams, honey, and preserves – with precision, ensuring production continuity and high hygienic standards. Each system can be fully customized according to the type of product, container format, and required production capacity, ensuring maximum efficiency.

The solutions offered include cleaning machines –from blowers to washing and pasteurization units, ensuring high hygiene standards, minimizing contamination risks, and preparing the product optimally for each subsequent stage of the line; filling machines – designed to handle dense, semi-dense, and pasty products with precision, adaptable to different container types and formats; cappers (twist-off or pre-threaded) –guaranteeing maximum product integrity and seal, supported by integrated vacuum control and safety systems; handling systems – palletizers, depalletizers, basket loaders and unloaders, ensuring production continuity and efficient logistics; robotic solutions – automation of complex processes and special applications tailored to specific production needs; smart data systems – remote monitoring platforms for machines and production lines, enabling real-time data analysis, operational efficiency optimization, and timely, effective technical support. Thanks to these integrated solutions, UNIMAC-GHERRI provides clients with coherent and fully functional systems, ready to meet the most demanding market requirements. One of the company’s strengths is complete customization: each line can be designed to optimize plant space and perfectly adapt to any production need.

Robopac presents Palwrapp, the new range of compact palletizers

Robopac presents the new range of compact palletizers, Palwrapp, with integrated stretch wrapper that is revolutionizing end-of-line operations.

Two functions in a single machine – palletizing and pallet wrapping – to ensure maximum efficiency with minimal footprint. Ideal for the food and consumer packaged goods sectors, Palwrapp combines modularity, flexibility, and ease of use in a plug & play structure. Available in both automatic and semi-automatic versions, it handles up to 3 layers per minute with automatic format change and zero downtime.

It integrates Robopac’s Cube technology for stable, secure, and load-optimized wrapping, ensuring maximum film savings. Brushless servomotors guarantee smooth and precise movements, while front access simplifies maintenance and cleaning.

Robopac technology also makes palletising reliable and energy efficient.

Palwrapp equipment groups share common functional modules and frames providing comprehensive palletiser solutions. Shared modules maximize layout flexibility while reducing costs through increased manufacturing and machine controls efficiencies. Modular engineering means quality control and complete flexibility in the configuration of machine components. Controls architecture is based on “Full B&R”. Operations interface is provided by a User friendly touchscreen panel (10,1”). Palwrapp processes wrap-around cardboard, American cardboard and trays with film.

This is a compact, smart, and high-performance solution for those looking to optimize space, time, and productivity.

Gampack at Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 Modularity, AI and circular packaging for the Gulf Market

Integrated solutions, modular architecture and advanced digitalisation: the Italian company brings its innovative DNA to Dubai to address the challenges of sustainability and competitiveness.

From stand-alone machines to fully integrated solutions for efficient, intelligent, and sustainable packaging – this is the vision Gampack brings to Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 in Dubai (4-6 November, Saeed Hall 3 – Stand S3-D84), a key event for the global food & beverage industry. In a landscape where flexibility, digitalisation and sustainability are strategic drivers to compete in fast-evolving markets, the company asserts its innovative DNA through cutting-edge technologies designed to anticipate the needs of producers and retailers in the Emirates and beyond.

Modular architecture and full integration

Gampack machines are designed to integrate into high-productivity lines, thanks to a modular architecture that simplifies size changeover and adaptation to different product and secondary packaging types. Their compact layouts and quick installation make them ideal even for already crammed facilities that need to be optimized in terms of space and time, in order to improve the overall efficiency. This design philosophy enables the delivery of turnkey lines – from primary packaging through to palletizing – with a single technical point of contact and an after-sales service that stands as one of the company’s flagship: fast, tailored support focused on operational continuity.

AI and advanced digitalisation

Digitalisation is another key feature: Gampack lines are equipped with intelligent, in-house developed software and remote diagnostics systems, enabling centralised control even across globally distributed plants. The integration of Artificial Intelligence allows real-time analysis of production data, supporting predictive maintenance, performance optimisation and waste reduction. Advanced automation ensures precision, safety and adaptability to multiple sizes, fully aligned with the global shift towards smart manufacturing.

Sustainable packaging and circular economy

As part of its environmental commitment, Gampack introduces its “Green Series”, a portfolio of eco-friendly solutions designed to reduce both machine footprint and the use of plastic materials in packaging, in response to the evolving demands of large-scale distribution, discount stores and retail. The range includes the Mini-Tray, I-Layer, Eco-Label and paper-based cluster solutions, all engineered to reduce or eliminate plastic without compromising on functionality or shelf appeal. The use of energy-efficient components and high-efficiency motors confirms the commitment to a more responsible industry.

Anticipating industry dynamics

In an increasingly competitive market, investing in intelligent, circular and distinctive packaging solutions is and will continue to be a key success factor. The integration of economic analysis, close monitoring of trends driven by major distribution chains and the use of environmental data will be essential to anticipate market dynamics and take quick, sustainable decisions. The road ahead is clear: less plastic, more efficiency, intelligent control and integrated solutions. With over 1,700 installations worldwide, Gampack confirms its role as a strategic partner for brands and co-packers focused on performance, sustainability and scalability. At Gulfood Manufacturing 2025, the company will showcase the best of its expertise, ready to support both the UAE and global markets with technologies built for the future.

IMA at Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 On show the entire range of solutions for the food industry

IMA presents its latest processing, filling, dosing and packaging range of solutions for the Food market. Meet the company at Hall 3 – Booth S3-D52.

IMA Benhil FoldWrap 1800

Fully automatic moulding, wrapping and sealing machine for pasty products that introduces remarkable improvements in terms of product safety and conservation, sustainability and easy-to-open packages.

Ideal for pasty products, the FoldWrap 1800 is a fully automatic moulding, wrapping and sealing machine performing hermetic sealed packets, ensuring extremely gentle product handling and excellent dosing accuracy (s ≤ 0,4 g for Qn = 100 g). Within the dosing range between 100 and 400 g this machine offers full format fexibility.

The FoldWrap 1800 comes with a nominal output of 130 P/min and is available as right- and left-hand version.

IMA serves the international Food market with the best platforms available to satisfy any industry need. A full array of processing, filling and packaging technologies is available to cover the major industries: tea&herbs, coffee, confectionery, bouillon cubes and savoury, dairy and baby food, bakery, protein, produce and more. Taking advantage of synergies and integrations with the Group companies, IMA offers fully engineered turn-key solutions delivering highly efficient packaging lines.

Gulfood Manufacturing will give IMA the chance to present a variety of specific solutions and innovations for the Tea & Coffee market, strong of a world leading position in the tea business and counting on the renowned know-how and competence of the IMA Coffee Hub (processing and packaging solutions).

