For Theegarten-Pactec interpack is the global packaging industry’s defining event. Gearing up to the next event begins as soon as the previous one ends. Looking ahead to the 2026 edition, Theegarten-Pactec Managing Director and interpack 2026 President Markus Rustler outlines his expectations and highlights the technologies that will be shaping the company’s presence at the show.
What specific machines or solutions will Theegarten-Pactec be showcasing live at interpack 2026, and what applications are they designed for?As our customers know from previous visits to our interpack presentations, we will be showcasing an extensive range of machines from our portfolio. As usually we will run all machines with real product, which is somehow unique. At interpack 2026, we will be placing a special focus on a recently developed flow-wrapping system, the FPC6, which features an entirely new machine design. We will also be showing a new continuous-motion solution for wrapping soup tablets or compressed stock cubes in fold wrap, and then in a display carton. This solution combines the BHS and BLM machines. What makes this combination unique is that, for the first time, we will be presenting a double-lane continuous-motion machine – an entirely new concept in the industry. Beyond these highlights, we will also be presenting a broader selection of machines from both Theegarten-Pactec’s portfolio and MAKREV’s portfolio, giving visitors a comprehensive overview of our advanced technological capabilities.
Many manufacturers are currently under significant cost pressures. How do Theegarten-Pactec’s latest systems help improve efficiency and reduce operating costs?
This is a very relevant question and one that comes up in most discussions with our customers. It is well known that machines built in Dresden aren’t necessarily the cheapest options available on the market. But our focus has always been on technical availability, reliability and high output speeds. In today’s production environment, the degree of possible optimisation is decisive. Our machines enable our customers to produce on the smallest possible footprint, with minimal operator intervention and maximum efficiency. Ultimately, it isn’t the initial investment that determines the economic success of a production line, but the total cost of ownership over its entire lifecycle. In this respect as in many others, our systems offer clear advantages.
Sustainability is becoming a key purchasing factor in the industry. Do Theegarten-Pactec’s new machines support recyclable or alternative packaging materials?
Absolutely. Sustainability has been a high priority at Theegarten-Pactec for many years, and we have achieved excellent results in this key area. Today, our machines and lines can process virtually all available packaging materials, whether mono-materials or cellulose-based materials such as paper. Importantly, we have not only managed to successfully run these materials on our machines, but to do so at the same speeds previously achieved with conventional laminated films. One current challenge, however, is that recyclable materials are still often more expensive, which remains a limiting factor on the material side.
From my perspective, mono-materials will have the greatest impact when it comes to sustainable packaging in the years to come. We shouldn’t forget that sustainability doesn’t relate only to packaging materials, but also to the machines themselves. Longevity, retrofit capability and flexibility for format and product changes have always been cornerstone design principles at Theegarten-Pactec. Our machines are engineered for very long service lives and can be adapted to new products or formats with relatively little effort. Always a strong argument in favour of investing in high-quality, sustainable equipment.
How flexible are the upcoming solutions when it comes to format changes or handling different products on the same line?
Flexibility has always been one of our strengths. For example, the FPC5 today already allows a broad variety of formats on a single machine, and this will also be the case for the FPC6. Quick format changes are essential for our customers, as they allow production to switch between different products without long conversion times.
This is relatively straightforward for flow-wrapping applications. The challenge is a bigger one when it comes to more delicate packaging styles such as fold wrap or top twist. However, we have demonstrated in the past – and will demonstrate again at the upcoming interpack – that we offer robust and practical solutions in this area as well. One example is the CHS, which we will be showing at interpack in the new smart bunch configuration. This system can be converted to double twist or top twist very easily. These conversions take only a matter of minutes or, at most, a few hours. Ultimately, customers greatly benefit from systems that combine high performance with maximum versatility.
If visitors could only stop by your booth for one reason, what would be your personal highlight they should not miss?
Not an easy question, as interests naturally differ. However, for me personally, the most impressive exhibit will be the BHS and BLM combination for wrapping stock cubes. The decisive factor is that a twin-lane continuous-motion machine of this kind is something that is entirely new on the market. Going behind the scenes and experiencing the technology behind this system in operation – including its mechanical and electrical design – is truly impressive. For visitors who are interested in outstanding engineering and innovative packaging technology, this machine is a real highlight. interpack 2026 promises to be an exciting milestone – not only for Theegarten-Pactec, but for the packaging industry as a whole.
Theegarten-Pactec will be showcasing its latest technologies at interpack, Hall 1, Stand B51.
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