• 10/02/2025
  • Connecting people

Processing meets Packaging: Two trade fairs, one collaboration

At the end of September, two industries that are growing closer together met at the Exhibition Center Nuremberg: FACHPACK and POWTECH TECHNOPHARM combined their strengths under the motto “Processing meets Packaging.” Together, they represent the entire value chain – from manufacturing and processing to the packaging of powdery, pasty, lumpy, or liquid products.

Written by Johanna Köhler

A group of 22 people – six men and 16 women – stand in front of a large trade fair banner, half of which is orange and half blue, featuring the logos “POWTECH TECHNOPHARM” and ‘FACHPACK’ as well as the slogan “Processing meets Packaging.” Most of the people are wearing casual to semi-formal clothing, including blouses, shirts, jeans, and jackets. Some are raising their arms or waving, indicating a cheerful, dynamic mood.

FACHPACK has been a central meeting place for the European packaging industry for over 40 years. It offers an overview of solutions for industrial and consumer goods packaging, packaging technology, logistics, and packaging printing.
POWTECH TECHNOPHARM is the international trade fair for processing technology for powders, solids, and liquids. With the TECHNOPHARM section of the trade fair, the focus is also on GxP-compliant manufacturing of pharmaceutical products – a set of rules that places the highest demands on quality and safety in the production of medicines.

More efficient production, smarter packaging

The proximity of the two trade shows reflects a trend that is noticeable in many industries: “It is clear that manufacturing and packaging are becoming increasingly intertwined,” says Simone Ritter, Head of B2B Dialogue Marketing at Domino Germany, a leading provider of industrial coding, marking, and labeling solutions. In highly regulated sectors such as the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries, seamless production chains are essential – from formulation to packaging. Automation, efficiency, and traceability are at the forefront.
Jana Ahlers, company spokesperson at Lutena Vakuum, a provider of innovative vacuum conveyor technology for mechanical and plant engineering, has also observed this change: “There is much closer coordination between the individual trades. Increasingly, one provider is taking on the role of general contractor or project manager – either on its own initiative or at the request of its customers.” This simplifies processes and ensures greater efficiency.

Five people – four men and one woman – are standing next to each other beside a large metal vacuum conveyor system. They are all wearing black shirts with the company logo and name tags. The men are wearing jeans or dark pants, and the woman is wearing a black skirt and a scarf. A blue company banner with red lettering can be seen in the background.
Lutena Vacuum combines modern vacuum conveying technology with the requirements for efficiency and process reliability in industry.

Automation creates safety

A practical example illustrates how closely the processes are interlinked: Whereas employees used to feed raw materials such as flour or powder into machines by hand, this task is now performed by automated vacuum conveyor systems. This not only makes the processes more efficient, but also more hygienic and safer. “Vacuum conveyor systems are the link between production, filling, and packaging,” explains Ahlers.

Technologies for greater transparency and safety

With increasing demands for sustainability, automation, and digitalization, the role of modern labeling systems is also growing. “Our customers now expect much more from labeling technologies than just the application of labels or codes,” explains Ritter. “Durable materials, less waste, and energy-efficient systems are in demand – as is digital traceability.”
One example is the upcoming GS1 Digital Link. From 2027, this standard will replace the traditional barcode with a QR code that not only contains product information but also links to further content – such as origin, sustainability, or application. This allows consumers, retailers, and manufacturers to access all relevant data with a single scan. At the same time, it enables automated control of goods flows and direct customer communication. This creates greater transparency and efficiency along the entire production chain. 
While Domino focuses on digital solutions for marking and traceability, mechanical engineering also demonstrates how modern technology contributes to process optimization. Although regulatory requirements – for example, in the pharmaceutical industry – are often complex and transnational, modern systems offer clear advantages: they can be flexibly integrated into existing systems and meet high standards of energy efficiency and resource conservation. Ahlers emphasizes that sustainability and interface compatibility in particular are “the strengths of mechanical engineering.”

Two people – a man and a woman – are standing next to a modern packaging and labeling machine with the inscription “DOMINO.” Both are wearing white tops with name tags and black pants. The machine contains roll material and is designed for labeling or coding. Additional technical equipment and trade fair booth elements are visible in the background.
Domino offers marking solutions for all stages of packaging that can be seamlessly integrated into existing production processes thanks to modular control and flexible interfaces – ensuring maximum safety and traceability.

Synergies that connect

The joint orientation of FACHPACK and POWTECH TECHNOPHARM is viewed positively by exhibitors and visitors alike. “The two trade fairs can be combined very well thematically and complement each other,” says Ritter. “Visitors see this as a great added value, as they can see the entire value chain from processing to packaging presented in one place.”
Ahlers also emphasizes the benefits: “This symbiosis is the perfect example of sustainability and effectiveness. Manufacturing companies can find everything they need here. For us as exhibitors, it's great to meet customers from different specialist areas in one place.”

Author

Portrait Johanna Köhler
Johanna Köhler
Online Editing // PR Trainee