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The Next Era of Innovation: Pioneering with Advanced Technology

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The Next Era of Innovation: Pioneering with Advanced Technology

By Erwin Busselot, Director Business Innovation & Solutions, Ricoh Graphic Communications, Ricoh Europe

Complex discussions regarding how digital printing can help printers enhance their offerings have taken the place of straightforward talks about the financial breakeven point between traditional and digital printing. This was an important conclusion in the Drupa Horizon Report.

Rolf Müller, the CEO of Printimo, which is part of the Optimo Service industrial services group, is well aware of this reality. This Swiss Print Service Provider (PSP) specializes in a variety of personalized products such as business cards, brochures, and books, and has invested in the latest RICOH Pro C9500 and RICOH Pro C7500 technology to handle a growing range of jobs. He notes, “Currently, we complete 60 percent of our jobs using digital printers, and this percentage continues to rise. In some cases, we produce just four pages of highly personalized content, while for other projects, we can create up to 100,000 flyers. Although offset printing is still a crucial part of our business for longer print runs, the adaptability and speed of digital printing are becoming increasingly essential. As the trend shifts from high-volume black-and-white printing to more customized outputs, we aimed to provide new alternatives with bolder colors to help our clients distinguish themselves in their markets.”

With its Pro C9500 and Pro C7500, Printimo is able to adapt to client needs, providing exceptional levels of personalization and innovation – swiftly, dependably, and effectively. Rolf Müller explains: “Our capacity for color printing has significantly increased. A 40-page brochure used to take 12 hours or 1.5 working days to print on our previous machines. Now, with the Pro C9500, we achieve the same output 30 percent faster and can dispatch it to the customer within a day. This represents a substantial time saving for our entire team – and enhances our customer service!”

“Stable and good print quality are at the top of our wish list,” states Rik Thijssen, Operations Manager, of Dutch scientific and educational book publisher Printforce. The specialist in on demand “single copy” books has installed two Pro C9500 devices to help it produce 15 to 20 thousand books every day, in three shifts, with an average print run of six copies.

The new systems are identical and interchangeable, ensuring sufficient capacity is always available. In addition to paper trays for three different paper types, they feature an XL tray for nonstandard paper sizes such as those required for dust jackets or covers with flaps. Process Engineer Rogier Calsijn explains: “The quality requirements for book covers are high. Especially when producing a single copy: any deviation on the cover can be grounds for the customer to complain or return. The quality of the covers is hardly an issue anymore, because the promised colour stability is actually delivered in practice.”

Europe’s first Pro C9500 at the Cantonal Printed Matter and Supplies Office (kdmz) of the Canton of Zurich in Switzerland, was chosen to support the production of a wide range of print output for the Canton of Zurich administration and other regional government departments and organisations. Rolf Thoma, Head of Procurement and Printing at kdmz, says: “In the first six months of a year especially, we print many time critical documents. These are highly sensitive print jobs, which we can’t give to external printers. Our old colour print solution could not deliver the speed and output quality we needed. We had to increase our inhouse capacity to facilitate seamless operations and ensure citizens received relevant documents on time.”

Markus Kirchhofer, Managing Director, adds: “Now we can produce complex graphics with more contrast, detail, and clarity. We can also streamline print jobs. For example, in the past, we sometimes printed the cover for a high-profile publication separately to the main content of a booklet or brochure. Now we can print everything on our Pro C9500 to simplify and accelerate the process. Thanks to the high reliability and efficiency of the Ricoh printers, we can increase our production volumes and deliver even the most complex print jobs faster. This improves our operational flexibility and enhances our service capabilities. With our new Ricoh production printers, we’re taking a big step forward in print quality.”

Poplar Services Printers was the inaugural company in Great Britain to install both a Pro C9500 and a Pro C7500, enabling them to enhance their capacity, introduce new print colors, and venture into short-run packaging. Managing Director Martin Winders states, “After previously operating the Ricoh Pro C9110, we believed it was a logical progression to upgrade to Ricoh’s latest technology. This advancement creates new opportunities, and having now completed comprehensive training and testing on all equipment, we are ready to showcase our new capabilities as the first company in the UK providing this complete service.” These and other print service providers have opted for the latest Ricoh Pro C9500 and Ricoh Pro C7500 technologies to boost their production abilities and broaden their service offerings. Discover how they can assist your business in exploring previously unreachable avenues for profitable growth.

https://www.ricoh.com/

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ENGEL’s Mexico Plant: A Game-Changer for Manufacturing in The Americas

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ENGEL’s Mexico Plant: A Game-Changer for Manufacturing in The Americas

ENGEL is strengthening its market presence in the Americas with the grand opening of a new production facility in Querétaro, Mexico. This strategic step marks a substantial expansion of ENGEL’s regional manufacturing capabilities, aimed at providing faster delivery times and increased availability of injection molding machines for customers across the Americas.

