E80 Group has deployed an automated truck loading system at Barilla's Pedrignano plant near Parma, completing automation of the site's intralogistics chain from raw material intake to shipment. The system, developed with Rite-Hite, integrates with more than 100 laser-guided vehicles and other equipment E80 Group already supplies at the plant. The technology has run in the United States for over a decade and is now extended to Europe.
Why this mattersAutomated trailer loading closes the last manual step in a food plant's intralogistics, giving E80 a European reference site for technology already proven in the US.
- The automated truck loading system is installed at Barilla's Pedrignano plant near Parma, Italy.
- The Pedrignano site already operates more than 100 laser-guided vehicles supplied by E80 Group.
- The truck loading solution combines laser-guided vehicles, gravity-based handling and trailer restraints developed with Rite-Hite.
- E80 Group has run similar truck loading and unloading technology in the United States for more than ten years.
- E80 Group's SM.I.LE80 software platform coordinates the site's warehouses, vehicles and end-of-line systems.
- The Barilla and E80 Group collaboration dates back more than 30 years.
German container glass maker Wiegand-Glas will deploy supply chain planning software from Elisa Industriq, part of the sedApta portfolio, across its four German production sites. The system is meant to link demand planning, inventory management, production planning and factory scheduling into a single standardised database.
Why this mattersIntegrated planning across four plants making eight million containers a day gives Wiegand-Glas tighter control of production scheduling and inventory.
- Wiegand-Glas operates four production sites in Germany
- The sites produce more than eight million glass containers a day
- The company will use Elisa Industriq supply chain planning software from the sedApta portfolio
- The project aims to link demand planning, inventory management, production planning and factory scheduling
Label and tag maker Maxim is opening an RFID and smart-label manufacturing facility in Auburn, Alabama, investing USD 1.4m in equipment and building works and creating up to 15 jobs. The 5,680 sq ft plant, operating as Maxim Solutions Auburn LLC, is Maxim's second US manufacturing site and sits close to Auburn University's RFID Lab, with printing, encoding, verification and finishing all done in-house.
Why this mattersA local US base for inlay-to-finished-tag production and verification shortens lead times for serialised RFID orders and reduces reliance on offshore manufacturing for retail and apparel brands.
- Investment of USD 1.4m covers production equipment and building construction.
- The project will create up to 15 jobs.
- The 5,680 sq ft facility operates as Maxim Solutions Auburn, LLC on Stage Road.
- This is Maxim's second manufacturing facility in the United States, out of 21 plants worldwide.
- The plant will produce RFID hangtags, stickers and NFC labels and tags, with printing, encoding, verification and finishing done on site.
- The site is located near Auburn University's RFID Lab, a research centre focused on retail and supply-chain RFID technology.
Irish startup Swaay Technologies has raised an equity round of more than EUR 2m (USD 2m), led by BVP, to commercialise its direct-to-shape digital printing platform for beverage cans. The technology prints artwork directly onto containers, removing plastic labels and shrink sleeves. The funds will support new roles in Mullingar, Ireland, where Swaay has an initial team alongside one in Quebec, Canada.
Why this mattersLabel-free can decoration could cut short-run costs and simplify compliance with diverging deposit-return and labelling rules across markets.
- Swaay Technologies closed an equity round of more than EUR 2m (USD 2m).
- The round was led by BVP, with participation from the BVP Investor Club.
- Swaay, founded in 2026, is developing a platform for direct-to-shape digital printing that replaces labels and shrink sleeves on beverage cans.
- The funding is earmarked to move Swaay into commercialisation and to add roles in Mullingar, Ireland.
- Swaay has initial teams in Mullingar, Ireland and Quebec, Canada, targeting clients in Europe and North America.
- Co-founder and CEO Ciaran Gorman previously co-founded Bevcraft Group.
- Swaay was founded in 2026 by Ciarán Gorman (CEO), Mark O'Donnell (CCO), Sébastien Baril (COO) and Jean-François Gaudreault (CTO).
- Swaay's Quebec hub is located in Trois-Rivières and handles production and technical work.
- Swaay did not disclose its valuation.
- Swaay's Canadian production and technical hub is located in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.
- Swaay says a billion cans a year have already moved away from plastic sleeves industry-wide.
- Co-founders alongside CEO Ciarán Gorman include Mark O'Donnell, Sébastien Baril and Jean-François Gaudreault.
Chongqing Shoujian Pharmaceutical Packaging has started production at a smart manufacturing base in Fuling, Chongqing, with annual capacity of 24 billion units: 12 billion pharmaceutical bottle caps and 12 billion pharmaceutical straws for oral liquids and similar dosage forms. Production data feed a Huawei Cloud platform for process control, and each batch carries a digital trace record. The company says it supplies more than 400 pharmaceutical companies and exports to over 20 countries.
Why this mattersLarge-scale Chinese capacity in pharma caps and straws with batch-level digital traceability adds pressure on competing closure suppliers to oral-liquid drug makers.
- The Fuling plant has annual capacity of 24 billion units: 12 billion pharmaceutical bottle caps and 12 billion pharmaceutical straws
- Production lines feed real-time injection pressure, temperature and inspection data to a Huawei Cloud platform for automated process control and quality screening
- Every batch carries a digital record covering raw-material source, production shift, test reports and logistics, accessible via a scan code
- The company says it serves more than 400 pharmaceutical companies, including Sunflower Pharmaceutical and Taiji Group, and exports to over 20 countries
- Management targets more than 500 pharmaceutical customers within three years
Rengo has started a field trial with Japanese startup UnityStep AI to optimise paperboard roll storage layout at its Tonegawa plant in Ibaraki prefecture, aiming to cut truck loading times. The pilot began on 23 October 2026 and builds on an RFID shipment management system Rengo installed at its Yodogawa distribution centre in September 2021. Rengo will compare loading times and forklift travel against current practice before deciding whether to extend the system to other plants.
Why this mattersA producer with about 22% of Japan's containerboard output applying optimisation models to roll storage shows mills targeting dispatch logistics and truck waiting times, not only production.
- Rengo holds about 22% share of Japan's domestic containerboard production
- Trial started 23 October 2026 at Rengo's Tonegawa plant in Bando, Ibaraki prefecture
- Partner UnityStep AI was certified a University of Tokyo Matsuo Lab-linked startup in December 2025
- The system uses demand-forecasting and optimisation models on warehouse shipment data to cut forklift travel and rehandling
- Rengo installed an RFID-based roll shipment management system at its Yodogawa distribution centre in September 2021
- Rengo plans to compare loading times and forklift logs against current practice before deciding on wider rollout
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has launched the Center for Research and Advancement of Forest Product Technologies (CRAFT), a national research centre to modernise the US pulp, paper and packaging industry. The centre is backed by the US Department of Energy's Industrial Technologies Office and brings together ORNL, the National Laboratory of the Rockies, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, universities and industry partners to pilot new manufacturing technologies.
