Expert interview: developments and trends for sustainable packaging solutions

Dr. Stefan König on sustainability in mechanical engineering

Optima has been experiencing increased demand for sustainable packaging solutions for around five years. Customers have been asking for sustainable machine solutions for around three years. Sustainable total concepts consisting of company and product are in demand.

How have the demands of the market changed in recent years?

In the past, product packaging usually consisted of a non-recyclable material mix with a focus on cost minimization. The task of machine manufacturers was clearly defined: Please design a packaging system for this product with this packaging.

And what about today?

Today, we use many new products, including concentrates and dry products. These require new packaging with a holistic sustainable design, and often portion packaging. New alternative materials are being used, which require other sealing processes, for example. Today, the requirement is: This is my product, please assist me in developing sustainable packaging and transferring the concept to a fully automatic high-performance packaging.

What trends are you observing in Germany and in other countries?

In addition to the required flexibility in terms of packaging materials, using paper as a packaging material is a very clear trend. Two reasons are apparent: The recycling possibilities for paper are the most well developed in the world, and end consumers consider it the most sustainable packaging material.

How does Optima support its customers in these changes?

Optima has evolved from machine manufacturer to solution provider. We accompany and guide our customers from the initial idea to successful production. This includes, for example, consultation on packaging. The focus is on aspects such as the style and type of packaging, the mate rials used for packaging, the product protection and the legislation applicable in the country. In addition, our service portfolio includes the manufacture of samples like simple mockups or samples for test markets. We also conduct barrier tests and shelf-life tests together with our partners. Small semiautomatic systems are then scaled to fully automatic turnkey systems.