PackagingNew
PackagingNew ‘Packaging Competence Center’supports the Development of FutureproofPackaging SolutionsGerhard Schubert GmbH and the Berlin-based Berndt+Partner Group packaging consultancy are combiningtheir expertise with the Packaging Competence Center (PCC). The new organisation brings together expertsin regulation, packaging design, materials and automation technology. The aim of the PCC is to advisemanufacturers on the development of sustainable packaging and to find viable solutions for implementation.The focus is on meeting the challenges of PPWR as well as other sustainability issues.The EU Packaging and PackagingWaste Regulation (PPWR) aimsto make the packaging industrymore sustainable and to reduce thenegative environmental impact ofpackaging waste. However, it presentsmanufacturers with major challengesdue to extremely tight deadlines,different implementation timelines andthe current lack of detailed regulations.Companies need to evaluate as quicklyas possible how they will respond tothe often complex requirements. Thiscan have far-reaching consequencesfor their packaging and productionprocesses – and requires efficient,compliant implementation, for whichPCC provides a wide range of support.As Michael Graf, Head of the PCC anda sustainability expert at Schubert,explains: “Manufacturers are dealingwith very practical considerations.What are the implications of packaginga chocolate bar in paper instead of aflowpack in the future? Or how does anexisting cartoning machine run whenblanks are resized, when they behavedifferently in the machine or when theycan no longer be glued? These issuesare significant and require answersalong the entire value chain.”Combined expertise in the newPCCThis is where the PackagingCompetence Center comes in. TheThe Schubert packaging consulting team of specialists (from left to right): Pascal Kurz, Stefan Horvath,Michael Graf, Laura Gascho and Valentin KöhlerPCC’s key advantage is that, dueto the comprehensive expertiseof two companies, the Center canoffer regulatory advice, packagingdevelopment and machine feasibility– all from a single source. Whilethe experts from bp Consultantsclarify the PPWR and explain itsimpact on the respective packagingportfolio, Schubert evaluates themachinability of new packagingsolutions, thereby ensuring theautomation which is essentialfor packaging processes. MarcelKiessling, Managing Director ofGerhard Schubert GmbH, points out:“As a leading machine manufacturingcompany, we are proud to be workingwith Berndt+Partner, an equallyleading-edge consulting group forpackaging issues in Europe. ThePackaging Competence Center isa collaborative partnership thatprovides technical consultingservices for packaging processesand technologies – all targetedtowards making our customers’production processes more efficientand sustainable.Practical support with the ImpactCheckIf, for example, a manufacturer wantsto switch its packaging materials topaper or recyclable mono films, thePCC offers a so-called Impact Check.During this process, the expertsanalyse, as part of their evaluation,whether a manufacturer’s existingpackaging range meets the regulatoryrequirements or whether it needsto be improved. Once all questionshave been clarified, manufacturerscan develop a new packaging design,with support available if desired from28food Marketing & Technology • February 2025
PackagingThe PCC aims to support consumer goods manufacturers in finding sustainable, future-proof packaging solutions and to develop viable solutions.Berndt+Partner Creality, a subsidiaryof the Berndt+Partner Group thatspecialises in packaging design andbranding. The PCC always takesautomated packaging processes intoaccount.Practical testing on thepackaging machines inCrailsheimOnce the modified packaging concepthas been finalised, Schubert tests iton its own machines in Crailsheim.The packaging machine manufacturerdetermines whether the new materialsand formats can still be processedefficiently and whether they mayrequire technological adjustments.Michael Graf believes it is vitallyimportant to take a holistic approach:“Sustainability – the basic idea behindour Mission Blue Initiative – has toincorporate systems and upstreamsteps such as design to ensure thata solution is consistently ecological.Packaging made of paper or monofilm alone is not enough.” Once theconsulting, design and testing arecomplete, the PCC continues tosupport manufacturers. “Regulationschange quickly, so manufacturers willsoon have new questions for whichthey want equally creative answers– and they will find them at the PCC,”concludes Matthias Giebel, Partnerat bp Consultants, a subsidiary of theBerndt+Partner Group.fmtThe Packaging Competence Center is a collaborationbetween three individual companies: Schubert, bpConsultants and Berndt + Partner CrealityFor more information:www.schubert.groupfood Marketing & Technology • February 2025 29