Why this mattersA government-backed route to pilot new pulping, drying and AI-driven manufacturing technologies could lower costs and accelerate commercialisation for US paper and packaging producers.
- CRAFT is led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory with funding support from the US Department of Energy's Industrial Technologies Office.
- Partners include the National Laboratory of the Rockies, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory.
- The centre will focus on pulping methods, chemical recovery, water removal, drying and digital manufacturing.
- CRAFT will use AI, computer modelling, automation and data analysis to help mills cut downtime and operating costs.
- The centre will pilot-test new technologies with industry partners before commercial-scale investment.
- Daniel Coughlin, a senior ORNL research and development staff member, is CRAFT's executive director.
Injection moulding machinery maker Arburg will present its new Allrounder Trend electric machines for HDPE screw cap production at the Allpack 2026 trade fair in Jakarta, 20-23 October. The company is targeting Indonesia's packaging sector, where it says manufacturers still largely rely on imported screw caps.
Why this mattersArburg is targeting Indonesian closure moulders that still import screw caps, offering a machine cycle of 24 caps in seven seconds.
- Allpack 2026 trade fair runs 20-23 October in Jakarta, Indonesia
- Allrounder Trend 1800 e can produce 24 HDPE screw caps in seven seconds
- Allrounder Trend range spans four machine sizes with clamping forces of 500 to 2,000 kN
- Arburg has operated in Indonesia since 1993 and had a wholly owned subsidiary since 2006
- Machine uses Arburg's Gestica lite control system and can be fitted with robotic automation
- Indonesia is implementing an extended producer responsibility scheme with gradual rollout
- Allrounder Trend launched in four clamping-force sizes from 500 to 2,000 kN, with electric injection units in sizes 100 to 800
- Orders opened October 2025, with deliveries scheduled from spring 2026
- Eurasia premiere held at Plast Eurasia, Istanbul, 3-6 December 2025
- US premiere at Plastec West 2026, Anaheim, 3-5 February, stand 4611
- Stand exhibit used an 8-cavity hot runner mould from Adler Industrial Solutions with a Multilift robot for part removal
- Arburg also showed its arburgXworld customer portal and ALS MES system at the stand
- Taiwan debut at TaipeiPlas 2026, 15-19 September, Nangang Exhibition Centre, stand K0727
- Demonstration cell produced a three-part USB cable winder using the Allrounder 1000 e Trend
- Four Allrounder Trend versions span clamping forces of 500 to 2,000 kN and injection speeds of 200-500 mm/s
- aXw Control MoldlifeAssist integrates Hack Digital Solutions' Moldlife Sense system via the Euromap 82.5 interface
- aXw Control RecyclatePilot compensates material fluctuations to hold shot weight constant across batch changes
- A virtual twin of Gestica lite is due in the Virtual Control premium app from 2026
- An Allrounder 1800 e Trend with a 64-cavity tool produces about 9,200 LSR 'Secure Seal' medical closures per hour
- An Allrounder 1000 e Trend with a 16-cavity tool makes glass-fibre-reinforced PA12 automotive connector parts in an eight-second cycle
- Injection speeds on the Allrounder Trend range reach 200, 350 and 500 mm/s
- New 'aXw Control FirstShotAssist' assistance feature accompanies the Fakuma 2026 launch, running 12-16 October in Friedrichshafen
Fujifilm and ePac Flexible Packaging have formed a global strategic alliance under which ePac will deploy Fujifilm's Jet Press FP790 water-based digital inkjet press across its plant network. Deployment begins with an installation at ePac's new facility in Phoenix, Arizona, with further presses planned across the network in later phases. No investment figure or total press count was disclosed.
Why this mattersInstalling a high-volume water-based inkjet press across ePac's network pushes digital print in flexible packaging from short runs towards longer run lengths.
- Fujifilm and ePac announced the global alliance on 18 October 2026
- ePac will scale Fujifilm's Jet Press FP790 water-based digital inkjet press across its global network
- Deployment begins with a press at ePac's new Phoenix, Arizona facility, with fleet expansion in later phases
- Fujifilm says the FP790 prints at 1200 x 1200 dpi and covers over 90% of the Pantone colour gamut
- ePac says the press lets it handle longer run lengths while keeping short-run capability
- No investment figure or total press count was disclosed
- Parag Patel, head of shared services at ePac Flexible Packaging, and Osamu Nakashima, vice president at Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp, commented on the partnership
Hansol Paper has been selected for a South Korean government-backed AI factory programme aimed at cutting steam and energy use in papermaking, part of a seven-party consortium running to 2029 with total investment of KRW 12.2bn (USD 9.16m), including KRW 8.5bn (USD 6.4m) in state funding. The project will develop AI tools for steam optimisation, predictive maintenance and safety management, with the aim of an autonomous plant and a standard model extendable to smaller suppliers.
Why this mattersThe project targets steam-intensive drying, one of papermaking's largest cost and carbon items, and is built to share results with smaller suppliers lacking their own investment capacity.
- Hansol Paper was selected for a papermaking AI factory programme linking large and smaller companies, run by South Korea's Ministry of Trade and Industry
- The project runs for about four years to 2029 with total investment of KRW 12.2bn (USD 9.16m), including KRW 8.5bn (USD 6.4m) in government funding
- Seven organisations are involved: two end-user companies, three AI specialist firms and two research institutes
- The project targets incinerator steam optimisation, lower steam use in paper drying, predictive maintenance and an AI safety-management model
- The stated goal is an autonomous plant where AI recommends operating conditions, putting data behind decisions that relied on veteran operators' experience
- Hansol Paper plans to turn the results into a standard model for smaller suppliers and similar manufacturing sectors
Brazil's development bank BNDES has approved BRL 21.8m (USD 4.4m) in financing for Unipac, the rigid plastics packaging arm of Grupo Jacto, to fund digitalisation across its five Brazilian plants. The project covers artificial intelligence, internet-of-things sensors and an additive-manufacturing line for mould-making at the Pompeia site, with rollout also at Paulinia, Limeira, Maracanau and Uberaba.
Why this mattersShows a mid-sized Latin American rigid-plastics converter using state-backed finance to automate quality inspection and demand planning, a model other regional converters may follow.
- BNDES approved BRL 21.8m (USD 4.4m) under its BNDES Mais Inovacao programme.