IMA FLX HUB companies (IMA Ilapak, IMA Eurosicma and IMA Record) will be presenting a choice of innovative horizontal and vertical solutions for the flow wrapping of food products while IMA Gima’s experts for packaging technologies dedicated to the Confectionery industry will highlight new developments and solutions. Processing and packaging solutions for butter, margarine, cheese and bouillon cubes, will be unveiled by experts of IMA Benhil and IMA Corazza, while IMA Erca, IMA Fillshape, IMA Gasti, and IMA Hassia will highlight their most innovative fill & seal solutions for pre-formed cups as well as form, fill & seal solutions for the beverage and baby food, dressings & sauces markets.

No line would be turnkey without the necessary technologies to complete the packaging process. The IMA END OF LINE hub (IMA BFB, IMA Ciemme, IMA Mespic, IMA Phoenix) and its experts are available to show the technologies developed to preserve the contents and containers while providing packaging solutions of all types: from display boxes to wrap around cases, trays with internal or external lids, RSC cases.

IMA Erca – EFS-X

Compact with quick changeover for pre-made cups in plastic or paper, the EFS-X gives flexibility and ergonomy up to 12.600 cup/hour. The machine can handle cups from 75 mm up to 126 mm round or rectangular. Available with different options: hygiene (UV-C or pulsed light for decontamination), laminar flow, roll stock plastic lid, rigid snap-on lid. The best solution for liquid to pasty products.

IMA’s Corporate commitment to sustainability

The IMA Sustainability Program reflects the Group’s dedication to positive change. Rooted in innovation, it is IMA pledge to design products, processes, and services guided by a clear vision of sustainability because “the choices we make today will shape the world of tomorrow”.

IMA OpenLab is the IMA Group’s network of technological laboratories and testing areas, dedicated to the research on sustainable materials, technologies and production optimisation processes.

OpenLab’s objective is to create partnerships, finding new sustainable materials, sharing competences and creating synergy with packaging manufacturers and customers.

The Lab aims to maximise equipment’s efficiency, reduce waste whilst maintaining pack presentation and seal integrity, testing in advance new and more sustainable packaging materials.

“The new management has given a significant boost to R&D and internationalisation, which have brought Zambelli back to the forefront at major industry trade fairs. We have already taken part in Pack Expo and Drinktec, and we will be participating in Interpack in 2026.” Our aim is to strengthen our presence in key markets and at the upcoming trade shows we will be presenting complete end-of-line solutions, with a focus on modularity and robotisation. We are seeking to create new relationships to engage more closely with existing and prospective customers, presenting ourselves as a reliable partner for those in search of quality, innovation and sustainability.”

You mentioned the pillars of a new approach able to guarantee continuity while looking to the future of Zambelli: can you give us more details?

“Partnership and trust are our keywords,” continues Andrea Alessandrini, “and they are linked to a brand that has long been recognised on the market for its reliability and ability to design robust, durable and efficient machines and solutions, thanks to the collaboration with a network of highly qualified partners.

If we look in detail at the pillars the evolution of the Zambelli brand is based on, what emerges is a strong orientation towards efficiency and energy saving, with energy efficiency technologies capable of outperforming the industry average. A case in point are Zambelli’s heat shrink tunnels, which are more efficient than the market average thanks to the use of advanced systems to reduce heat loss.

In terms of technological upgrades and quality, the company offers impressive solutions such as rapid format change automation with servomotors, Industry 4.0 connectivity, and remote control and CAT3/PLD security level. These technol-

ogies ensure high performance, able to keep pace with market developments, so Zambelli is set to remain a benchmark going forward. Our strength has always been our ability to offer tailor-made solutions, following every step of the process: from design and engineering to development and installation of machines customised to the customer’s specific production requirements. This modular, scalable approach guarantees maximum integration and adaptability.

Also of fundamental importance is the vast assistance network on a global scale, ready to respond 24/7, with constant maintenance activities, spare parts service, remote assistance and direct support, also thanks to offices located worldwide in strategic markets.”

Sustainability is a key issue for the packaging market, to which Zambelli adds the concept of a human-centric model.

“I am convinced that innovation, customisation and sustainability represent Zambelli’s true added value,” Alessandrini continues, “what makes it a solid, competent and forward-looking technological partner. The packaging market is in effect increasingly oriented towards sustainable, connected and versatile solutions. We respond with an industrial vision in which automation means not only efficiency, but also design intelligence at the service of the user. It is in this context that the philosophy behind the ‘Human-Centric Company’, which guides Zambelli Packaging’s choices, is brought on board, putting people at the centre of innovation pathways, from design to production, as well as customer service.

A human-centric company aims to build relationships based on trust and focused on the value of people, whether they are customers or employees. With this in mind, Zambelli is introducing the same welfare initiatives that have already been successfully developed in other group projects, such as in-company childcare, the in-house gym and the canteen, with the aim of creating a working environment that is increasingly focused on well-being and quality of life.

This philosophy also extends to the customer, to whom we provide reliable lines, continuity of service and attention over time. The human-centric approach is also evident in the ergonomic design of the machines, with fully inspectable shrinkwrappers that offer easy access and complete safety for the operator.

We firmly believe in engagement between the worlds of business and academia, and we have embarked on a structured collaboration with the Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, involving both the Department of Engineering and the area of Communication. We have recently started a journey in which we will be welcoming more and more students into Zambelli to work on innovation and development projects.

For us, opening up to the new generations means not only offering concrete opportunities for professional growth, but also bringing enthusiasm, curiosity and new visions into the company, which are fundamental elements for facing the future with energy and awareness. Finally, sustainability and the central importance of the human factor also emerge in the organisational continuity guaranteed at Zambelli, where the extraordinary expertise of the staff, the founder, the second generation and the people in the company has been enhanced and systematised, combining a passion for their craft with new managerial skills geared towards the future.”

Where process meets customisation: Zambelli Packaging

An international benchmark in the design and construction of packaging machinery, the brand has been renewed under the leadership of new Sole Director

Andrea Alessandrini.

For more than 55 years, Zambelli has been offering custom solutions for highly complex sectors such as food & beverage, coffee, pet food, household & personal care, and industry, supporting customers with a highly customised, bespoke approach that encompasses the entire process: from design to ongoing technical support and advanced after-sales, all on a global scale.

The Zambelli network, present in 60 countries and with more than 2500 machines installed, is made up of solid partnerships based on relationships of trust and able to offer customers efficient operations and constant innovation.

Andrea Alessandrini tells us about the latest innovations at Zambelli, highlighting how innovation is not just limited to technological aspects.

“The company is undergoing significant organisational development, resulting from the new managerial skills brought on board. This process has strengthened our already solid in-house capabilities, complementing them with strategic functions that aim to further consolidate the visibility and authority of the Zambelli brand on the international market.”

Zambelli is a long-established name in the packaging world. Tell us about your machines on the market.

“Zambelli Packaging’s portfolio stems from a solid industrial experience that started in the late 1960s,” Andrea Alessandrini explains. “Today it offers a wide range of solutions designed to meet the needs of FMCG companies around the world, which seek to optimise their packaging processes by combining efficiency, flexibility and quality. Our range includes energy-efficient shrinkwrappers, continuous motion case packers for wraparound or tray cartons and intermittent motion case packers for wrap-around or American (RSC) cartons, and both horizontal and vertical cartoners.” Alessandrini goes on to say that “We also offer COMBI solutions for wrap-around, high tray or combined tray with film, robotised pick & place systems and complete turnkey lines, designed for maximum efficiency and flexibility in different production situations.”

