PACKAGING


WORKING IN TANDEM When we talk about packaging sustainability, we often picture the plastic bottle, the carton or the blister pack, but the manufacturing side is equally vital. Savings in energy, material waste, factory footprint and logistics all compound. Furthermore, those operational savings


free up capital to invest in material innovation. When packaging materials are redesigned, say moving to a lighter barrier bottle, the production line must adapt too. A lighter container can alter fill dynamics, conveyor speeds, sealing parameters, changeover routines and quality- inspection criteria. This is where flexible, software-controlled


automation becomes essential. Consider a pharma brand adopting LOG’s barrier eco bottle, which is 30 per cent lighter. Shipping weight falls, logistics emissions shrink, but unless the line is optimised for the new material, problems can arise. Longer changeovers, higher reject rates, extended cleaning cycles, creeping energy use are all potential problems. By deploying Beckhoff’s XTS system, a


flexible, software-controlled linear transport system that improves how products move through production lines, production lines can adapt quickly. By controlling product movement with


precision, the XTS enables faster changeovers, synchronised motion, reduced energy use and smaller machine footprints. These benefits translate directly into more sustainable and efficient operations.


A practical example of this approach can be seen in pharmaceutical packaging specialist Uhlmann Pac-Systeme, which integrated Beckhoff’s XTS linear transport system into its Cartoner C 2155 for bottle packaging. By replacing a conventional intermittent belt-driven transport system with independently controlled movers, the company increased machine output by 25 per cent while also reducing reject rates and improving overall line efficiency.


The ability to precisely control each product’s position allowed bottles to be synchronised more accurately with downstream processes, reducing unnecessary waste and enabling smoother handling of varying packaging formats.


In addition to performance gains, the


system’s clean, accessible design and reduced reliance on mechanical components supported faster line clearance and easier cleaning, both essential in GMP-regulated pharmaceutical environments.


CLOSING THE LOOP Put simply, automation ensures that the material innovation doesn’t introduce hidden inefficiencies. Material innovation alone isn’t enough.


The industry’s push towards lighter,


recyclable and bio-based packaging, like LOG Pharma’s eco line or Xampla’s plant-based alternatives, is only truly effective when production keeps pace.


“With software- controlled systems, manufacturers can adapt faster to new materials, minimise waste and energy use while maintaining the precision, safety and compliance.”


By aligning materials innovation with


advanced automation, the pharmaceutical sector can complete the circle of sustainable design and sustainable production. With software-controlled systems, manufacturers can adapt faster to new materials, minimise waste and energy use while maintaining the precision, safety and compliance that are essential to the industry.


Beckhoff www.beckhoff.co.uk


DIVERTER VALVES


IT’S IN THE VALUE WE ADD


DMN-WESTINGHOUSE is an independent producer with 50 years of exclusive commitment to rotary and diverter valves. Supported by 25+ R&D experts and a dedicated diverter production and testing site, we produce plug, tube, flap, and ball diverters in a range of versions, always aligning your valve to your needs. Our global network with 75+ local partners is at your service.


Learn more at dmnwestinghouse.com


PTD plug diverter valve


SPTD plug diverter valve


SPTDS plug diverter valve


GPD plug diverter valve


2-TDV tube diverter valve


3-TDV tube diverter valve


M-TDV tube diverter valve


FDV flap diverter valves


BTD ball diverter valve


FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | MAY 2026


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