- Funds will be deployed at Unipac's Pompeia (SP) headquarters and plants in Paulinia, Limeira, Maracanau and Uberaba.
- An automatic visual inspection system using high-resolution cameras and AI will target zero visual defects on packaging lines.
- Additive manufacturing will replace a conventional mould-making process in Pompeia, producing precision metal parts.
- Unipac marks 50 years in operation in 2026 and employs about 1,100 people.
- Unipac is the rigid plastics packaging and polymer-technology unit of Grupo Jacto, a 78-year-old Brazilian multinational.
Label and tag maker Maxim is investing USD 1.4m to open an RFID and smart label manufacturing facility in Auburn, Alabama, creating up to 15 jobs. The 5,680 sq ft site, operating as Maxim Solutions Auburn LLC, will produce RFID hangtags, stickers and NFC labels and is Maxim's second US manufacturing operation.
Why this mattersA dedicated domestic RFID production line shortens lead times for serialised, verified labels and signals growing brand demand for item-level tracking.
- Maxim is investing USD 1.4m in production equipment and build-out in Auburn, Alabama
- The facility will create up to 15 jobs
- The site covers 5,680 square feet and operates as Maxim Solutions Auburn, LLC
- It is Maxim's second manufacturing operation in the United States, among 21 factories worldwide
- The plant will produce RFID hangtags, stickers and NFC labels and tags, with printing, encoding, verification and finishing on site
- The facility is located 1.7 miles from Auburn University's RFID Lab, under construction in The Park
Eindhoven-based Smart Robotics has raised EUR 10m (USD 11.2m) to expand its artificial intelligence-driven robotics platforms. The company is directing the funding at automation for logistics and manufacturing, where it points to labour shortages.
Why this mattersHandling automation continues to attract capital on the argument that shift labour in logistics and manufacturing is structurally short.
- Smart Robotics raised EUR 10m (USD 11.2m) in new funding
- The company is based in Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Funds will expand artificial intelligence-driven robotics platforms
- The investment targets labour shortages in logistics and manufacturing
German plastic packaging maker Jokey is having an automated high-bay warehouse built at its Polish production site in Kedzierzyn-Kozle by Kardex Mlog, the materials-handling arm of Swiss equipment group Kardex. The 20-metre-high facility will hold 8,616 pallet locations in just under 2,500 square metres, served by three stacker cranes handling up to 200 movements per hour. Delivery is due by the end of 2026.
Why this mattersJokey is replicating its French automated-warehouse model in Poland, adding 8,616 pallet locations and removing manual handling from an existing production site.
- The warehouse adjoins Jokey's existing production site at Kedzierzyn-Kozle in southern Poland and is the group's first automated high-bay store in the country
- Capacity is 8,616 pallet locations in just under 2,500 square metres
- The 20-metre-high building uses three stacker cranes handling up to 200 movements per hour
- Kardex Mlog, the handling and automation arm of Zurich-based Kardex, is the contractor
- Operations are controlled by the Kardex Control Center software suite, including WMS and WCS modules
- Delivery is due by the end of 2026
Opitz Packaging Systems, the German packaging-machinery subsidiary of Storopack, has agreed a strategic collaboration with Dutch robotics maker Smart Robotics to combine packaging automation with embodied AI. The partnership, announced on 5 October 2026, will initially target robot-assisted palletising and end-of-line applications before extending to item-picking. The companies plan to present joint demo use cases and deepen sales cooperation, with details to be shown at Logistica Next in Utrecht in early November 2026.
Why this mattersIt signals machinery builders turning to specialist AI-robotics firms to add embodied AI to palletising and end-of-line lines rather than building it in-house.
- Opitz Packaging Systems and Smart Robotics announced the strategic collaboration on 5 October 2026.
- Opitz, based in Northeim, Germany, is a subsidiary of packaging specialist Storopack.
- Smart Robotics is a Dutch developer of AI-supported robotic picking and palletising systems.
- Initial focus is on robot-assisted palletising and end-of-line processes, later extending to item-picking.
- Opitz will take the lead integration role, embedding Smart Robotics' Embodied AI into its packaging machines.
- The partners will present joint demo use cases at Logistica Next in Utrecht in early November 2026.
Mondi has created a multicolour digital-printed packaging design on unbleached brown paper for the launch of Kärcher's S 4 Twin Go!Further sweeper. The solution uses computer-to-print technology with an optional white underprint to reproduce Kärcher's brand colour accurately on brown stock while signalling the product's recycled plastic content.
Why this mattersDigital printing on unbleached paper lets brand owners show recycled content visually while meeting colour-fidelity needs without printing plates.
- Mondi developed multicolour digital printing with optional white underprint on brown, unbleached paper for Kärcher's S 4 Twin Go!Further sweeper
- Kärcher states the sweeper's plastic components contain 30 percent recycled material
- The packaging uses computer-to-print technology, removing the need for printing plates in demand-driven production
- Water-based inks used are approved for primary packaging by Swiss Quality Testing Services (SQTS)
- Janis Walker, Lead Buyer Packaging at Kärcher, described Mondi as a long-standing partner on the project
- Mondi cut Stiebel Eltron's corrugated packaging specifications by more than 75%, down from about 150 versions, the prior month
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen has agreed a partnership with German logistics group pfenning to combine printing, packaging and data-driven logistics into one offering for pharmaceutical packaging production. The tie-up extends Heidelberg's system-integrator strategy, unveiled at interpack 2026, into serialisation, track-and-trace and GDP/GMP-compliant logistics. No financial terms were disclosed.
Why this mattersMachinery makers are moving beyond press sales into end-to-end packaging and logistics services, reshaping how pharma customers source compliance-driven supply chains.
- Heidelberg and pfenning group announced the partnership on 30 September 2026 at Heidelberg's Wiesloch-Walldorf site.
- The collaboration covers printing, packaging and data-driven logistics for pharmaceutical products.
- It builds on Heidelberg's system-integrator strategy announced at interpack 2026.
- pfenning group operates 110 European locations, 1 million square metres of logistics space and 7,000 employees.
- Heidelberg has previously announced similar partnerships with Pack-Smart and Metsä Board.
- No deal value or investment figure was disclosed.
- Turkish converter Sade Ofset Packaging & Label is using Heidelberg's Prinect Production software to network prepress, press room and production planning.
- Austrian print service provider Klampfer Druck installed a Jetfire 50 digital press to combine digital and offset short-run printing.
- Heidelberger Druckmaschinen shares traded at EUR 1.42 on 5 October 2026, down 30 percent since the start of the year.