An established, renowned brand, bringing important innovations in business ethics and organisation. Can you explain your vision for us?

“I strongly believe in the importance of building relationships based on trust,” says Alessandrini. “Every Zambelli project is designed to integrate seamlessly with the customer’s production process, offering flexibility and constant technical support. When I joined the company in 2024, we embarked on a strategic renewal process that began with the restyling of the logo and visuals, symbolising a new phase of growth oriented towards internationalisation, sustainability and innovation. Our technological solutions are based on four fundamental pillars: efficiency and energy saving, constant updating and quality, global support, and custom solutions. We took over a company with over 50 years of history, an established brand in packaging that needed a boost in terms of organisation and process management. Zambelli was already a benchmark for reliable, quality solutions. Today, alongside shrinkwrappers, the company also offers complete, integrated, turnkey lines designed to meet the most complex packaging requirements.

Returning to the essence

“2025 marks a turning point for global luxury: for the first time in 15 years, the industry is slowing, constrained by economic instability, geopolitical tensions and profound cultural shifts. The outlook for the rest of the year remains uncertain, yet the sector’s fundamentals are solid,” said Claudia D’Arpizio and Federica Levato, Senior Partners at Bain & Company and authors of the study. “For brands, this is the moment to take a bold step: to return to their essence.” They must forge genuine bonds, speak the language of values, offer experiences that go beyond the product, and cultivate deep, lasting relationships with consumers. The future of luxury lies not in volume, but in meaning. That is to say: fewer, yet more loyal customers. Less quantity, but greater value.

In essence, the most discerning luxury consumers seek less intrusion and more personalisation. According to the Boston Consulting Group’s True-Luxury Global Consumer Insight study, 60% of consumers feel overwhelmed by excessive marketing, 80% seek exclusive spaces rather than standardised experiences, and 90% consider product quality to be essential.

The top-tier: clients of choice

The study identifies the top-tier customer (0.1% of the population, yet responsible for 37% of the sector’s total spending), as the key driver of the luxury market’s recovery. This elite segment sits at the very top of the pyramid and holds 100% of market value in categories such as yachts and jets, 71% in design and art, 66% in wines and spirits, and 34% in jewellery and watches. These clients show a strong preference for experiential luxury and embrace the growing “health as wealth” trend, which encompasses wellness, aesthetics and care of personal spaces. This segment is expected to grow by around 10% over the next 18 months. Their relevance is closely linked to an ever-expanding demographic: High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs). In 2024, the global population of HNWIs exceeded 940,000, and by 2030, it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% in terms of population and 8% in terms of assets (from €68 trillion to €103 trillion).

North America remains at the forefront, accounting for 46% of the global HNWI population, yet new wealth hubs are emerging. Regions such as India and Southeast Asia are experiencing a strong momentum in wealth creation. India particularly stands out, with its HNWI population expected to grow at an estimated CAGR of 11-15% through 2034.

A subdued outlook for 2025 in the global luxury market

Altagamma-Bain Monitor - 2025 Update: Global instability is impacting consumer confidence, leading to downward revision of forecasts for the personal luxury goods sector. The United States and China have shown signs of weakness, while the EU and Japan remain stable. The outlook is positive in the Middle East, Latin America and Southeast Asia. An estimated 300 million new consumers are expected by 2030.

Milena Bernardi

The update of the Altagamma-Bain Monitor on the Global Personal Luxury Goods Market, produced by Bain & Company in collaboration with Altagamma, highlights how the current climate of geopolitical, trade and financial market instability is negatively impacting consumer confidence and demand for luxury personal goods. Compared to pre-Trump era forecasts, the 2025 projections have inevitably been revised downward. What was initially a broadly positive outlook has shifted to a decline of between -1% and -3% in the first quarter, with year-end figures expected to fall between -2% and -5%.

However, when these contractions are viewed in the context of the 2019-2024 period, during which the sector experienced an overall growth of around 28%, the results remain significantly above pre-pandemic levels.

Geographical markets: US and China are the worst

While some mature markets are experiencing a decline, others continue to demonstrate strong dynamism. The U.S. market is currently facing the most significant challenges, with spending affected by tariff-related volatility. However, interest in affordable luxury remains, offering hope for a medium- to long-term recovery. High-spending consumers, by contrast, continue to show a certain stability in their purchasing behaviour. China is also suffering, with its middle class at a standstill. However, the country retains considerable high growth potential. Europe and Japan remain more stable, although both are beginning to show signs of a slowdown, primarily due to a decline in tourism and related consumer spending.

The Middle East, Latin America and Southeast Asia are performing more strongly, confirming the positive trend seen in recent months.

Generations and consumption behaviour

Generational data is essential for accurately analysing trends within the sector. Generation Z approaches consumption with a desire for creativity, seeking a dynamic balance between individual expression and social conformity.

Millennials appear more cautious in their purchasing behaviour but are more open to embracing innovative proposals. Baby Boomers tend to prioritise spending on experiences rather than tangible goods.

In general, consumer engagement with luxury goods is declining. Interest in brands is waning, growth in social media followers is slowing, and interactions are down, mainly due to high prices and a perceived lack of creative innovation.

Since 2022, over 40% of brands have seen a drop in the volume of online searches, follower growth on social platforms has declined by 90%, and engagement rates have fallen by 40%.

However, the long-term outlook for the industry remains positive. With global wealth on the rise and a projected 20% increase in High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), the market is expected to gain over 300 million new consumers over the next five years, half of whom will be Gen Z and Alpha, sustaining demand for high-end goods.

Consider the increasingly important role of the predictive anal-ysis of clinical data or the personalisation of treatments. These approaches are able to boost diagnostic accuracy, optimise treatment protocols, and improve the overall patient experience. In addition, from the perspective of economic sustainability of health systems, their use helps to reduce health inequalities, which it has been estimated could cost up to $1 trillion by 2040 .

Our hope is that these new models might also have a positive impact on another issue of great importance to our industry: animal testing. While it currently remains necessary in many areas, we now know that AI can help us to do without it. My hope is that we will be able to significantly reduce the use of animals, to the point where it can ultimately be abolished altogether. In this regard, I am pleased to mention the ex-ample of the FDA, which within the framework of the New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) is establishing an open access database with information on toxicity and drug response from animal and human models. This would be another major achievement of pharmaceutical research. It has been estimated that more than 9 out of 10 drugs, despite passing preclinical testing in animals, later fail in human studies”.

What should we expect from the large-scale application of AI to the world of healthcare?

“Artificial intelligence can really change the way we take care of people, making diagnoses more accurate, treatments more effective, and care better

suited to each patient. Machine learning enables us to analyse huge amounts of clinical data, identify recurring patterns and make predictions that help physicians make better and faster decisions. It can also make a major contribution to reducing inequalities in access to care. Caution must of course be exercised: if we want AI to be really useful, we need to address issues regarding access to technology and how to use it responsibly”.