Stefan Engleder, CEO ENGEL Group

With this expansion, ENGEL is reinforcing its commitment to bringing production closer to customers in the region. The new facility allows increased efficiency and greater responsiveness to market demands.

Enhancing Regional Presence

The newly acquired facility provides ENGEL with the necessary capacity and infrastructure to significantly scale up production. “This expansion allows us to notably accelerate the start of production, ensuring increased availability of our machines for customers across the region,” says Stefan Engleder, CEO ENGEL Group.

Vanessa Malena, President ENGEL Americas, also reinforces the long-term commitment to the region: “Mexico plays a crucial role in our global production strategy and is a key market for injection molding technology. With this facility, we are enhancing our local manufacturing

footprint while ensuring a seamless experience for our customers, from production to after- sales support.”

Furthermore, the Querétaro facility offers ample space for future expansion. The decision to acquire this property was made with long-term growth in mind, ensuring that ENGEL can further increase production capacity if market demand continues to rise.

Vanessa Malena, President ENGEL Americas

Increasing production and growing the team

ENGEL will ramp up Mexican production rapidly, strengthening its ability to supply high-quality injection molding machines to customers across the Americas. The facility is designed to support a structured production flow, ensuring the flexibility needed to adapt to evolving market demands.

In addition to increasing production, ENGEL is also expanding its workforce. “We are growing our team significantly to support our manufacturing operations and customer servicein the region, says Nils Mayer, General Manager ENGEL Machinery Mexico.”This investment is not just about expanding our facility, but also about strengthening our expertiseand presence in the local market.”

A strategic investment for the future

The Querétaro facility will undergo a phased modernization to align with ENGEL’s high production standards. As part of a long-term investment plan, ENGEL is implementing key upgrades, including the further expansion of the flow-line manufacturing system, and extended machining capabilities. These improvements will optimize production efficiency while maintaining the company’s renowned quality standards.

Nils Mayer, General Manager ENGEL Machinery Mexico

ENGEL will manufacture the e-mac (all-electric small machine) and WINTEC t-win (hydraulic, two-platen large machine) series, as well as custom robots and automation solutions at this facility, ensuring a strong production base for these high-demand machines in the region. This investment in local manufacturing will allow ENGEL to better serve customers with tailored solutions and faster delivery times.

“With this expansion, we are well-positioned to meet the growing demand for injection molding machines in the region,” adds Stefan Engleder. “By reducing lead times and strengthening regional support, we are creating sustainable value for our customers. This facility is an important step in our continued expansion across the Americas.”

Long-Term Vision for ENGEL in Mexico

ENGEL views Mexico as a key industrial and production hub. The country offers a strong manufacturing base and skilled workforce, making it an ideal location for long-term investment. Additionally, Mexico and Latin America represent important and growing markets for injection molding technology.

Overall, the Americas continue to gain strategic importance for ENGEL, as they represent the largest addressable market for injection molding machines. With this investment, ENGEL strengthens its ability to meet customer needs efficiently while securing a leading position in the region.

www.engelglobal.com

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Accumold’s Industry-Leading Micro Molding Takes Center Stage at OFC 2025

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Accumold’s Industry-Leading Micro Molding Takes Center Stage at OFC 2025

Accumold, a world leader in micro molding innovation, is excited to announce its participation at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC) 2025, taking place from March 30 to April 3, 2025, in San Francisco, CA. Attendees can visit Accumold at Booth 5503, where the company will showcase its industry- leading micro molding capabilities, highlighting its extensive experience in micro-optics and high-precision manufacturing for fiber optics and photonics applications.

For 40 years, Accumold has pioneered micro molding technology, successfully delivering cutting-edge solutions across industries. With experience in over 7,000 projects, Accumold’s expertise spans a wide range of applications, including micro molding, insert and overmolding, lead frame molding, microfluidics, thin-wall molding, two-shot micro molding, and micro optics, utilizing nearly every engineering-grade resin and liquid silicone rubber (LSR). These capabilities allow Accumold to support industries requiring ultra-precise, miniaturized plastic components, including fiber optic interconnects, data communications, medical optics, sensors, and emerging photonics applications.

Brett Saddoris, Technical Marketing Manager at Accumold says, “Micro molding offers a scalable and cost-effective alternative to traditional optical manufacturing techniques such as precision glass molding and lithographic processes. Accumold specializes in producing micro-optic components as small as 20 microns, with ultra-tight tolerances and surface finishes capable of meeting the stringent demands of optical performance. With proprietary micro molding technology and vertically integrated operations, Accumold ensures the highest levels of precision, repeatability, and quality. The company’s expertise in high- performance materials and in-house tool fabrication enables the mass production of intricate optical features that are critical for fiber optic transceivers, beam-splitting elements, and optical connectors.”