- Heidelberg shares traded around EUR 1.39 pre-market on 6 October 2026, down 31 percent year to date
- Heidelberger Druckmaschinen will present technology at the All-in-Print China trade fair in Shanghai, 12-16 October 2026
- Heidelberger Druckmaschinen shares closed at EUR 1.42 on 7 October 2026, down 30 percent year to date
- Heidelberger Druckmaschinen reported first-quarter fiscal 2026/2027 revenue of EUR 404.00 million, down 13.30 percent year on year.
- Adjusted EBITDA margin fell to 0.20 percent from 4.40 percent a year earlier.
Warehouse automation integrator Element Logic and packaging machinery maker Ranpak announced on 29 September 2026 a global strategic partnership integrating Ranpak's box-sizing and void-fill automation into Element Logic's warehouse systems. The tie-up is framed against the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, applicable since 12 August 2026, which sets a maximum 50 percent empty-space limit per shipment by 2030.
Why this mattersIt shows warehouse-automation integrators absorbing packaging rightsizing as core infrastructure rather than an add-on, as PPWR void-space rules push e-commerce operators to act.
- Alliance announced 29 September 2026 between Element Logic and Ranpak (NYSE: PACK)
- Ranpak founded 1972, headquartered in Concord Township, Ohio, with about 850 employees
- Element Logic founded 1985, described as the largest global AutoStore integration partner
- EU PPWR has applied since 12 August 2026 and covers industrial packaging composition, recyclability and reuse rules
- PPWR sets a maximum 50 percent empty volume per shipment target for 2030, with a second measures package due that year
- Ranpak states its rightsizing automation can run at 15 boxes per minute, versus manual packing
- Ranpak will supply computer vision alongside box-sizing, sealing and paper-based protective packaging technology under the tie-up.
- The companies say the partnership can raise throughput, improve transport capacity use and cut manual box-making labour.
- Element Logic chief executive Ankush Malhotra and Ranpak chief executive Omar Asali both commented on the partnership.
- No deal value or customer deployments have been disclosed.
- The partnership builds on an existing prior collaboration between Ranpak and Element Logic.
- The integration also covers Ranpak's computer-vision technologies alongside box-forming and closing systems.
- No financial terms of the partnership were disclosed.
DS Smith, part of International Paper, has deployed a supply chain traceability platform across more than 250 manufacturing plants and facilities in over 30 countries, built with Accenture and software provider osapiens. The system is initially focused on materials covered by the EU Deforestation Regulation, tracing fibre through the EMEA supply chain from origin to production and distribution, and has engaged more than 1,000 suppliers.
Why this mattersShows how fibre packaging producers are building EUDR compliance infrastructure at group scale, a template other converters and box makers will need to match.
- Deployment covers more than 250 manufacturing plants and facilities in over 30 countries.
- System built with Accenture and software provider osapiens, using the osapiens HUB platform.
- More than 1,000 suppliers have been engaged through the programme.
- Since implementation, more than 25,000 supply chain workflows have been executed.
- Nearly 25,000 land plots have been monitored automatically for EUDR compliance.
- Almost 10,000 compliance cases have passed through automated case management.
US investor Siris, owner of Electronics for Imaging (EFI), and Belgian technology group Agfa-Gevaert plan to combine EFI's industrial inkjet business with Agfa's Digital Printing Solutions division in a joint company. The two signed an agreement on 28 September 2026.
Why this mattersCombining EFI's and Agfa's industrial inkjet businesses reduces the number of independent digital printing suppliers that packaging and label converters can buy from.
- Siris and Agfa-Gevaert signed an agreement on 28 September 2026 to combine industrial inkjet activities
- EFI's industrial inkjet business is to be merged with Agfa's Digital Printing Solutions (DPS) division
- Siris is the owner of Electronics for Imaging (EFI)
- Agfa-Gevaert is a Belgian technology group
Electronics for Imaging, backed by private equity firm Siris, and Agfa-Gevaert have signed a definitive agreement to merge Agfa's Digital Printing Solutions business into EFI. A Siris affiliate will hold 60% of the new jointly held company and Agfa 40%, with the combined business expected to generate about EUR 540m (USD 625m) of revenue in 2026 on a pro forma basis. The deal, which follows a 2024 partnership between the two, is expected to close by the end of 2026 subject to regulatory approvals.
Why this mattersCreates a larger-scale industrial inkjet supplier spanning corrugated packaging, display and textile printing, consolidating a fragmented digital press market.
- Siris affiliate to hold 60% and Agfa 40% of the combined company
- Combined pro forma 2026 revenue estimated at EUR 540m (USD 625m)
- EFI brings Nozomi, VUTEK and Reggiani platforms; Agfa DPS brings Jeti TAURO, Onset PANTHERA and SpeedSet ORCA
- Deal follows a global technology partnership the two companies formed in 2024
- Transaction expected to close by end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals
- DC Advisory and Sidley Austin LLP advised EFI and Siris on the deal
- Combined business covers industrial inkjet for corrugated packaging, display graphics, décor and textiles
- Deal closing is subject to employee consultation in addition to regulatory approval
Diageo has introduced a security seal on its spirits bottles sold in Brazil that consumers can authenticate using a smartphone. The rollout follows a methanol-contamination crisis in Brazil in late 2025 that caused several deaths and hundreds of illnesses linked to counterfeit alcoholic beverages.
Why this mattersBrand owners are turning to smart authentication on packaging to rebuild consumer trust after fatal counterfeiting incidents in emerging markets.
- Diageo introduced a smartphone-authenticated seal for spirits sold in Brazil
- The measure follows a late-2025 methanol contamination crisis in Brazil
- The contamination caused several deaths and hundreds of illnesses
- The seal lets consumers verify product authenticity via smartphone
Australasian label and packaging converter Labelmakers has bought an HP Indigo 200K Digital Press and an ABG Digicon Series 3 finishing machine through distributor Currie Group at the LOUPE Americas trade show. The press is Labelmakers' third HP wide-web digital purchase via Currie Group and its 15th digital machine, to be installed at its newly built Arndell Park facility in Sydney. An existing HP Indigo 6800 press will be redeployed to another Australian site so digital capability is available at every plant.
Why this mattersThe purchase shows converters shifting label work from flexo toward wide-web digital to serve shorter runs and personalised FMCG campaigns.