Italy and Europe are leaders in the field, in a political and economic context in which the importance of networking at all levels is often discussed. What role does cooperation play, albeit in a competitive envi-ronment?

“As chairman of Pharmintech by Ipack-Ima and the Leonardo Committee, I believe it is crucial to enhance the contribution of Italian pharmaceutical companies to Italian-made products. We are talking about highly specialised sectors, with a strong international vocation and the ability to drive development for the coun-try. This industrial excellence is also a driver for strategic segments such as pharmaceutical packaging, the performance of which is improving all the time, with sales reaching €10 billion and confirming its leader-ship position on a global scale. Opening up beyond our borders and creating a critical mass of highly spe-cialised companies is essential to give visibility to a productive Italy that may perhaps be less glamorous than the big luxury or automotive brands, but is by no means any less important. In a global context with increasing background noise, systematisation requires a solid and shared culture of collaboration, in which drug, machine and technology manufacturers join forces to build a network capable of integrated industrial excellence and able to compete and grow in international markets”.

Made in Italy is synonymous with beauty, but it is also about technological culture and a passion for exper-tise...

“Manufacturing networks cannot fully realise their potential without sound professionalism,” Dompé re-marks. This very combination of technical exper-

tise and passion is one of the hallmarks of Italian industry. The success of the Made in Italy concept is founded on entrepreneurs and highly skilled workers, motivated by a strong sense of belonging and dedication. This effective difference, built over time, is reflected in tan-gible results: in 40 years, Italian pharmaceutical production has gone from 18 percent to 70 percent of the European total, and the country is now the continent’s main manufacturing hub. This goal could not have been achieved without a concerted effort on the part of businesses, which not only drive the development of the industry, but also make an essential contribution to the growth of the country system, as the data clearly show”.

What prospects do you see for the market in terms of technology and performance? What innovations are on the way in pharmaceuticals, and how will they impact packaging design?

“Recent research by the Life Science Innovation Observatory of the Polytechnic University of Milan has yielded some very interesting data. For example, Italian pharmaceutical and medtech companies are focus-ing heavily on the development of health apps and sensors for clinical data collection. This is an important first step that will enable us in the future to seize the opportunities for a new frontier in medicine: digital therapies . With regard to packaging design, pharmaceutical innovation will lead to solutions that seek to be increasingly personalised, traceable and sustainable. New biological drugs and advanced therapies, for example, will require smart packaging able to ensure proper storage, facilitate treatment adherence, and interact with digital tools. Packaging will no longer be simply a container; it will be an integral part of the treatment experience, with a view to greater responsibility towards the patient and the environment.

Finally, it is important not to overlook environmental considerations, which are also of growing importance for the pharmaceutical field. From this point of view, by researching innovative materials and optimising packaging, it is already possible to reduce waste and environmental impact, thus addressing the sustaina-bility concerns that are increasingly being voiced also by patients”.

Made in Italy and pharma: a success based on cooperation

Interview with Sergio Dompé on the key role played by technological innovation and system collaboration to strengthen Italian competitiveness in Life Sciences-related packaging.

According to data from UCIMA’s 13th National Statistical Survey referring to 2024, the pharmaceutical sec-tor supplied by packaging and packing machine manufacturers recorded an increase of 17.2%, making it an important driver for the packaging and processing market.

The pharmaceutical, biotech, nutraceutical and cosmeceutical sectors are closely connected with the supply chain of R&D, innovative molecule development and packaging solutions, a key issue for an industry in which consumer and product protection have a strategic role to play.

A further driver of innovation is AI, increasingly present in everyday conversation and an enabling technol-ogy in health-related fields, where it can play a central role in both development and trial and pre-market testing phases, with a significant acceleration in time to market.

ItaliaImballaggio met with Sergio Dompé, executive chairman of Dompé Farmaceutici, and ambassador of an industrial culture linked to the Made in Italy concept, not only thanks to the company’s record results (turnover of 1.234 billion in 2024, with 82% exports), but also because he chairs the Leonardo Committee, a think tank devoted to the enhancement of national excellence in all industrial sectors.

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors in Italy and Europe have experienced steady growth.

In 2024, exports rose to €54 billion, resulting in a production value of more than €56 billion for the phar-maceutical industry in Italy, up from €52 billion in the previous year. This result is entirely due to growth on foreign markets, where Italy has done better than the EU in the last 5 years (+65% vs. +57%). This figure should be interpreted together with the percentage of the total manufacturing figure accounted for by medicine exports, which has almost tripled in 20 years (from 3.5% in 2004 to 9.1% in 2024).

What is this multi-year trend based on and driven by?

“Looking at the economic data,” notes Sergio Dompé, “the potential of the Italian production system is par-ticularly compact, with a 35% increase in patent applications, compared to an EU average of 23, and ex-ports reaching 90%, with a consequent increase in packaging. These data are indicative of an innovation ecosystem in Italy, in which digitalisation and the Internet of Things (IoT) are increasingly present, with per-formance far above the country average and a growth forecast estimated at around 8% by 2027, for a turnover exceeding $495 million. It is thus evident that the pharmaceutical and med-

ical sector are acting as a driver for the country in terms of economics, innovation and professionalisation, supporting R&D in medicine, which is now able to guarantee increasingly long life expectancy and accounts for more than 80% of pharmaceutical sector spending. Another advantage is the improvement in quality of life offered to 350 million people who have had access to primary care for the first time in recent years, reducing mortality in some populations by 60-70%. In this framework, R&D and digitalisation are indispensable prerequisites for ensuring innovation and bringing prosperity to society, on which the pharmaceutical and medical world is focusing its efforts”.

The spread of AI is increasingly significant in all sectors of society, but particularly in high-tech fields such as pharmaceuticals. Dompé is on the leading edge in this regard: what role do AI and machine learning play in the pharmaceutical and biotech market?

“Connected and generative technologies have two purposes: to reduce errors and improve production. These innovations have provided the industry with advanced tools for defining strategies based on com-plex, elaborate and appropriate information, where the use of integrated digital technology brings increas-ing productive and social benefits, reducing operating by 20% to 30% and containing treatment errors by up to 50%.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are radically transforming not only research and development models, but also the way care is conceived.

Barilla and the science behind sustainability

Between R&D and the exploration of innovative and recycled materials, here is the perspective of an end user in the food industry. The focus is on consumer safety requirements, critical issues in food-contact compliance and the future prospects of smart packaging.

Maria Costanza Candi

Chemical or mechanical recycling? Paper or plastic? The debate on this topic is often less nuanced than it may seem. To gain clarity, ItaliaImballaggio spoke with Giacomo Canali, Global Packaging Fellow at Barilla.