Emphasizing the importance of early collaboration in achieving superior micro molding results, Saddoris continues, “One of the first questions we are often asked is about our capabilities. For decades, Accumold has been refining and expanding our processes to provide customers with manufacturing excellence. We advocate for early engagement with our team in the design phase to ensure optimal manufacturability and performance. Our experience across a broad range of applications means we understand the unique challenges of micro molding and can help customers navigate them efficiently.”

Accumold operates a 130,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility running 24/7, shipping high-precision components worldwide. This scale of operation allows the company to handle high-volume production demands while maintaining exceptional quality and reliability. As a trusted partner for OEMs in telecommunications, medical, aerospace, and consumer electronics sectors, Accumold remains dedicated to driving innovation in micro molding.

Attendees at OFC 2025 are invited to visit Booth 5503 to explore how Accumold’s micro molding expertise can unlock new possibilities for optical fiber and photonics applications. “OFC is a crucial event for our industry, and we are excited to engage with engineers and decision-makers who are seeking innovative solutions for their optical component needs,” concludes Saddoris.

www.accu-mold.com

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Hydreco Hydraulics Presents Advanced Hydraulic & Electronic Solutions at Bauma 2025

Hydreco Hydraulics Presents Advanced Hydraulic & Electronic Solutions at Bauma 2025

Hydreco Hydraulics, a leader in motion control solutions, will present its advanced product portfolio at Bauma 2025, held in Munich from April 7 to 13 (Hall A4, Stand 418).

Integrated Product Portfolio on Display

The Hydreco stand will feature a tracked machine equipped with a range of hydraulic, electric, and electronic solutions, highlighting the full integration of its product portfolio in real-world applications. Additionally, many Hydreco-equipped machines will be exhibited by customers throughout the event.

Global Integration and Sustainability

Hydreco benefits from the synergies within the Duplomatic Group and Daikin Industries, leveraging shared resources, expertise, and investments in R&D and manufacturing. This collaboration aligns with Daikin’s Vision 2050, emphasizing sustainability and global innovation.

Technological Innovation: eLynx Hydraulic Cylinder

Hydreco introduces eLynx, a cutting-edge optical technology for absolute measurement of the cylinder stroke. This solution delivers reliability, measurement, accuracy, and ease of use, outperforming existing market alternatives. eLynx features a plug-in design, eliminating the need for rod drilling, and is suitable for a wide range of heavy-duty applications in any environment.

New Product Highlights

  • MHDC Joystick: Compact and versatile, the MHDC joystick is designed for the increasingly confined spaces of mobile machinery. It joins Hydreco’s extensive range of joysticks, manipulators, and foot pedals for diverse applications.
  • ECU (Electronic CAN Bus Controller): Hydreco’s new ECU provides next-generation control for mobile applications. It can function as a master or slave unit, offering flexibility and modularity. Programmable with industrial automation’s five PLC languages and compliant with the IEC61131-3 standard, the ECU allows seamless adaptation of existing source codes. The LogicLab software environment supports programming, debugging, parameter setting, and real-time testing.
  • MS Series Directional Control Valves: The MS series includes valves tailored for specific applications, offering manual, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electro-hydraulic control options. These valves are available in sectional or monoblock construction, with flow rates up to 130 L/min and various spool types.

Other featured products include hydraulic joysticks, foot pedals, power units, CAN bus machine control systems, bankable valves, and hydraulic cylinders, providing a comprehensive motion control package.

https://www.hydreco.com/

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Micro Molding Innovations Driving Optical Technology Forward

Micro Molding Innovations Driving Optical Technology Forward

Micro-optics — tiny lenses, beam-splitters, prisms, light pipes, and similar optical components— play a critical role in the miniaturization of optical applications across various industries. Ranging in size from as small as 20 microns to 1 mm, or incorporating micron-scale features in larger optical components, these elements are integral to applications in sensors, medical diagnostics, DataCom, augmented reality (AR) devices, and wearable technology.

Traditional optical manufacturing methods such as precision glass molding, diamond turning, and lithographic processes have long served the industry, yet each presents challenges in scalability, cost, and complexity when it comes to mass production of micro-optics. Micro injection molding (often referred to simply as micro molding) has emerged as a transformative alternative, allowing for the high-volume production of complex, precision micro-optic components with remarkable consistency, speed, and cost efficiency.

PRECISION AND PROCESS MASTERY IN MICRO-OPTICS MOLDING

Manufacturing micro-optics demands exceptional precision, far beyond that of traditional plastic injection molding. Optical components often require sub-micron surface finishes, precise geometries, and uniformity that eliminate any optical aberrations. Achieving these stringent tolerances necessitates highly specialized molding techniques, cutting-edge in- house tooling capabilities, and deep expertise in polymer material behavior at a microscopic level.

