In the VDMA Technology Lounge, innovations on sustainable packaging, digitalization, cleaning, product safety as well as on the topic “Save Food” against food waste will be presented on more than 300 sqm. To touch. To try out. And even to taste. A visit to the lounge thus becomes an experience.
Smart engineering for sustainable processing and packaging
This is the motto under which the VDMA is presenting itself together with its partners from research institutes, universities, companies and startups. In the Technology Lounge, innovations on sustainable packaging, digitalization, cleaning, product safety as well as on the topic of “Save Food” against food waste will be presented on more than 300 sqm. To touch. To try out. And even to taste. A visit to the lounge thus becomes an experience.
“Smart engineering is the key to sustainable processing and packaging – and German mechanical engineering is a pioneer in this field,” says Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association. The ideas and solutions that contribute to more sustainability will be showcased by the VDMA in its Technology Lounge in Hall 4, C54. “We are gladly anticipating interpack and are delighted that the industry can finally meet again after six years. A lot has happened in that period and visitors can look forward to a wealth of innovations,” states Clemens.
The following exhibits can be seen in the VDMA Technology Lounge in Hall 4, Stand C54:
Seaweed-based packaging material – From seaweed to biodegradable packaging
The Brabender company will show how seaweed is processed with an extruder into a polymer material in the form of a biodegradable packaging film, offering an alternative to certain plastics. For the next step, TU Dresden has developed a process to turn the algae film into packaging: Using a pneumatically and electromechanically driven press, the algae film is formed into a 3D shape.
Students at HTWK Leipzig – the specialists of tomorrow
The Leipzig course of study “Packaging Technology and Sustainability” at HTWK Leipzig presents sustainable packaging ideas from a student competition. Here you can get to know your specialists of tomorrow.
Entry into the circular economy – natural fiber-based packaging solutions
The Fraunhofer IVV Dresden shows fiber-based packaging solutions and technologies for the safe processing of paper and alternative materials on high-speed machines.
Clean Assist – Virtual assistant for manual cleaning
Fraunhofer IVV will also present intelligent cleaning technologies to ensure product safety. The “CleanAssist” cleaning lance equipped with tracking sensors analyzes and documents the cleaning performance and spray shadow. Using an AR device, a digital twin is transferred to the real cleaning environment and the cleaning progress is displayed in real time in the operator’s field of view. In addition to quality assurance and documentation, this also enables guided optimization of cleaning runs and helps avoid product quality-reducing errors caused by incorrect processes.
Mobile Cleaning Device – Fully automated, flexible cleaning 4.0
With the “Mobile Cleaning Device” (MCD), Fraunhofer IVV continues to show a more modular cleaning robot, which is available – depending on the application – in two variants: as an autonomously moving device for automated cleaning of entire production environments and as an inline version (“Inline-MCD”) for automated cleaning of process plants and lines. The “Inline-MCD” is additionally equipped with various cleaning nozzles and brushes and travels for the cleaning process on the product path via conveyor belts or rail systems through the process plants.
VR training – qualification of machine operators with virtual reality and digital twin
The Fraunhofer IVV is developing digital training systems based on virtual reality (VR) for the training and further education of operating and technical personnel. Since the training courses run on a digital twin, learners can make mistakes and gain experience without compromising machine availability or even risking damage. In the VDMA Technology Lounge, the training system can be tested for use on a thermoformed packaging production line itself.
Consulting for a future-proof, company-specific digitization strategy
Digitization offers solutions for current challenges such as ensuring resilient processes, implementing the circular economy or the shortage of skilled workers. The Fraunhofer IVV supports companies in their transformation process, i.e. in the concrete implementation of concepts such as networked production, a data exchange along the entire value chain or the “Industrial Internet of Things”. To this end, the institute develops company-specific technology and assistance solutions, individual software for system integration and for the use of AI in production. Visitors can find out more about this in the VDMA Technology Lounge.
Material Hub – effortless research of construction materials
The Saxon State Library – Dresden State and University Library (SLUB) presents the “Material Hub” – an open, central material research platform that enables access to material data from a wide range of data sources in a compact search mask. The material search helps developers and designers find materials that are suitable for their purposes.
Embedded vision systems – quality inspections with smart AI camera for beginners
Imago Technologies’ Vision Cam AI.go is a flexible, fully embedded, Deep Learning-based vision system for reliable inspection of quality features in various industrial application areas. The AI camera is designed for end users with little programming or machine vision experience.
SmartID – Counterfeit-proof product identification to protect against product piracy
The Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology SIT, in a consortium with several Fraunhofer institutes, is demonstrating SmartID – an identification system that can be used to check the authenticity of products or packaging throughout the entire supply chain by smartphone. Even by the end consumer. Product identification works offline and can be easily and quickly integrated into packaging production.
eMTS – Electronic Motor Nameplate – Electronic Motor Nameplate Closes Digitization Gap
The electronic motor nameplate (eMTS) developed by TH Köln enables the secure transmission of motor parameters to the inverter via the motor power cable for encoderless drives. The eMTS replaces the familiar metal nameplate and can thus close the automation gap between the motor and the frequency converter up to the controller.
keäksack Craft Beer – Bread with a difference
The start-up keäksack brews beer from surplus bread that is not sold at the bakery. In addition, 10 cents per bottle goes to social institutions. Keäksack thus combines sustainability and social responsibility and makes a contribution to “Save Food,” the initiative of UNEP, Messe Düsseldorf and interpack in the fight against food waste. The beer can be sampled in the lounge.
Sustainable Processing and Packaging
VDMA will showcase its new knowledge portal for sustainable process and packaging technologies using company examples. Whether Circular Economy, function and value of packaging, relevant laws and regulations, infographics, expert interviews and company examples: In the knowledge portal Sustainable Processing and Packaging you will find data, facts as well as background information holistically considered, factually prepared and compactly bundled in one information source. www.vdma.org/sustainable-processing-packaging