- Labelmakers bought an HP Indigo 200K Digital Press and a custom 430mm ABG Digicon Series 3 finishing machine
- The press is Labelmakers' 15th digital machine and third HP wide-web digital press bought via Currie Group
- The new Arndell Park facility in Sydney adds close to 13,000 square metres of capacity for folding carton, blister foil and pressure-sensitive label production
- An existing HP Indigo 6800 press will be relocated within Australia so every manufacturing site has digital capability
- The deal was announced at the LOUPE Americas trade show
- No purchase price was disclosed
ECO3 has introduced APOGEE IQ, an expansion of its APOGEE prepress workflow platform that connects business systems such as MIS, ERP and CRM with shop floor equipment and production data. The company says the platform gives print businesses real-time visibility into order status and production progress, addressing fragmented point-to-point integrations common in print operations.
Why this mattersTighter integration between prepress and shop-floor systems reduces manual handling and gives converters better production visibility as print operations grow more complex.
- ECO3 announced APOGEE IQ on 24 September 2026 as the next generation of its APOGEE prepress workflow platform.
- The platform is built around a central integration layer connecting business applications and production systems.
- ECO3 says the system automates information flow between MIS, ERP, eCommerce, CRM, logistics and workflow tools.
- The company positions the launch as extending automated prepress workflows into full print operation integration.
HP is presenting an integrated AI production system at PRINTING United 2026, pairing new HP PrintOS Production Hub features with the HP Latex R530 AI Printer, a compact rigid-and-flexible large-format press using cloud and on-edge AI. The Production Hub additions, AI Order Intake and AI Upscale, work with any printer brand; HP says AI Order Intake can cut average order creation time by 90%. The R530 AI printer ships from 1 December 2026, with an automatic print-mode-selection firmware upgrade following in early 2027.
Why this mattersBrand-agnostic AI order and file tools plus AI-assisted print-mode selection push print service providers toward automated, software-linked production workflows.
- HP Latex R530 AI Printer ships from 1 December 2026
- AI Automatic Print Mode Selection firmware upgrade due in early 2027
- HP says AI Order Intake can cut average order creation time by 90%, from minutes to seconds
- AI Order Intake and AI Upscale within PrintOS Production Hub work regardless of printer brand
- HP and Neolt are introducing a Jumbo Unwinder for the HP Latex FS50, FS60 and FS70W
- HP reports more than 220 Indigo 18K and 120K presses installed, part of over 1,200 B2-format Indigo presses worldwide
Epson has appointed Engineered Printing Solutions (EPS) as its North American partner for CONTOURJET, a new robotic direct-to-object digital printing platform for decorating three-dimensional products. The system, unveiled at PRINTING United Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, combines Epson's printhead technology with robotics to print on complex shapes that fixed-head digital systems cannot reach. EPS will handle sales, applications development, installation, training and service across the region from the first quarter of 2027.
Why this mattersRobotic direct-to-object printing extends digital decoration to complex packaging and product shapes, widening the alternative to pad and screen printing for converters.
- Epson selected EPS as its sole North American partner for the CONTOURJET direct-to-object printing platform.
- CONTOURJET was launched at PRINTING United Expo 2026 in Las Vegas on 23 September 2026.
- The platform is the result of nearly ten years of development combining Epson printhead technology with robotic motion control.
- EPS will provide sales, applications development, installation, training and service support for the system.
- CONTOURJET is expected to be available through EPS from the first quarter of 2027.
- The system adds to EPS's existing portfolio of pad printing, screen printing and direct-to-object printing technologies.
- ContourJet uses a 6-axis robotic arm to hold the object while printheads move via linear-motor drive to follow its contour
- Printer uses Epson's PrecisionCore S800 printhead at 600 x 600 dpi with a single ink channel per head
- Configurable with up to seven colour channels; standard set is CMYK plus white, with a clear ink/varnish option for texture
- Installations already exist in Japan; European sales expected to start in 2027 after CE certification
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. has launched Embellishment Forge, a design platform that converts a standard PDF into production-ready digital embellishment files without requiring specialist production knowledge. Developed with Adobe using the Print Embellishment Ready SDK, the tool was unveiled at PRINTING United Expo 2026.
Why this mattersSimplifying digital embellishment design could broaden the pool of print service providers offering the finishing technique, expanding demand for compatible equipment.
- Konica Minolta unveiled Embellishment Forge at PRINTING United Expo 2026
- Platform is built on Adobe's Print Embellishment Ready SDK and powered by Adobe Print Services
- Tool converts a standard PDF into production-ready embellishment files for participating print service providers
- Announcement made by Frank Mallozzi, President, Industrial and Production Print, Konica Minolta
Markem-Imaje, the coding and marking systems unit of Dover Corporation, has launched CoLOS 2D Activate and CoLOS 2D Engage, two SaaS platforms that let consumer goods manufacturers create and manage GS1 Digital Link QR codes on packaging. The launch is aimed at helping brand owners meet the GS1 Sunrise 2027 retail barcode transition and regulatory or retailer requirements for connected packaging, and is paired with new on-site implementation consulting services.
Why this mattersCoding and marking suppliers are positioning software and consulting around the GS1 Sunrise 2027 deadline, adding a recurring-revenue layer to hardware sales for connected packaging.
- Markem-Imaje is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dover Corporation, listed on NYSE as DOV.
- CoLOS 2D Activate and CoLOS 2D Engage are SaaS tools for creating and managing static and dynamic GS1 Digital Link QR codes.
- The launch targets manufacturer readiness for the GS1 Sunrise 2027 transition to 2D barcodes.
- Implementation services include a full-day on-site assessment of production and coding processes.
- Announcement made 23 September 2026 from Downers Grove, Illinois.
HP Inc has sold more than 200 units of its Indigo 6K+ Digital Press one year after its launch at Labelexpo Europe 2025, with Atlanta-based Brightline Label and Packaging as the 200th customer. At LOUPE Americas 2026 in Chicago, HP also highlighted automation and AI features across its Indigo range and its PrintOS software platform.
Why this mattersThe sales pace shows digital label printing is displacing conventional runs at medium and longer lengths, pushing competition toward automated, AI-linked production rather than press speed alone.
- HP Indigo 6K+ Digital Press has sold over 200 units one year after its Labelexpo Europe 2025 launch.
- Brightline Label and Packaging of Atlanta was the 200th customer for the press.
- HP's Enhanced Productivity Mode can raise production speed by up to 33 percent using three colour separations.
- HP also showed the Indigo 200K for flexible packaging and labels, built around its Digital Pouch Factory concept.
- HP unveiled HP Nio v1.2, an AI assistant within its PrintOS platform, to be integrated with Site Flow and PrintOS Color Beat.
- HP's inline priming ecosystem in North America includes materials from Michelman, Sun Chemical and ACTEGA for narrow-web Indigo presses.