At Accumold, the complexity of micro-optics molding has driven the development of proprietary micro molding machines, as commercial off-the-shelf equipment often lacks the precision required for such delicate work. The micro-optic parts the company molds demand extreme control over shot size, temperature regulation, and mold flow, ensuring that surface relief features — such as those found in diffractive optical elements (DOEs) — maintain dimensions in the range of nanometers to a few microns.

One of the primary advantages of micro molding over alternative techniques is its ability to reproduce intricate optical features in polymers with high repeatability. Unlike traditional machining methods that can be slow and expensive, micro molding allows for the mass production of optical components without the need for time-consuming finishing processes.

CASE STUDIES IN MICRO MOLDING FOR MICRO-OPTICS

Medical Optics — Enabling Miniaturized Diagnostic Devices One of the most transformative applications of micro-optics is in the medical field, particularly in diagnostic imaging and sensor technologies. For instance, micro-molded optical components are used in endoscopic imaging devices, where compact, high-precision optical systems enable minimally invasive procedures.

A recent project involved the production of micro lenses for a diagnostic medical sensor requiring absolute precision in lens curvature and clarity to ensure high-fidelity imaging. The challenge lay in molding an optical-grade polymer while achieving a surface finish within 50 angstroms. By leveraging advanced in-house metrology and optimized molding parameters, the final component met the exacting quality standards necessary for real-time, high- resolution imaging.

DataCom and Fiber Optic Interconnects

Another prime example of micro molding’s impact is in the telecommunications sector, particularly in the fabrication of fiber optic lenses and couplers. Data transmission via fiber optics demands extreme precision in light signal manipulation, making the tolerances in these components incredibly tight.

Accumold has successfully manufactured 250-micron fiber optic lenses and parallel array products that seamlessly integrate into high-speed communication networks. By working closely with customers from the design phase, Accumold optimizes the micro-molded lens profiles to meet stringent optical performance criteria, ensuring high transmission efficiency while maintaining cost-effective manufacturability.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Emerging Optics Applications

As augmented reality devices evolve, the need for ultra-precise, lightweight optical elements has skyrocketed. AR glasses and even AR contact lenses rely on micro-molded optical elements to create accurate, high-resolution image projection systems.

A notable case involved the development of a refractive micro lens array less than 100 microns in size, with surface relief features necessary for precise light diffraction. The micro molding process allowed for the rapid and scalable production of these components, a significant improvement over traditional manufacturing methods that would have required costly, time-intensive machining and assembly.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DFMM AND VERTICALLY INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING

The transition from design concept to scalable manufacturing requires not just expertise in micro molding but also a deep understanding of Design for Micro Molding (DfMM). Many companies approach micro molders with designs that are not inherently manufacturable at the micro scale. Accumold works closely with engineers and designers to refine and optimize components for moldability, minimizing defects and ensuring efficient production.

Vertical integration is another critical factor in the success of micro-optic manufacturing. The ability to consolidate tooling, micro molding, metrology, automated assembly, and validation in a single ecosystem significantly reduces risk and lead times. This holistic approach ensures every stage of the process — from initial prototype to full-scale production — is optimized for quality and performance.

OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES OF POST-MOLDING HANDLING AND ASSEMBLY

Once micro-optic parts are molded, handling and assembly become another area where precision and expertise are paramount. Due to their small size, micro-optics cannot be handled using conventional bulk packaging methods. Instead, custom packaging solutions such as thermoform trays and tape-and-reel systems are required.

In some cases, over-molding techniques can be used to integrate multiple optical elements into a single component, eliminating complex assembly steps. When assembly is necessary, however, automation is key — fully hands-free processing maintaining part orientation, preventing contamination, and ensuring consistent product quality at high volumes.

THE FUTURE OF MICRO MOLDING IN MICRO-OPTICS

The continued push for miniaturization in medical, telecommunications, and consumer electronics industries will only increase the demand for high-precision, scalable micro-optic solutions. As a leader in micro molding, Accumold remains at the forefront of innovation, continuously refining processes to meet the growing complexity of optical applications.

For companies developing the next generation of optical technology, early collaboration with an experienced micro molder is essential. From design optimization to final production, working with a specialized partner ensures that the unique challenges of micro-optic manufacturing are met with proven solutions, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in the field.

By taking advantage of the precision, scalability, and cost efficiency of micro molding, manufacturers can push the boundaries of optical innovation. The key lies in expertise, not just in molding, but in every aspect of the manufacturing lifecycle. As micro-optics continue to evolve, micro molding will undoubtedly remain the preferred method for bringing these intricate components to life.

www.accu-mold.com

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MAAG Group Doubles Assembly Capacity in China for Market Growth

MAAG Group Doubles Assembly Capacity in China for Market Growth

The internationally operating MAAG Group, headquartered in Oberglatt, Switzerland, has been stepping up its localization strategy in China. MAAG China has continuously increased its business activities and sales. Today, the company operates in an area of 7500 sqm, the assembly shop at the site in Jiading, a district of Shanghai, has recently doubled in size. MAAG China offers its customers production, sales and various services with over 100 highly motivated employees.

