Paper-based trays for confectionery and chilled products

The “inPaper” project, led by Bosch Packaging Technology, is developing paper-based trays with the aim of reducing the use of fossil resources.

The combination of sustainability and industry 4.0 has great potential, according to Matthias Klauser, project manager and sustainability expert at Bosch Packaging Technology. “Digitisation opens up completely new possibilities for making processes in packaging production and processing more sustainable,” says Klauser. “For example, different types of waste can be identified and eliminated more quickly along the value chain. Production rejects can be reduced by better operator guidance and faster response times. This saves costs in the long run and reduces the impact on the environment.”

Bosch Packaging Technology is increasingly focusing on sustainability in all its solutions. Examples include an energy monitoring platform and the world’s first sealed paper packaging. “Bosch takes a holistic approach to sustainability. We want to support our customers from concept development through testing new concepts to implementation in production,” explains Dr Stefan König, chairman of the managing board of Robert Bosch Packaging Technology GmbH.

Bosch Packaging Technology is also involved in various consortia to promote new concepts for greater sustainability in packaging and production. One of these is EIT Food, Europe’s leading initiative for food innovation, which aims to make the food system more sustainable, healthier, and more trustworthy. As one of around 50 partners, Bosch Packaging Technology has been active in EIT Food since its founding in 2017. The innovation initiative brings together players from all areas of innovation, education, and business. As one of the few mechanical engineering companies, Bosch Packaging Technology plays an important role in transferring the materials and packaging styles developed into real production. “What use is sustainable packaging, however sophisticated it is, if it can’t be processed or filled economically and with the necessary output on suitable machines,” asks Klauser. “At EIT Food, we are involved from the innovation and product development phase and can contribute our experience to the holistic approach along the value chain.”

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EIT Food partners are working in various projects with start-ups and innovation leaders on developing new concepts for a more sustainable food industry. A glance at the refrigerated shelf or the confectionery section in supermarkets shows that paper-based packaging can stand out from competitive products. The “inPaper” EIT Food project headed by Klauser is working on developing paper-based trays for confectionery and refrigerated products, taking into account all barrier requirements, with the aim of significantly reducing the use of fossil materials compared to conventional packaging solutions. The concept phase has already been completed and the first consumer surveys have been carried out. The project partners are currently working on technical implementation in the interests of manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

Machinery Manufacturers are Currently Drawing on their High Order Backlogs

A recent survey by the VDMA shows that 44 percent of mechanical engineering companies in Baden-Württemberg are cautiously optimistic about the rest of the year. The reason for this is an improvement in the supply of materials, with the exception of electronic components. As a result, 68 percent of companies in Baden-Württemberg expect nominal sales growth for 2023.

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