Circular Services is scaling up a pilot of Greyparrot's Analyzer AI camera-sorting software at its Sunset Park materials recovery facility in Brooklyn, first installed in the first quarter of 2026. Greyparrot's monitoring found 89% of aluminium passing through the site is recoverable, equivalent to about 91,000 cans a day. The two companies plan joint projects this autumn that could extend the technology across Circular Services' 38-facility network.
Why this mattersAI-based sorting could lift aluminium can recovery rates from decades-low levels, improving feedstock supply for can makers reliant on recycled metal.
- Circular Services installed Greyparrot's Analyzer AI at its Sunset Park MRF in Brooklyn in Q1 2026, its first such deployment.
- Greyparrot's monitoring found 89% of aluminium at the facility is recoverable, about 91,000 cans per day.
- Circular Services operates a portfolio of 38 MRFs; the pilot could expand across the network.
- Greyparrot raised a $27m Series B round in July 2026 led by investor Omar Mir.
- Greyparrot says its systems have identified over $2.5bn in recoverable value across client MRFs as of July 2026.
- Greyparrot's Analyzer AI at Sunset Park uses cameras and computer vision to monitor recyclable material streams for aluminium can recovery.
Amtech Software is launching a cloud version of its Label Traxx enterprise resource planning platform for label and flexible-packaging converters, alongside a new analytics tool and a Track & Trace module for material lineage. A limited Cloud Starter edition begins in November 2026, with a wider rollout planned for early 2027.
Why this mattersHosted ERP with material-level traceability narrows recall investigation scope and shifts backup, upgrade and security costs from label converters to the vendor.
- Amtech Software, based in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, is launching three enhancements to Label Traxx ERP.
- Label Traxx on the Cloud moves the platform from customer-managed servers to a browser-based, Amtech-operated environment.
- A limited Cloud Starter edition will be accepted in November 2026, with broader rollout in early 2027.
- Amtech Visual Analytics (AVA) adds preconfigured dashboards for financial and operational performance.
- The Track & Trace module records material attributes from purchase order through customer shipment, including slitting lane, press and operator.
- Cloud migration transfers responsibility for backups, fail-over, upgrades and cybersecurity from converters to Amtech.
Symrise has completed a full automation upgrade of its ingredient filling line at Goose Creek, South Carolina, working with machinery supplier Greif-Velox. The new A-DOS-K and A-DOS-P1 systems replace a semi-automatic canister line, lifting output from around 240 canisters a day to up to 130 an hour.
Why this mattersThe upgrade shows fragrance and cosmetics ingredient makers automating filling to cut labour strain and raise throughput as volumes and product variants grow.
- New filling lines lift output by more than 330% against the prior semi-automatic setup.
- New system reaches up to 130 canisters per hour, against about 240 canisters per day before.
- Previous daily output was about 6,000 kg from 25-kg canisters lifted manually by two shift workers.
- Greif-Velox supplied two systems, the A-DOS-K for canisters and the A-DOS-P1 for drums and IBCs.
- The line handles products with viscosities from 77 to 4,254 mPas and is prepared for future ATEX compliance.
- A bespoke automated dust-cap removal system was developed for Symrise to cut contamination risk.
Smurfit Westrock has launched an online store in Colombia targeted at micro, small and medium enterprises, offering customisable boxes and bags in orders from 20 units with digital printing from 10 units. The platform is aimed at Colombia's roughly 1.7 million formal businesses, of which 99.5% are MSMEs, and forms part of the group's digital transformation strategy.
Why this mattersExtends corrugated packaging demand to low-volume SME buyers, a channel large converters have typically underserved with standard high-minimum order models.
- Orders start from 20 units, with digital printing customisation from 10 units
- Delivery estimated at 3 to 5 business days across Colombian regions
- Colombia has about 1.7 million formal companies, 99.5% classed as MSMEs generating 79% of employment
- Smurfit Westrock has over 80 years of operations in Colombia and collects over 200,000 tonnes of paper and board annually
- The company holds 67,476 hectares of forestry land, including 22,678 hectares of protected natural forest
- Andrés Muñoz is CEO of Smurfit Westrock for Colombia, Ecuador and Peru
AVT (Advanced Vision Technology) has formally launched AutoEdit AI in North America, an AI-driven decision engine that classifies logged print defects as salable, non-salable or needing operator review. The software runs after AVT's Helios inspection platform and before automatic waste removal at slitter rewinders, and was first introduced to the market in 2025.
Why this mattersAutomating defect triage addresses a throughput bottleneck in short-run and personalised label production, a growing share of converter output.
- AutoEdit AI was formally launched in North America by AVT last week, having first reached the market in 2025.
- The module runs inside AVT's existing PrintFlow Manager interface, requiring no new station or screen.
- It classifies every logged defect from the Helios inspection platform into salable, non-salable or needing final operator review.
- The system was trained centrally on production data from multiple converters, applications and substrates.
- PrintFlow logs every classification and operator override, creating an audit trail for pharma, food, healthcare and personal-care quality documentation.
Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives has become a partner at the Gallus Experience Center in St. Gallen, Switzerland, where converters and brand owners can test its self-adhesive label materials alongside Gallus digital printing equipment. The collaboration will initially focus on validating solutions for wine and spirits labelling, building on the Gallus MatteJet digital embellishment platform.
Why this mattersMaterials-equipment partnerships around digital embellishment platforms shape which substrates converters can specify for premium label runs.
- Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives joined the Gallus Experience Center in St. Gallen as an industry partner, announced 21 September 2026
- The centre lets converters and brand owners test substrate performance with Gallus printing technology in production-like conditions
- Initial focus of the partnership is the wine and spirits label market
- The move builds on the prior commercial launch of the Gallus MatteJet digital embellishment system
- Gallus Group operates as part of the Heidelberg system-integrator setup for connected printing solutions
Georgia-Pacific is piloting an autonomous drone system at its Alabama River Cellulose pulp mill in Perdue Hill, Alabama, to standardise monitoring of construction progress on the site's USD 800m modernisation programme. The drones replace manual pilot-operated flights, aiming to improve consistency of progress data and reduce staff exposure to hazards on the industrial site. The trial is part of a broader digital delivery strategy targeting a connected digital twin of the facility.
Why this mattersAutonomous inspection tools tested on a major capacity project point to wider adoption of digital construction monitoring across pulp and paper capital projects.
- Georgia-Pacific is testing an autonomous drone system at its Alabama River Cellulose mill in Perdue Hill, Alabama.
- The mill is undergoing an USD 800m modernisation and expansion programme announced in 2025, running through 2027.
- The drone system standardises image capture for daily, weekly and monthly construction progress monitoring, replacing manual pilot-flown surveys.
- Georgia-Pacific said approximately 1,500 drone inspections have been carried out across its operations, without specifying the period.