Products engineered in Switzerland or Germany, adapted to the local needs in China and – cost savingly – manufactured and assembled in our Shanghai factory. MAAG has been localizing products for the Chinese market for more than 20 years starting from components to nowadays complex production systems. Ueli Thürig, President of the MAAG Group: “Made in China for China’ is one of the key strategies our company has been focusing on in recent years; more than 90 percent of the equipment assembled in our Shanghai plant is intended for the Chinese market.”

MAAG Group production shop in Jiading/Shanghai, China

MAAG has already been producing GA series extrusion pumps, BAOLI strand pelletizers, and ZHULI underwater pelletizers in China. The C-USG, a similarly adapted version of the proven M-USG underwater strand pelletizing system is expanding the market-specific portfolio. The original German design forms the basis for this new version. While some key components are supplied from Germany, the majority of parts come from local production.

To ensure that the technically complex machines work optimally over a long term, MAAG China offers top-class services from trained specialist personnel, whether the product has been purchased at MAAG Shanghai or any other MAAG location worldwide. A local warehouse to store some most-wanted parts can ensure a very quick delivery.

In our local grinding centers in Shanghai (East China) and Guangzhou (South China) we grind cutting rotors, cutting blades and die plates quickly, reliably and professionally – even those from other manufacturers. Our know-how and experience are the warranty for perfect pellet quality.

Starting with consultancy regarding the most efficient technology, through commissioning through to the quick supply of spare parts in original quality and after-sales service, MAAG China offers an all-round service “par excellence”.

www.maag.com

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Revolutionizing Packaging for a Circular Economy with Digital Product Passports

Revolutionizing Packaging for a Circular Economy with Digital Product Passports

The packaging industry is facing a dual challenge, with consumers demanding sustainable solutions, while increasingly stringent regulations require greater resource efficiency in production. How can companies fulfill these expectations and, at the same time, ensure transparency along the entire supply chain? The Digital Product Passport (DPP) could be the answer. How does it work in practice, and what opportunities does it bring to the industry? In a joint project with the open traceability and DPP platform R-Cycle and the flexible packaging converter Korozo Group, Henkel has demonstrated the benefits that can be achieved.

The pressure to develop environmentally compatible and resource-efficient packaging has increased tangibly. At the same time, global supply chains require greater transparency along the value chain in order to ensure that the origin of the materials, their processing and the end of the life cycle are traceable.

One key trend in the packaging industry is the shift toward a circular economy. The goal is not only to make packaging more efficient but also to return it to the production cycle at the end of its life. For this to happen, the materials need to be recyclable and the raw materials used need to be derived from sustainable sources wherever possible. In addition, there need to be clear rules for disposal. Digital solutions are becoming increasingly important in the efforts to satisfy these requirements.

As part of a joint project with R-Cycle, Henkel decided to actively test and implement the Digital Product Passport with a pilot project using Loctite Liofol solvent free adhesive to reliably laminate stand-up pouches.

The Digital Product Passport drives transparency

Against this backdrop, focus is turning to the Digital Product Passport (DPP). This is a key instrument in creating a digital record of the necessary information about the composition, life cycle and sustainability aspects of a product and making this information accessible. Driven by regulatory requirements such as the European Union’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the DPP will become mandatory in many industries from 2027.

The digital data set contains information such as the material composition, technical specifications and recyclability of a product. Each product is allocated a unique identifier, accessible via a suitable marking, such as a QR code or RFID tag, to facilitate its traceability along the value chain. The quality of the assigned data recorded is crucial here. Companies along the value chain need to provide the relevant information, which is prepared in a standardized format and made accessible to all stakeholders.

More recycling in the packaging industry?

In the packaging industry especially, the DPP not only satisfies regulatory requirements but also significantly improves the sustainability of packaging. “The DPP enables the seamless traceability of packaging along the supply chain, creates transparency and facilitates legal compliance,” says Philippe Blank, Head of Circular Economy at Henkel.

A functioning circular economy requires recyclable and ideally a high proportion of recycled raw materials to be already integrated into the procurement phase; these are then transferred to a design which takes into account various end-of-life scenarios. The goal is to recover materials for use in place of virgin material. “Reducing the use of raw materials and minimizing the resources needed are crucial for ensuring a sustainable future,” explains Philippe Blank at Henkel. Detailed material data simplify sorting and recycling, helping to preserve resources and increase the recycling rate.

