INTERPACK REVIEW


closure format reduces material consumption while maintaining product protection and packaging flexibility. The innovation highlighted how confectionery packaging machinery manufacturers are increasingly balancing sustainability objectives alongside operational performance. Another strategic development was the


presentation of the modular FPH5 flow pack machine, created for


reliable packaging


of preformed confectionery products. Developed together with Turkish partner MAKREV, the machine targets entry-level and mid-performance applications while enabling throughputs of up to 2,000 packaged products per minute. The collaboration with MAKREV marks an important expansion of Theegarten- Pactec’s offering into more flexible and cost-efficient machine categories, particularly for manufacturers producing chocolate, hard candy and jelly products below the ultra-high- speed segment. The company also highlighted the


continued evolution of its EK4 high-speed double-twist wrapping machine, which has now been updated with a next-generation control platform. The system remains one of the fastest double-twist packaging solutions available for preformed confectionery products and has already achieved more than 115 installations worldwide.


Inspection technology becomes smarter and more connected Inspection and quality control technologies represented another major area of innovation for confectionery manufacturers at interpack 2026, particularly as producers seek to integrate real-time data analysis and automated quality management into increasingly digital production environments. At the stand of Ishida Europe, visitors


were introduced to the new IX-AS-42A1 X-ray inspection system. During Kennedy’s Confection’s visit to the stand, Kiran met with Marketing Manager, Torsten Giese, for a detailed walkthrough of the exhibitor’s latest inspection technologies and developments. The new system was built to offer “full confidence without compromise”, offering benefits like finding difficult to detect foreign objects and defects, reducing false positives with AI learning, 25% smaller than previous models for easy installation and a reduction of TCO with long-life guarantee. The growing importance of advanced X-ray inspection was reinforced by Mettler-Toledo, which unveiled several new technologies focused on smarter confectionery manufacturing. Under the theme “Inspect. Protect. Comply.”,


14 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • MAY 2026


the company demonstrated how product inspection systems are increasingly becoming integrated digital tools rather than isolated end- of-line devices. One of the company’s major launches was


the M50 R-Series AdvancedLine metal detector platform, developed to increase detection sensitivity while supporting growing industry demands around traceability, data connectivity and compliance management. Particularly significant for confectionery


applications was the unveiling of the X56 DXD+ dual energy photon-counting X-ray system. Designed for complex packaged products, the technology enhances detection of low-density contaminants such as plastics, rubber and wood — contaminants traditionally difficult to identify using conventional inspection methods. The system also supports multiple integrity


checks including completeness verification and seal inspection, helping manufacturers maintain consistent product quality while operating at high throughput speeds. Artificial intelligence also emerged as a


key development area again. Mettler-Toledo introduced advanced AI capabilities within its X-ray inspection systems designed to improve inspection reliability in complex scenarios involving overlapping products, mixed product types and irregular product positioning on conveyors. The company additionally demonstrated


integrated combination systems that merge


checkweighing, metal detection,


X-ray inspection and vision inspection into compact single-platform solutions. These systems are becoming increasingly attractive for confectionery manufacturers seeking to maximise quality control while reducing production line footprint. Digitalisation was another major focus, with


the company highlighting its ProdX™ data management software. The platform centralises inspection data from multiple devices in real time, supporting traceability, audit readiness and production analysis while reducing manual documentation processes. “Food manufacturers are operating in an


environment shaped by increasing complexity, higher expectations around compliance and the need for greater efficiency,” said Daniela Verhaeg, Communications Manager at Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection. “At interpack, we were pleased to demonstrate how our proven product inspection solutions support smarter manufacturing by combining advanced detection, connected data and global service expertise.”


Sustainability and collaboration drive packaging development Sustainability remained one of the defining themes of interpack 2026, particularly as confectionery manufacturers continue adapting packaging formats and materials to meet changing regulatory and consumer expectations. At Henkel, the company highlighted how


adhesive and coating technologies are becoming increasingly important in the development of recyclable confectionery packaging structures. The company officially inaugurated its modernised Packaging Competence Center in Düsseldorf during the exhibition period, creating a collaborative environment where customers and partners can jointly develop and industrially validate sustainable packaging concepts. “The choice of adhesive or coating we


make today defines the packaging that will sit on store shelves tomorrow,” explained Dirk Martin, Head of Henkel Packaging Adhesives and Coatings in Europe. The


facility incorporates advanced


lamination and coating technologies capable of replicating real-world production conditions, allowing converters and confectionery packaging manufacturers to accelerate development and scaling of recyclable mono- material packaging solutions. “This facility is designed to address the key


future challenges facing the packaging industry: recyclable solutions and the use of sustainable ingredients,” explained Kai Ethner, Director of Application Engineering at Henkel Packaging Adhesives and Coatings in Europe.


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