In the future of packaging, much attention is being given to its relationship with the product and con-sumer. From information to interaction? “I have been working in packaging since 1993. Even back then, at Barilla, we conducted one of the first ex-periments in Europe on the topic of interaction. At its core was a time-temperature indicator applied to la-bels designed for fresh pasta, created to inform consumers about cold-chain compliance and, therefore, the safety of the product. Thirty years later, these solutions still have a number of critical issues, primarily their high cost and the difficulty for consumers to understand them fully. Barilla eventually abandoned the fresh pasta segment, and the project was discontinued. However, the topic remains widely discussed and is a key focus for associations such as AIPIA (Active Packaging Industry Association), which specialises in smart and interactive packaging. Shelf-stable products like ours do not require the same level of communication regarding product preser-vation, beyond the “best before” date printed on every package. Instead, there is a growing need to com-municate, inform and educate, particularly concerning the end-of-life management of packaging. In this regard, and particularly with QR codes, one of the main challenges is the geolocation of content. This is particularly strategic for recycling, as regulations vary by region and require highly localised information for correct waste separation. On this front, there is a need for detailed information to support the careful sorting of recyclable materials, with the aim of maximising waste recovery and promoting a circular econ-omy. The better the materials are sorted, the greater their value, generating a market for high-quality sec-ondary raw materials. Around 70% of our packaging consists of paper and cardboard, both highly recycla-ble. The remainder is glass, which is also supported by a well-established and efficient collection and recy-cling network. The grey area includes flexible packaging, mainly used for our bakery products. These pack-ages sometimes combine plastic with paper, generally 80% recyclable in the Aticelca B chain. Plastic film accounts for less than 6% of our total packaging volume, yet it is very important because flexible packaging plays a key role in shelf-life. This is the segment where we are focusing our efforts to improve recyclability. This is why we are part of the European CEFLEX group, which looks at the circular economy of flex-

ible packaging film. We are active both along the supply chain and in product design, following the most ad-vanced design-for-recycling criteria. We have dedicated a working group to this effort and have achieved significant results, with 99.8% of our packaging now designed for recycling in line with the most widely recognised international guidelines. Our packaging team consists of 25 professionals, based partly at our Parma headquarters, the heart of R&D, and partly at the Group’s other locations worldwide. Our mission is to develop new products and optimise existing ones”.

In addition to consumer-facing communication for product marketing and initiatives within the indus-trial supply chain, what insights can you share about new materials?

“Regarding the recycled content required by legal obligations, we align with what the market can realisti-cally provide. As for plastic-based products, in certain specific applications and usage scenarios, we are re-searching materials that are environmentally biodegradable, not just compostable. In my view, composta-ble solutions offer limited added value compared to material recycling. This limitation is also highlighted in the PPWR, which tends to restrict their use and instead recommends a design-for-recycling approach. In fact, it is important to note that organic recycling cannot be considered equivalent to material recycling because the material, particularly flexible film, is broken down into CO2 and water, or methane and water, resulting in a dispersion of resources. PPWR instead promotes a model focused on reduction, recycling and eventual reuse. In line with this philosophy, which we embraced well before it became an industry trend, Barilla has long focused

on material recycling. This approach is supported by the fact that our products are mainly consumed at home and can be efficiently disposed of through urban recycling systems, although capacity limitations remain for flexible films. In general, particularly for this category of materials, I believe that chemical recycling could be the key to obtaining high-quality secondary raw materials suitable for food contact. This approach ensures both the integrity of the product and the health of the consumer. In this context, monomaterials, “clean” recycled materials, and virgin materials will remain the primarily solu-tions. It is also important to highlight the issue of the availability of secondary raw materials, which re-mains limited today due to the insufficient supply of polymers from chemical recycling”.

Looking at artificial intelligence: how can it represent an opportunity for the industry?

“I believe that AI, applied to end-of-life management and design, offers a great opportunity for our sector. For example, I think of traceability and watermarking initiatives such as the HolyGrail 2.0 project, which focuses on the digital watermarking of plastic packaging. This system uses digital watermarks, which are directly and transparently incorporated on the surface of containers and labels. The aim is to create a “dig-ital passport” for each package, containing data on the manufacturer, material, origin and potential suita-bility for food-contact applications. Machine vision systems, potentially enhanced with AI in sorting centres, will then be able to separate packaging waste efficiently, enabling the production of increasingly high-quality, consumer-safe secondary raw materials”.

The many nuances of goodness, according to Loacker

After three generations and a century of history, Loacker has grown into a global multinational without losing sight of its roots based on values expressed in its brand, packaging and product quality. To learn more, ItaliaImballaggio spoke with Andrea Canale, Art Director and Head of Graphic Arts for Global Marketing at Loacker.

Maria Costanza Candi

In 1925, Alfons Loacker, a South Tyrolean confectioner with a passion for football, chose to specialise in wafer production because, unlike other chocolate specialities, wafers could be produced with a schedule that left weekends free, allowing him to focus on his beloved football team. It was that same team spirit that helped establish Loacker’s first sales network: Alfons encouraged his teammates and fellow fans to ask for his biscuits in the cafés of Bolzano, where the company was originally based. In 1958, with the arrival of the second generation, Armin and Christine Loacker became the custodians of what is now a hallmark of the brand: the crispness of the wafer combined with the unmistakable taste of the cream fillings, made possible by the high quality of the raw materials. Driven by the need to preserve these unique qualities, the company decided to relocate to the Renon plateau, at an altitude of 1000 metres. The lower humidity at this elevation proved ideal for producing wafers with the legendary crispness that has become Loacker’s signature, today distributed in 120 countries worldwide.

Let’s talk about new trends, particularly smart packaging, which creates a dialogue between the consumer and the product.

“In our view, smart packaging is closely linked to the sensitivities of individual countries”, says Andrea Canale. “Just think of the widespread use of QR codes in China compared to Europe. It’s a tool that enables multi-target communication across different channels: from B2B to B2C. China and Saudi Arabia are just two examples of the many markets where Loacker is considering the development of specific packaging clusters that meet local regulatory requirements. At Loacker, we are moving in two directions. On the one hand, packaging is a strategic communication tool - take, for example, the Scelte Buone (Good Choices) campaign. Here, the concept of ‘goodness’ is linked not only to ingredients and taste but also to sustainability policies, aimed at reinforcing the company’s commitment to becoming a certified BCorp by 2027. In this journey, QR codes play a crucial role as tools for information sharing and product traceability, an area of growing importance for certification bodies. We are working with GS1 to define the framework for what can be communicated to the market through multi-level QR codes, with the goal of ensuring traceability for both buyers and consumers, while also providing additional content”.

Therefore, does interactivity mean both traceability control and dialogue with the consumer?