Spotlight on adhesives: Henkel is testing the DPP in practice

In a joint project with Korozo Group, a flexible packaging converter, and R-Cycle, a platform based on open standards for the operation of digital product passports to ensure the traceability of packaging, Henkel decided to actively test and implement the DPP as part of its continuing commitment to make every package sustainable. The Loctite Liofol solvent free adhesive developed by Henkel is used to reliably laminate stand-up pouches. It is characterized by its chemical and thermal resistance, making it suitable for aggressive filling goods, pasteurization and high-speed packaging lines with a high seal temperature.

This example, trialed in a Henkel Consumer Brands finished good, shows what the DPP looks like in practice. Each package produced with Loctite Liofol is given a QR code that is linked with the R-Cycle DPP. This ensures that technical data, safety information and environmental aspects can be accessed directly. Henkel is working with R-Cycle to extend this traceability, thus optimizing the disposal and recyclability of the product as well.

Dr. Benedikt Brenken, Director R-Cycle, explains: “The application with Henkel shows very well how relevant information on the packaging components used – in this case the adhesive – can be recorded in the DPP and made available throughout the entire product life cycle. In this way, we create a defined level of transparency and easy traceability along the value chain. We see this as a decisive advantage regarding the constantly growing information demand.”

In addition, Henkel records the carbon emissions generated in the manufacture and use of the lamination adhesive in the DPP. This information is critical to complying with the ESPR requirements and to assessing the product’s carbon footprint throughout its entire life cycle.

The information recorded in the DPP enable end-of-life companies to properly manage the disposed packaging when it arrives to the sorting and recycling center, positively contributing to circular economy and recycling ratio.

The DPP enables the seamless traceability of packaging along the supply chain, creates transparency and facilitates legal compliance.

Actively shaping the transition for processes and materials

“We are on track to be able to offer each customer a sustainable product that is either derived from sustainable sources or has an outstanding recyclability profile,” explains Philippe Blank. As a supplier and brand owner, Henkel is in the unique position of covering a large part of the value chain. “80 percent of a product’s environmental footprint is defined in the design phase. We use our knowledge to advise our customers at an early stage,” emphasizes Philippe Blank.

The product carbon footprint (PCF) of individual components and of the product overall has a particularly crucial role to play here. In this connection, Henkel has established extensive capacities to identify savings potential and provide reliable data for Digital Product Passports and reporting requirements. These data are especially relevant to the recyclability of packaging and the obligation to use recycled raw materials.

“We align our work with leading assessment methods and design guidelines and are actively working on new test methods,” says Philippe Blank. The packaging industry is currently undergoing a profound change that is resulting in a significant shift in the materials used. These changes are also impacting existing recycling processes. The goal is to close the gaps through the active research and development of new test methods in order to prepare Henkel and its customers for pending legislative changes.

Outlook: The DPP to drive innovation and sustainability

“We believe that the DPP offers a great opportunity to promote the circular economy by providing better recycling information, to increase transparency in the supply chain and to strengthen the trust of our customers and partners in our products,” summarizes Philippe Blank. In the years ahead, the DPP will play a central role in the packaging industry as a key lever for driving innovation and increasing competitiveness. In addition to sustainable product development, the DPP is paving the way for the creation of new business models based on digitalization and the circular economy.

https://www.henkel.com/

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World-Class Innovation and International Exchange at Control 2025

World-Class Innovation and International Exchange at Control 2025

The 37th Control international trade show for quality assurance (QA), which will be held in Stuttgart from May 6–9, 2025, is highly anticipated by quality assurance specialists. This significant industry gathering has historically prioritized high levels of knowledge, quality, and relevance. Approximately 35% of the exhibitors will be foreigners. This year marks the debut of the “Control Quality Talks,” a panel discussion featuring prominent professionals sharing their perspectives on artificial intelligence.

Control 2025 preparation is ongoing. From May 6th to May 9th, 2025, suppliers and users of solutions for the quality of goods, procedures, and services will get together. The worldwide trade show for quality assurance, which is being organized by trade show planners P. E. Schall, will feature a variety of measuring technologies and their cross-industry applicability in Stuttgart Exhibition Center halls 3, 5, 7, and 9. The range of topics includes the domains of measurement and test technology, including the newest software and analysis technologies, as well as vision, image processing, and sensor technology.

