INTERPACK REVIEW


and maintenance efficiency. Features including improved tray handling, simplified cleaning and maintenance-friendly drive systems reflected wider industry demands for reduced downtime and easier servicing in high-capacity confectionery plants. For jelly production applications, WDS


presented a compact post-treatment drum in laboratory format capable of processing up to 100 kg/h. The system incorporated hygienic design principles alongside CIP capability, demonstrating the company’s focus on flexible R&D and pilot-scale production for confectionery innovation. Chocolate applications also featured


prominently. An EasyClean depositor from the ConfecPRO series illustrated how existing chocolate production lines can be modernised and expanded with minimal disruption. Meanwhile, the ConfecVARIO loop demonstrated versatile point and ribbon depositing capabilities using a chainless drive system that enables process adjustments directly through the HMI without requiring mechanical intervention. A recurring theme throughout the WDS


stand was flexibility through intelligent engineering. The company highlighted how its systems are continuously developed in-house to enable rapid format changes, intuitive machine operation and highly reliable moulding precision while also meeting increasingly demanding hygiene and certification standards. The company’s high level of vertical


integration at its German manufacturing site remains central to this strategy, supporting consistent engineering quality and precise confectionery processing performance. WDS also placed significant emphasis on


digitalisation and predictive maintenance. At interpack, the company introduced SmartMould and SmartTray systems


Henkel image: Kai Ethner, Director of Application Engineering at Henkel Packaging Adhesives and Coatings, at the opening of the modernised Packaging Competence Center./Daniel Koke


THE CHOICE OF ADHESIVE OR COATING WE MAKE TODAY DEFINES THE


PACKAGING THAT WILL SIT ON STORE SHELVES TOMORROW.” — DIRK


MARTIN, HEAD OF HENKEL


PACKAGING ADHESIVES AND COATINGS EUROPE, HENKEL


demonstrated just how strong the demand is for product-centric, customer-oriented solutions in the confectionery industry,” summarised Carsten Butz, Technical Director at WDS. “The high visitor turnout and the quality of the discussions confirm our approach of consistently designing machines according to our customers’ requirements and implementing innovative confectionery concepts in close partnership with them.”


Theegarten-Pactec expands packaging flexibility Packaging specialist Theegarten-Pactec used interpack 2026 to present a broad portfolio of new packaging technologies aimed at increasing flexibility, throughput and automation across confectionery applications. A major launch at the show was the new


designed to monitor mechanical variables in chocolate and Mogul production lines in real time. By identifying irregularities before failures occur, the systems support preventive maintenance strategies and minimise costly interruptions to production. “interpack 2026 impressively


FPC6 flow pack machine, developed specifically for chocolate products, confectionery bars, cereal bars, protein bars and snack products. The machine combines high process stability with user-friendly operation and digital connectivity,


enabling fully


packaging processes for manufacturers seeking greater efficiency and flexibility. High-speed secondary packaging


automated also


formed a major focus for the company. The new BLM cartoner — the first cartoning solution developed within Theegarten-Pactec’s own portfolio — was designed for integration into high-performance packaging lines handling small confectionery products such as chocolate bars and chewing gum. At the exhibition, visitors could observe


the BLM connected directly to the FPC6, demonstrating fully integrated secondary packaging of flow-wrapped bars into cartons with high precision and reliability. The company also introduced an expansion of


its CHS packaging system through the launch of the new “Smart Bunch” folding style. Developed specifically for chocolate products, the side-


MAY 2026 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 13


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