- The project feeds into a wider digital delivery programme covering reality capture, 3D modelling and a planned digital twin.
- Alabama River Cellulose, acquired by Georgia-Pacific in 2010, produces bleached softwood kraft market pulp and fluff pulp.
Durst Group has fully integrated GMG's spectral colour management technology into its Durst Workflow software and Smart Factory portfolio under its Open Software Initiative. The integration covers Durst's labels and packaging, corrugated, and sign and display segments, and is delivered free of charge to customers with a valid software agreement.
Why this mattersThe integration advances open, best-of-breed software stacks in print production, lowering switching costs for converters standardising colour management across substrates.
- GMG's spectral colour management is now embedded as standard in Durst Workflow.
- Customers with a valid Durst software agreement receive the update at no extra cost.
- The integration spans labels and packaging, corrugated, and sign and display segments.
- The technology becomes part of Durst's Smart Factory architecture under its Open Software Initiative.
- The launch is timed to coincide with the Open Software Initiative presentation at Printing United.
Irish machinery maker Tekpak Automation has deployed a robotic inspection and packaging line, the QC-Sleever, at an unnamed UK transdermal patch manufacturer, lifting throughput by more than 30% to 1,600 patches per minute. The system, built around four Schneider Delta robots and ten vision-inspection stages per patch, cut the reject rate below 1%, reduced labour needs by up to 12 operators per shift and shrank floor space by over 30% versus a conventional multi-machine line.
Why this mattersIllustrates how vision-guided robotics can compress labour and footprint costs in high-precision pharmaceutical packaging lines, a template other converters may pursue.
- Tekpak's QC-Sleever uses four Schneider Delta robots to inspect, pick and package patches at up to 1,600 patches per minute
- The system reduced the reject rate to below 1% at an unnamed UK transdermal patch manufacturer
- Labour requirements fell by up to 12 operators per shift compared with the previous manual process
- Floor space required was cut by more than 30% versus a conventional multi-machine setup
- Each patch undergoes ten separate vision inspections before being approved for packing
- Tekpak Automation, based in Wexford, Ireland, has more than 25 years supplying robotic automation to food and pharma manufacturers
CSafe has launched the CSafe Connect Mobile App, extending its cloud-based CSafe Connect platform to mobile devices for pharmaceutical manufacturers, freight forwarders and airlines. The app lets cold chain teams monitor temperature-controlled shipments, track container GPS locations and place lease orders remotely, capabilities previously accessible mainly via desktop.
Why this mattersMobile access to container temperature and location data becomes a comparison point between pharma cold chain lessors competing on service rather than hardware.
- CSafe launched the CSafe Connect Mobile App on 20 September 2026.
- The app extends the existing CSafe Connect cloud platform to mobile devices.
- Users can place lease orders, access shipment data and monitor container conditions and GPS locations in real time.
- CSafe says it is the first mobile solution of its kind in the pharmaceutical cold chain sector.
- The platform targets pharmaceutical manufacturers, freight forwarders and airlines managing active and passive container shipments.
Brückner Maschinenbau has agreed a technology partnership with Denmark's Secomea to build secure remote access into its film-line machinery. The tie-up is intended to speed up remote maintenance and support while strengthening cybersecurity protection across Brückner's installed equipment base.
Why this mattersSecure remote access can cut service downtime for film-line customers and addresses growing cybersecurity exposure in connected industrial equipment.
- Brückner Maschinenbau has partnered with Secomea to integrate secure remote access into its machinery.
- The partnership is aimed at improving remote maintenance and support capability.
- The collaboration is intended to strengthen cybersecurity protection for Brückner's installed equipment base.
Syntegon will present its neXt automation system architecture in North America for the first time at PACK EXPO International 2026 in Chicago, 18-21 October, alongside two new modular machine platforms, the HFX flow-wrapper and the TRX topload cartoner. Both are retrofit-capable building blocks within the neXt architecture, allowing sealing technologies and software features to be added as requirements change. The system will be demonstrated daily at the company's booth in the South Hall.
Why this mattersModular, retrofit-capable platforms let food packagers upgrade lines incrementally rather than rebuild them, as labour costs and product variety rise.
- Syntegon will show its neXt system architecture in North America for the first time at PACK EXPO International, 18-21 October 2026, in Chicago, booth S-3514.
- Two new modular platforms launch alongside neXt: the HFX flow-wrapping line for primary packaging and the TRX topload cartoning line for secondary packaging.
- The HFX3 runs at up to 1,000 products per minute, handling product lengths of 2 to 12 inches and widths of 0.5 to 7.5 inches.
- The TRX platform scales to 200 cartons per minute; the TRX21 reaches 80 cartons per minute with infeed speeds up to 1,500 products per minute.
- Format changes on the TRX platform take 10 minutes.
- Both platforms are retrofit-capable and are integrated with Syntegon's robotic pick-and-place platform.
Suzano has completed the first phase of a harvester teleoperation pilot at its forestry unit in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, allowing an operator to remotely run a harvesting machine up to 350 kilometres away from a control tower in Ribas do Rio Pardo. Developed with Komatsu and S4E TECH since April 2026, the pilot harvested 12,000 trees and has trained seven operators so far.
Why this mattersRemote harvesting could cut labour and safety costs in wood supply, a key input cost for pulp and paper producers.
- Operators control a harvesting machine remotely from Suzano's forestry control tower in Ribas do Rio Pardo, Mato Grosso do Sul
- Testing began in April 2026 and the first phase harvested 12,000 trees
- The system allows an operating radius of up to 350 kilometres between operator and machine
- Project developed with Komatsu and S4E TECH combining teleoperation technology with forestry processes
- Seven employees are currently trained to operate the remote system
- Satellite links connect the control tower and harvester because of limited telecoms infrastructure in harvest areas
- Mato Grosso do Sul operations harvest 19 million cubic metres of wood a year across about 100,000 hectares with over 1,000 operators
- A pilot phase with gradual scale-up of the teleoperation system is due to start in the coming months
UK label converter Baker Labels has installed the country's first Durst Tau G3 Peak LED digital inkjet press, more than doubling its previous production capacity on the Durst platform. The 510mm-wide press joins an existing Durst Tau RSC 340 LED and is now running customer work as integration is completed.
Why this mattersDoubling digital capacity at a mid-size UK converter marks further displacement of analogue label printing and sets a reference installation for the 510mm platform.