2025 Control Quality Talks on AI in QA

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems represent a key technology trend in quality assurance. This year’s exhibitors, expert visitors and guests will experience the premiere of a new event forum as part of the trade fair programme – the 2025 Control Quality Talks. A panel discussion with renowned experts will be held addressing the topic of AI in quality assurance under the heading “AI in QA – Will the Future be Free of Defects? AI as Turbocharger for Profitability and Efficiency”. Discussions will be held with the aim of identifying which AI systems already exist today, which are already being used in industry, and which specific results they’re achieving in terms of cost-effectiveness and efficiency. The extent to which future AI systems will simplify QA and pave the way for error-free products and processes within the context of full automation will also be explored. Panel discussion participants include Dr.-Ing. Ira Effenberger, Group Leader at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Dr.-Ing. Ralf Christoph, Managing Director and Proprietor of Werth Messtechnik, Florian Schwarz, CEO at CAQ AG Factory Systems and Dr. Christian Wojek, Head of AI at Zeiss IQS. The discussion will be moderated by Dr.-Ing. Peter Ebert, Editor-in-Chief of trade journal “inVISION”. All industry players are cordially invited to attend the discussion in hall 7-7115 beginning at 2:30 p.m. on the first day of the trade fair. Exhibitors, expert visitors and guests will gain extensive background information and further inspiration from this dialogue.

QA Promotes the Production of Safe Products

QA measures are essential for all companies and will have a significant impact on their future. In particular during economically difficult times, modern QA solutions are of great importance. This is why Control is a trade fair highlight every year for many companies. In all industry sectors, it’s now more important than ever to take advantage of digitalisation, networking and the intelligent evaluation of information – and implement them in daily quality procedures. In addition to opportunities for increasing manufacturing efficiency, intelligent QA also makes a significant contribution to the production of safe products. In this regard the focus is on reducing the potential costs of errors and rework and achieving high levels of customer satisfaction, as well as detecting hidden errors in the value chain, avoiding legal consequences and often directly preventing danger to life and limb. Whether sustainability, climate protection, the energy transition, e-mobility or automation is involved, it will scarcely be possible to manage any of the current megatrends without digitalising QA for processes and manufacturing operations. Modern QA measures thus contribute directly to mastering numerous challenges of global importance.

World-Class Supplementary Programme with Special Show and Expert Forum

In the meantime, quality assurance measures have become an integral part of the industrial production workflow. The trend is moving towards full automation of inspection processes as well, which are becoming faster and more efficient, are being run inline and are integrated into a broad range of diverse production sequences. AI systems are providing support to an ever-greater extent, in particular with regard to the acceleration of measuring processes, the evaluation of measurement data and increased degrees of automation. They’ve already deeply penetrated the QA industry and will be addressed extensively at the trade fair. Traditionally, Control offers expert visitors the opportunity of gathering up-to-date information and establishing new contacts by attending the world-class supplementary programme. The programme includes an expert forum with thematically specific, highly practical presentations, as well as a special show on “Contactless Measuring Technology” which is being held for the 19th time this year by Fraunhofer’s Vision business unit. The special show presents technologies, applications and system components from the field of contactless measuring and test technology at a central location and has established itself as an innovations marketplace for exhibitors as well as trade fair visitors.

“We’re looking forward to Control 2025, which will once again be a top-notch industry gathering,” says Bettina Schall, managing director of trade fair promoters P. E. Schall. “Large amounts of new technical information are exchanged and important new business contacts are established at this traditional event for the expert community. That’s why face-to-face meetings at the trade fair are so important.” Exhibitors meet up with well-informed expert visitors at Control, who possess in-depth specialised knowledge about measuring technology. Tangible demonstrations and explanations directly at the product in question, high levels of expertise amongst the visitors, the link between research and industry and, not least of all, personal contact make the trade fair indispensable for many industry players.

63 Years of Trade Fairs for Markets – Schall Trade Fairs’ Recipe for Success

With globally renowned trade shows for quality assurance (Control), optical technologies, components, and systems (Optatec), stamping technology (Stanztec), production and assembly automation (Motek), bonding technology (Bondexpo), plastics processing (Fakuma), sheet metal working (Blechexpo), and joining technology (Schweisstec), Schall has established prosperous business platforms. This has led to the emergence of entirely new markets in a number of industries, with leaders distinguished by their high degree of inventiveness, thorough system proficiency, and useful application solutions.

control-messe.de

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Strength in Unity: ENGEL and CANNON’s Breakthrough in PUR Flooding

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Strength in Unity: ENGEL and CANNON’s Breakthrough in PUR Flooding

ENGEL, a globally leading manufacturer of injection moulding machines, and CANNON, a world leader in the mixing and metering technology for reactive processes such as polyurethane or RTM, have entered a strategic partnership. The aim of this cooperation between two strong partners is to further develop innovative technologies for PUR flooding and enable industrial applications with even higher quality and efficiency.

The demand for high-quality PUR-coated components is steadily increasing. ENGEL refers to this technology as clearmelt and has decades of experience with it, as well as a multitude of customers and references. With the clearmelt process, components are coated with PUR directly in the machine after the injection moulding process. Now, ENGEL is strengthening its position through the partnership with CANNON – a cooperation between two experienced, family-owned companies that continuously invest in sustainable innovations. This combines long-standing expertise and leverages synergies to continue offering customers forward-looking solutions.