“Yes. On the back of our packs, we’ve added the message ‘Discover our sustainability paths’, which links to a dedicated landing page”, explains Canale. “This year, to mark our 100th anniversary, we have introduced the claim Ribelli ma buoni (Rebellious but Good), which bridges our classic slogan Loacker che

bontà (Loacker, What Goodness) with ethical values that go beyond taste and quality. What we want to convey is that, for us, goodness represents a set of actions that encompass the entire life of the company. It’s also a good-humoured nod to the stereotype of us South Tyroleans, often seen as rigid, yet deeply committed to quality. The goal is to give the brand a personality that’s closely tied to its place of origin. It’s not just logos or colour schemes that define us, but the values we convey through our intrinsic quality, of which packaging is an integral part. It began with simple paper, evolved into tin foil, and has since followed a path shaped by the principles of modernity, while remaining firmly anchored in our traditional values. Our packaging reflects both content and values, combining a strong brand identity with nutritional information. As our president, Ulrich Zuenelli, puts it, we strive for ‘the perfect balance between vertical integration and horizontal differentiation’. Vertically, i.e. on the shelf, Loacker must be instantly recognisable, even from a distance. As customers come closer, they should be able to perceive the breadth of our product range and sense how our brand continues to evolve, all while preserving the identity and pride of a traditional company that consistently goes beyond market trends”.

What about materials?

“In the last 15 years, we have taken several key steps forward - moving from paper to metallised polypropylene, and then making another major leap by reducing the plastic component. We place great importance on the performance of the packaging, as we believe it is essential to fully preserve both the product’s organoleptic qualities and the integrity of the packaging itself. Driven by our commitment to sustainability, we began by reducing packaging weight by 25-30%. Then, three years ago, we transitioned to a mono-material solution, embracing all the technological changes that this requires. In 2025, we will have come to the end of the path, none of our packaging will be destined for mixed waste. Looking ahead, we are developing innovative solutions that honour the promise our founder, Armin Loacker, made to consumers. In fact, he often used to say, “We are famous because we are good”. When this philosophy is reflected in our packaging, it means that we are staying true to the product’s characteristics. It all starts with the recipe, which must remain faithful to the original. From there, we focus on sustainability, where, in our opinion, consumer satisfaction is a key component and packaging plays a central role. This comprehensive approach also extends to our innovative lines, such as those dedicated to wellness, consumers with intolerances, and the growing segment of so-called ‘flexitarians’ - consumers who, despite having no dietary restrictions, actively choose ‘free-from’ products. This is a new market segment that we are monitoring closely, offering product lines that

are identical in every way to the ‘original’ ones: one of our key strengths. Think of options like 30% less sugar or wholegrain: different nutritional profiles, but the same quality and taste. These represent new platforms through which we offer all the quality and goodness associated with the Loacker name. As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, it is important to reaffirm that our sense of tradition is rooted in the positive evolution of our brand values. Rather than altering the brand, we continue to focus on goodness and integrity as the core of our production, qualities that continue to resonate with consumers. One of our most distinctive commitments is the complete absence of both natural and artificial flavourings in our products. This same level of rigour extends to the choice of our packaging materials, for example, we have eliminated the use of chlorine-based inks from our production process. In a nutshell, we define our values and bring them to life in every aspect of what we do”.

When does packaging influence your marketing decisions?

“I come from a background as a converter, and I owe a great deal to that experience. When engaging with different audiences of professionals, whether technicians or communicators, having an understanding of production issues gives you a real sense of the technical requirements needed to develop innovative solutions through constructive dialogue with the different professions. It also helps you to recognise the complexities behind the development of packaging. That’s why our department is designed to be self-sufficient, bringing together both creative and pre-press expertise. It is a single team with two complementary souls, working in constant collaboration to develop innovative packaging. Everything is designed in-house, thanks to a team equipped to handle the technical challenges related to country-specific distribution, sealing, painting and the creative vision that defines our unmistakable brand identity”.

Packaging machines accelerating for the fourth consecutive year

Italian manufacturers of packaging and wrapping machinery continue to rack up year-on-year successes: +9% in 2024 compared to 2023, which in turn had reported +8%. Exports remain the driving and decisive factor for turnover (+10%), but the situation is also evolving positively on the domestic market (+5.2%).

There is no stopping the rapid progress of Italian packaging and wrapping machine manufacturers, which also reached a new historic milestone in 2024, demonstrating strong competitiveness globally. Once again, it was exports that were the major driver for growth, coming in at 79.4% of total turnover, accounting for about 8 billion: a jump of 10%. Respectable growth was also achieved on the domestic market, where the sector generated more than €2 billion (+5.2%), accounting for 20.6% of total sales. Overall, turnover ex-ceeded 10 billion, up from 9.2 billion recorded in 2023 (+9%).

The data were released by the Mecs - Ucima Study Centre in the 13th National Statistical Survey, which provides an annual snapshot of the performance of the industry, consisting of 619 companies and 40,503 employees, up 2,300 (+6%).

Export performance in the various geographical areas

With €700 million more than in 2023, exports also recorded significant growth in 2024, generating an im-pressive €7.989 billion.

The podium of the geographical areas, all of which recorded rises, remains unchanged. With 2.9 billion in revenues (2.7 in 2023), the European Union remains the main destination area for Italian-made machinery, absorbing 35.8% of all exports. This is followed by Asia, with 1.6 billion, 20% of the industry’s total inter-national performance. In third place is North America, with 1.3 billion. The top three are followed by non-EU Europe (€768 million), South America (€730 million), Africa and Oceania, standing at €573 and 122 million respectively.

Sales on the Italian market, on the other hand, remained largely stable (+0.2%) at €1.9 billion, a 22.6% share of total sales.

These results show that Italian technology maintains its leadership position on the global landscape, and has succeeded in overcoming increasing geopolitical and trade uncertainties. Thanks to the reach of the large domestic subcontracting network, which makes it possible to remain competitive in terms of price and technology, the sector is expected to be able not only to thrive in continental Europe, but also to compete in markets further afield and in those where restrictions and trade barriers will be present.

Major exporting countries

With a 22.4% share, Italy places second, just behind Germany (24.8%), in the ranking of the 10 largest countries exporting packaging machinery. In third place is China, with 11.6%, followed by the United States with 4.5%, just ahead of the Netherlands (4.4%). France, Spain, Switzerland, Japan and Canada follow, with smaller shares of 3.5%, 2.7%, 3.1%, 3% and 1.6% respectively.

The Food sector maintains its leadership

Among the sectors supplied, sales of machinery in the food sector remain in first place, accounting for 31% (€3,120 million, compared to 2,856 million in 2023) of total sales, up 9.2%, followed by beverage (25.1% incidence) with 2,523 million, up 4.5% on the previous year. This is followed by the tissue, tobacco and other sectors with €1,923 million (+12.2%) and pharmaceuticals, standing at €1,744 million (+16.8%). Cos-metics, on the other hand, dropped 4.1% to 389.8 million, while chemicals closed at a steady 359.4 million (-0.1%).

Turnover by production type

The primary packaging machinery family remains

at the top of the list, with 53% of the turnover (+10.1%), followed by the end-of-line, labelling and ancillary equipment segment (27.1% on turnover) and secondary packaging (+6.6% over 2023), which absorbs the remaining 19.9%. The top category is Forming-Filling-Sealing Machines (FFS) and Thermoforming Machines with a value of 2.24 billion (80.7% made abroad), up 10.2%.