- Baker Labels installed the UK's first Durst Tau G3 Peak LED press
- The new 510mm-wide press more than doubles Baker Labels' previous Durst-platform capacity
- The press runs at speeds up to 79 metres per minute across all colours
- It is equipped with double white, Hawk AI, Material Edge Protection and the Durst Imaging System
- The press joins an existing Durst Tau RSC 340 LED at Baker Labels
- The press is now in full production with customer work already running
Durst Group has appointed GMG Americas as an authorised reseller of its Open Software Initiative (OSI), extending distribution of the vendor-neutral print-software portfolio across the Americas. GMG Americas will sell OSI's Prepare prepress-automation tool and Produce RIP and colour-management software alongside its own colour products. The partnership was unveiled on 17 September 2026 ahead of PRINTING United Expo 2026 in Las Vegas.
Why this mattersThe tie-up extends the reach of Durst's open, vendor-neutral software layer into a competitor's US distribution channel.
- GMG Americas becomes an authorised reseller of Durst's Open Software Initiative (OSI) for the Americas.
- GMG Americas will resell OSI's Prepare prepress-automation and Produce RIP and colour-management products.
- Announcement made 17 September 2026 ahead of PRINTING United Expo 2026 in Las Vegas.
- OSI is described as the vendor-neutral integration layer of Durst's Kyveris platform.
Technotrans will demonstrate a networked thermal-management cell at Fakuma 2026, combining its temperature-control units with a Sumitomo (SHI) Demag electric injection moulding machine to produce transparent polycarbonate playing-card boxes. The system, which links components via OPC UA and uses a variothermal module co-developed with Contura and CycleTemp, is claimed to cut energy consumption by up to 40 percent while reducing optical defects in the moulded parts. A parallel exhibit at the same stand will show a 48-cavity tool producing beverage closures.
Why this mattersNetworked, energy-efficient thermal control for injection moulding could lower energy costs and defect rates for converters producing optically demanding plastic packaging.
- Technotrans will present a networked manufacturing cell for transparent polycarbonate playing-card boxes at Fakuma 2026 (Friedrichshafen, 12-16 October 2026)
- The cell pairs Technotrans temperature-control units with a fully electric Sumitomo (SHI) Demag injection moulding machine, linked via OPC UA
- A variothermal system, co-developed with Contura and CycleTemp, is claimed to cut energy use by up to 40 percent and reduce internal stress in optical parts
- Two cooling systems in the demonstration use propane (R290) as a natural refrigerant
- A second application shown alongside uses a 48-cavity mould to produce beverage closures
California Waste Solutions is expanding Pellenc ST optical-sorting capacity at its Timothy MRF in San Jose and installing new EverestLabs AI scanners at its 10th Street MRF in Oakland. The San Jose upgrade targets higher material recovery and product purity, while the Oakland scanners provide real-time item counting and belt-condition data. A further phase involving robotic or additional optical sorting is under consideration.
Why this mattersMRF operators are pairing optical sorting with AI data capture to raise recovery and purity as feedstock composition and contamination levels keep shifting.
- California Waste Solutions is increasing Pellenc ST optical-sorter capacity at its Timothy MRF in San Jose.
- The company is newly installing EverestLabs AI scanners at its 10th Street MRF in Oakland.
- The Oakland scanners will count items and report belt burden depth and exposed belt surface on the container line.
- California Waste Solutions has used optical sorting since the mid-2000s.
- A further phase under consideration could add robotic sorting, additional optical sorting, or both, based on the scanner data.
Wiliot has partnered with Austrian testing specialist CISC Semiconductor to deploy a standardised functional test system, BLE Xplorer, for its battery-free IoT Pixels. The system tests up to 6,500 units per hour per lane, more than four times a conventional station, with pass-or-fail validation on every unit. CISC begins pre-sales of BLE Xplorer in September 2026, targeting faster onboarding of manufacturing partners.
Why this mattersFaster, standardised testing lowers the barrier for converters to add IoT-tag production lines, supporting wider adoption of battery-free sensing in packaging and logistics.
- BLE Xplorer tests up to 6,500 units per hour per lane versus about 1,500 for a conventional stop-and-go station.
- The system provides a pass-or-fail result for every unit, enabling 100% output testing.
- It integrates with Wiliot's Physical AI platform to record unit-level test data.
- CISC begins pre-sales of BLE Xplorer in September 2026.
- The partnership targets acceleration of supplier onboarding and expansion of global manufacturing capacity for IoT Pixels.
- Applications cited include supply chain, logistics, retail, post-and-parcel and food and beverage sectors.
RFID specialist Tageos has launched two microwave-compatible RAIN RFID inlays, the EOS-450 MW M830 and EOS-450 MW UX, aimed at item-level tracking of packaged food that can be defrosted or heated without removing the tag. The products, unveiled at LOUPE Americas 2026 in Chicago, target food retail and quick-service restaurant applications and are the first of a planned range of microwave-compatible inlays.
Why this mattersTag-through-heating RFID removes a labelling step for retailers and QSR operators, widening item-level tracking into fresh and reheated food categories.
- Tageos launched the EOS-450 MW M830 and EOS-450 MW UX RAIN RFID inlays on 17 September 2026.
- The inlays are designed to withstand microwave heating without arcing or sparking, avoiding tag removal before use.
- The EOS-450 MW M830 uses Impinj's M830 RAIN RFID IC with 128-bit EPC memory.
- The EOS-450 MW UX uses NXP's UCODE X platform with 96 to 208-bit configurable EPC memory and up to 32 bits of user memory.
- The products are showcased at LOUPE Americas 2026 in Chicago and are available in dry, wet clear, paper-face and plastic-face formats.
- Tageos said it plans further microwave-compatible variants for additional food packaging formats.
McCain Foods has retrofitted the control systems on two high-speed pizza cartoning lines rather than replace the machines outright, engaging PerForm Packaging Solutions, working with Syntegon's Kliklok unit, to carry out the upgrade in 2026. The work, including new servo and variable speed drives, PLC and HMI systems and rewritten control software, was scheduled around planned shutdown windows and completed ahead of time, supporting the start-up of McCain's Prepared Foods plant.
Why this mattersThe case shows food manufacturers extending the life of existing cartoning lines through targeted control-system retrofits rather than full replacement.
- Two high-speed pizza cartoning lines run 24 hours a day, six days a week at McCain Foods.
- PerForm Packaging Solutions carried out the retrofit in 2026, working with Kliklok, part of Syntegon Group.
- The upgrade replaced electrical control systems, including servo and variable speed drives, PLC and HMI systems, cabling and control software.
- Installation was scheduled around McCain's Christmas and Easter shutdown windows.
- The project finished several days ahead of schedule, in time to support the start-up of McCain's Prepared Foods plant.
- PerForm bench-tested the new systems before installation and provided 24/7 on-site support during commissioning.