ENGEL and CANNON – a strong combination of long-standing expertise with forward-looking solutions.

The collaboration between ENGEL and CANNON is particularly distinguished by a shared mindset based on long-term vision, quality, enthusiasm for innovation, and sustainable progress. Customers benefit from clearmelt with a coordinated technology that enables the efficient and economical integration of PUR into industrial manufacturing processes.

Technologically, the partnership is based on combining the strengths of both companies: ENGEL contributes its extensive expertise in injection moulding technology, while CANNON, with its outstanding expertise in PUR processing, optimises process reliability and efficiency. The clearmelt technology, which coats thermoplastic components with a durable PUR surface, is further developed and optimised through CANNON’s know-how, built over two decades in this field.

A prime example of this collaboration is the world’s largest injection moulding cell with a PUR system for clearmelt, which has been commissioned at the ENGEL technical centre in Sankt Valentin. There, customers can conduct practical tests with various PUR colour variants. The combination of the world’s largest injection moulding machine in a technical centre, the ENGEL duo 5500 combi M, and the precise metering and mixing technology from CANNON ensures maximum process stability and flexibility. The PUR system from CANNON, which provides precise and efficient material supply, is seamlessly integrated into the CC300 machine control system from ENGEL to ensure ease of use and maximum automation of the process. This not only speeds up the production chain but also improves the overall quality of the final products.

In addition to technological capability, the collaboration places particular emphasis on customer service. The global presence of ENGEL and CANNON ensures comprehensive support in all key markets, globally. Customers benefit from strong after-sales and application support, which, with extensive know-how, also assists in integrating this technology into existing production processes.

With this partnership, ENGEL and CANNON offer optimal production cells for combining injection moulding and polyurethane processing from innovative and family-owned market leaders. This provides customers with the opportunity to respond to the increasing demands of the industry and achieve sustainable competitive advantages.

https://www.engelglobal.com/

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The New Brand Statement? It’s All in the Packaging, Says Mondi Group

The New Brand Statement? It’s All in the Packaging, Says Mondi Group

  • 71% of consumers now shop online at least once a month, up from 56% last year.
  • 90% favour brands using recyclable, right-sized eCommerce packaging.
  • Only 50% of consumers trust brand’s sustainability claims, underscoring the need for transparency.

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, today announced the results of its sixth annual eCommerce trend report “Sustainability and its impact on packaging and online shopping choices”. This comprehensive study examines trends, attitudes and expectations regarding eCommerce and the impact packaging has on the consumer experience.

Armand Schoonbrood, Mondi Group eCommerce COO

The report presents data from around 6,000 consumers across Czechia, France, Germany, Poland, Sweden and Türkiye, collected via an online survey in October and November 2024. The findings offer eCommerce brands valuable insights on meeting consumer needs, including country-specific results from each of the six markets. The survey was conducted by RetailX, who also co-authored the whitepaper.

“This year’s findings confirm that sustainability is no longer just a trend, it’s a business imperative,” said Armand Schoonbrood, Mondi Group eCommerce COO. “Consumers are demanding tangible action from retailers to reduce their environmental impact. At Mondi, we are proud to support customers with innovative, sustainable eCommerce packaging and paper solutions that meet consumer expectations and help our partners to build trust, loyalty, and long-term value in the eCommerce space.”

Ian Jindal, RetailX Chief Editor.

Adding to this, RetailX Chief Editor Ian Jindal, commented: “The findings of this year’s survey show that sustainable eCommerce packaging has become more than a preference – it’s now a consumer expectation. Transparency, innovation and credibility in sustainability efforts are vital for retailers to maintain trust, loyalty, and relevance in a rapidly evolving market.”

Emerging trends and insights

A surge in online shopping: key insights for retailers

  • Online shopping frequency soars: 71% of consumers shop online monthly, up from 56% last year.
  • Spending remains stable: 1 in 4 consumers spends €120–€290 per month.
Packaging is the new brand statement according to the sixth annual Mondi Group eCommerce trend report.

Packaging that drives loyalty: what consumers value most

  • Protection is key: 95% of consumers prioritise protective packaging.
  • Sustainability demand grows: 80% insist on environmentally conscious or recyclable packaging.
  • Unboxing matters: 59% say packaging influences repeat purchases; Gen Z (71%) values aesthetics and recyclability.

From promises to proof: why transparency matters

  • Sustainability skepticism: only 50% trust online brands’ eco claims.
  • Sustainable packaging boosts brand perception: 90% favour brands using recyclable, right-sized eCommerce packaging.

The full Mondi Group eCommerce trend report 2025, including detailed insights into consumer behaviour, packaging innovations, and sustainability expectations is available in English – please download the PDF document at the right-hand side. Gain exclusive insights into consumer behaviour and packaging trends shaping the future of eCommerce.

www.mondigroup.com

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