Outlook for 2025

Focussing on the current year, companies in the industry remain cautiously optimistic. According to the survey conducted by the Mecs - Ucima Research Centre, 37.5% of businesses forecast a growth in turnover for 2025, while 45.8% expect sales to remain stable. Factors such as international instability, changing energy costs, and industrial policies across Europe are weighing on future prospects. However, confidence in the industry’s ability to innovate and consolidate its position on global markets remains high.

“The results are positive, but uncertainties and reduced investment momentum are causing concern”

“We have reached a new, historic milestone” - declared Ucima chair Riccardo Cavanna. Breaking the €10 billion record provides further confirmation of the strength of our industry. Our extensive network, which reaches even the most far-off markets, and the value chain are key assets. Exports continue to grow, driven by reliable, competitive and flexible technologies. But we cannot ignore the critical issues that are looming on the horizon, such as wars, customs duties, unstable energy prices, uncertain geopolitical balances, and a lack of clear industrial policies. All these factors could slow down new investments and curb the competi-tiveness of our companies. It is vital that we continue to put faith in Italian manufacturing and that a stable regulatory framework that fosters growth is guaranteed”.

Chart 1 - Distribution of turnover by machine family, and % change, 2024

Imports of packaging machinery grow in the Middle East

Luca Baraldi & Generoso Verrusio

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates dominate the market, but the entire Gulf area deserves attention. All eyes are on Gulfood (Dubai, 4-6 November), a global hub for food processing and packaging technologies

The packaging machinery market in the Middle East is growing at a remarkable, though not entirely expected, pace. In 2024, the strategic importance of this geographical area is reflected in imports valued at €1.3 billion, representing a 25.4% increase in the industry compared to 2023.

Two factors are driving this surge: the expansion of industries such as food & beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, which are investing heavily in smart packaging lines and digital traceability solutions; and a possible - though still unconfirmed - triangular trade route with Russia, potentially involving the UAE, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, thereby amplifying economic flows throughout the entire region.

Following previous reports on the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Mercosur, and with Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 approaching (Dubai, 4-6 November), the leading trade fair for packaging technologies, ItaliaImballaggio, in collaboration with MECS, UCIMA’s research office, has now turned its spotlight on the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates take the lead

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates together account for nearly half of the region’s total imports. In 2024, Saudi Arabia imported packaging machinery worth €381 million, marking a 44.2% increase over the previous year. The UAE followed with €266 million, up 24.5%.

Trailing these two heavyweights are Israel and Iran, with imports of €147 million (a slight decrease of 0.8%) and €124 million (a sharp increase of 76.7%), respectively. Despite the recovery, Iran remains well below its pre-sanction levels, when imports exceeded €200 million. Also worth noting is the rise of emerging markets such as Georgia (+115%), Armenia (+74.8%) and Jordan (+46.3%), reflecting a growing and increasingly diversified demand.

Main exporting countries

Germany and Italy lead the way among suppliers

The growth of the Middle Eastern market has been accompanied by the strengthening of its traditional suppliers. In 2024, Germany confirmed its leadership as the top exporter of packaging technologies, reaching €362.6 million, a 59.5% increase compared to 2023. Italy retained its strong position with €331.4 million (+12.5%), followed by China with €203.2 million (+32.8%).

Over the past decade, Germany has recorded an average annual export growth rate (CAGR) of +3.3%, while Italy has grown at a slower pace (+0.8%). China, by contrast, has surged ahead with +9.4%, consolidating its role as the fiercest competitor. Turkey and India rank fourth and fifth, respectively.

Growth prospects for the region according to MECS

According to MECS’ CUBO forecasting model, the Middle East is set to remain one of the most promising markets for packaging. Between 2024 and 2028, Saudi Arabia is expected to grow at an average annual rate of +5.2%, while the UAE is projected to have a CAGR of +3.5%. Israel also shows a positive trend, with an estimated average annual increase of 1.9%.

These significant figures are indicative of a market that, despite geopolitical tensions and complex trade dynamics, continues to offer significant business opportunities for Italian packaging machinery and technology manufacturers.

In this context, Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 will be a crucial event for Italian companies, offering the chance to strengthen their presence in an area that is increasingly establishing itself as a global hub for food processing and packaging technologies.

Davide Miserendino

1 Editorial

2 Behind the cover Max Marra

Luca Baraldi & Generoso Verrusio

4 Imports of packaging machinery grow in the Middle East

5 Packaging machines accelerating for the fourth consecutive year

FOCUS FOOD AND BEVERAGE

Maria Costanza Candi

6 The many nuances of goodness, according to Loacker

Maria Costanza Candi

7 Barilla and the science behind sustainability

FOCUS PHARMA

Maria Costanza Candi

8 Made in Italy and pharma: a success based on cooperation

FOCUS LUXURY

Milena Bernardi

10 A subdued outlook for 2025 in the global luxury market

FOCUS TECHNOLOGY

12 Where process meets customisation: Zambelli Packaging

14 IMA at Gulfood Manufacturing 2025: On show the entire range of solutions for the food industry

15 Gampack at Gulfood Manufacturing 2025: modularity, AI and circular packaging for the Gulf Market

16 Robopac presents Palwrapp, the new range of compact palletizers

17 UNIMAC-GHERRI: innovative and integrated solutions for food packaging

18 CMI Industries: more than just chemical filling

19 Goglio debuts at Gulfood Manufacturing with its complete packaging system

20 Cama: know the market, know the people and deliver the best possible solutions

21 MAKRO LABELLING, Intelligent Choice

22 TGM, an excellence in Pharma and Cosmetics Packaging

Editor-in-Chief Davide Miserendino

Editorial Team

Milena Bernardi, M. Costanza Candi, Generoso Verrusio

Advertising Traffic Salvatore Lavorini (salvatore.lavorini@kairosmediagroup.it)

English Translation Ligabue Traduzioni e Interpretariati

Artist Coordination

Max Marra & Gianni Valentino

Graphic Design

Studio Grafico Page, Vincenzo De Rosa, Mehdi Kamkar

Arabic translation and printing Arta Group

Special issue for Gulfood Manufacturing 2025

Publication registered under No. 3 in the Court Register of Modena on 17/02/2025

Registered in the Register of Communication Operators (ROC) No. 9673

Single copy: €6 50 – Back issues: €13

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Magazine founded in 1994 by Stefano Lavorini

Total or partial reproduction of the articles and illustrations published in this magazine is permitted only with prior authorization from the Editorial Management. The Publisher accepts no responsibility for the opinions expressed by the authors of editorial or advertising content.

