As the global packaging industry gears up for Interpack 2026, Theegarten-Pactec has unveiled a cutting-edge line-up poised to redefine speed and efficiency in the confectionery and food sectors. Leading this charge is Markus Rustler, who holds dual roles as Managing Director of the Dresden-based company and President of the Interpack 2026 trade fair.
The centrepiece of Theegarten-Pactec’s 2026 showcase is a pioneering twin-lane continuous-motion system for stock cubes. This innovative solution combines the BHS and BLM machines, enabling the rapid wrapping of soup tablets in fold wrap before placing them into display cartons. Rustler stated, “A twin-lane continuous-motion machine of this kind is something entirely new on the market. For visitors interested in outstanding engineering, seeing the mechanical and electrical design of this system in operation with real product will be the highlight of the show.”
Facing intense margin pressures, global manufacturers are increasingly scrutinising total cost of ownership (TCO). Rustler addressed the premium positioning of Theegarten-Pactec’s systems, asserting that despite higher initial capital expenditure, the TCO offers superior returns. This is achieved through footprint optimisation, reducing the need for constant operator oversight, and engineering machines for long service lives with retrofit capabilities.
A significant challenge in the shift towards sustainability has been maintaining production speeds when transitioning from plastic films to recyclable materials. Theegarten-Pactec claims to have overcome this bottleneck, with its latest systems able to process cellulose-based and mono-material films at high speeds. Rustler emphasised that sustainability extends beyond materials to the machines themselves, highlighting the importance of quick format changes to prevent obsolescence as consumer trends evolve.
Flexibility is a core theme for the 2026 showcase, exemplified by the new FPC6 flow-wrapping system and the CHS modular wrapper. The CHS, demonstrated in a “smart bunch” configuration, showcases the company’s ability to switch between complex styles like double-twist or top-twist in minutes or hours, allowing manufacturers to meet last-minute retail demands without sacrificing throughput.
As President of Interpack 2026, Rustler envisions the event as a “defining milestone” for the industry, where the focus will shift to practical, smarter packaging solutions ready for immediate deployment in a volatile global economy.