Kairos Media Group Srl

Via Fossa Buracchione 84, 41126 Modena, Italy

Managing editor Davide Miserendino

Editorial Office/Headquarters

Via Fossa Buracchione 84 41126 Modena, Italy

T. +39 059 512103 – redazione@packmedia.net

Sales Team

Massimo Chiereghin - m.chiereghin@kairosmediagroup.it Roberta Pagan - r.pagan@kairosmediagroup.it Nicola Saracino - n.saracino@kairosmediagroup.it Elisa Verzelloni - e.verzelloni@kairosmediagroup.it

with the collaboration of

SOCIO EFFETTIVO ASSOCIAZIONE NAZIONALE EDITORIA DI SETTORE

Ai sensi del Regolamento Europeo sulla Protezione dei Dati 679/2016 (“GDPR”), del D.Lgs. 196/2013, del D.lgs. 101/2018 e delle successive modifiche e integrazioni, i trattamenti effettuati dal gruppo (U.C.I.M.Aproma-pack srl a socio unico- Kairos Media Group srl - MECS srl) saranno improntati ai principi di liceità, correttezza, trasparenza, limitazione delle finalità e della conservazione, minimizzazione dei dati, esattezza, integrità e riservatezza, nonché al principio di responsabilizzazione di cui all’art. 5 del Regolamento. Per consultare o rettificare i Vostri dati, o per opporvi alla ricezione della nostra rivista (art. 15 - 22 egolamento Europeo 2016/679), potrete rivolgervi ai Titolari del trattamento, nelle società del gruppo UCIMA (U.C.I.M.A - proma-pack srl a socio unico - Kairos Media Group srl - MECS srl) scrivendo alla email del gruppo privacy@ucima.it.

Max Marra, born in 1950, a native of the Calabria region, lives and works between the city and hinterland of Milan and the rest of the world. A multidisciplinary artist, his research focuses on the integration and linguistic contamination of drawing, painting, and sculpture, offering a lengthy, consolidated experimentation activity for analysis. To date, he has held more than 70 solo exhibitions, participating in national and international reviews; his works have been displayed in private galleries and major public institutions. His polymaterial works and drawings are featured in private collections and museums in both Italy and abroad.

He has collaborated with ItaliaImballaggio for many years, coordinating the artists who, from month to month, “dress” the magazine.

In the words of the artist

The stamp has always accompanied my creative gesture. It is not only a ‘tool of the trade’ but a language that opens up to multiple meanings: imprint, voice, rhythm, color.

Each definition becomes part of a personal alphabet, which takes shape on paper and transforms into painting.

Le Timbriche began in 1988 and lasted as a series on its own for about two years. I drew on papers of all kinds, and the sheets were full, dense, dominated by black.

After a long suspension, I recently resumed the cycle with a different breath: white backgrounds, lighter signs, sinuous lines that evoke maps or anthropomorphic figures.

In recent years, touches of red and papers with jute have made the compositions more complex, more painterly. In the Caos series, phytomorphic, anthropomorphic, and zoomorphic forms emerge, leading to structures that recall cathedrals or buildings.

Each stamp is as if it were a letter of an imaginary alphabet. Complete words are not necessary: the imprints speak for themselves, they build rhythm

and atmosphere. As in a musical score, there are andante and presto, pauses and accelerations, light and dark.

Le Timbriche do not live on the margins of painting; they are an integral part of it. With their reduced but intense colors, with matter that breathes and rhythms that intertwine, they fully belong to an artistic path through which I like to continue questioning matter and giving it a voice.

Reviews

[...] His lengthy, consistent daily efforts have earned the artist Max Marra the esteem and appreciation of many. I am familiar with his artworks spanning over 40 years, and I have no hesitation in defining them as multifaceted, many-sided, often surprising, always fresh, in terms of the variety of techniques and themes, which has given rise to a design and formal pluralism expressed through an artistic language that is not only personal but authentic.

[...] Max Marra is renowned for his intimate, natural vocation for material, producing works in which he has sought to convey his artistic, ethical, social and spiritual thoughts on the human condition from a perspective that wavers between the disdainful and the ministering, yet is never sententious.

Yet, in his cycles, which are a tribute to material –the humble “Scarti”, the harrowing “Pance Ferite”, the poetic “Dune d’Oriente”, the contemplative cycles of “Cosmos”, the gestural “Pacchetti”, the mysticism of “Francesco è Solo”, the bitter condemnation of “Appunti sul Ponte” – we can clearly perceive, albeit buried amid the jute, tar, rope, iron, cloth, wax and charcoal, the use of a carefully selected, guarded colour palette that is the primal, formative, almost auroral imprint of the design from which all Marra’s work originates. This can be seen in the balances of the polymaterial compositions, in the appropriation of spaces, in the very distribution of colours, in the orchestration of signs organised as musical counterpoints, in the dialectic between closed and open spaces, between solids and voids [...] Domenico Piraina (Globus No. 18/MMXXV)

ITALIAIMBALLAGGIO AND PACKMEDIA GO ARABIC

When a trade fair gains increasing recognition and secures a privileged place on the international stage, it quickly becomes apparent. This is certainly the case for Gulfood Manufacturing, an event that is becoming ever more essential for companies looking to do business in a dynamic part of the world where change moves at a rapid pace. For entrepreneurs, marketing professionals, and salespeople attending the fair, it also offers a welcome window of sunshine and warmth in the midst of the European autumn - a key moment to recharge before the year’s end.

So far, these are impressions, of course - but the figures confirm the “heat” surrounding this event. Last year, Gulfood Manufacturing drew record attendance, with over 2,500 companies from 72 countries, 19 exhibition halls filled, and a well-curated calendar of conferences and seminars that earned great appreciation. This year, expectations are even higher: the fair is increasingly becoming a key point of reference for Food & Beverage producers, the supply chain, and technological innovation across the sector.

To help you make the most of this important event, this year we are proud to present a brand-new publication, for the first time in our history available in Arabic (and English). This special issue by Packmedia by ItaliaImballaggio - the brand used by the packaging division of Kairos Media Group for international communicationfeatures in-depth content, market analyses, interviews, and highlights of the leading technologies presented by

major Italian companies aiming to play a key role in Dubai. We’ll also be following companies live from the show floor through a series of interviews published on the ItaliaImballaggio LinkedIn channel.

Among the insights we present in this issue, you’ll find a market analysis by Ucima’s MECS Research Centre on the packaging sector in the Gulf area. As the article reveals, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates take the lead here. In 2024, they imported packaging machinery worth €381 million (+44.2% vs. 2023) and €266 million (+24.5%), respectively. They are followed by Israel (€147 million) and Iran (€124 million). Also noteworthy is the strong growth of emerging markets such as Georgia (+115%), Armenia (+74.8%), and Jordan (+46.3%), reflecting increasingly diverse and vibrant demand. The expansion of the Middle Eastern market goes hand in hand with the strengthening of traditional partners. Germany confirmed its position in 2024 as the leading exporter of packaging technologies, with €362.6 million and a 59.5% increase over 2023. Italy continues to hold a prominent position, with €331.4 million (+12.5%), followed by China, which reached €203.2 million (+32.8%). Finally, according to MECS’ CUBO forecasting model, the Middle East will continue to be one of the most promising regions for packaging. Saudi Arabia is expected to grow at an average annual rate of +5.2% between 2024 and 2028, while the United Arab Emirates will maintain a CAGR of +3.5%. Israel also shows a positive trend, with an estimated average annual increase of +1.9%.

d.miserendino@kairosmediagroup.it

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