interpack 2026: Theegarten-Pactec to showcase flow-wrapped packaging

Theegarten-Pactec will be exhibiting at interpack 2026 (7 to 13 May 2026), where solutions will be showcased along the entire value chain that make processes more efficient, while saving resources and ensuring long-term competitiveness. For the first time at a joint stand with its partner MAKREV (Hall 1, Stand B51), the company will be presenting its customized packaging machines for every type of product and requirement.

While Theegarten-Pactec is known for high-speed solutions for packaging small confectionery items in combination with a multitude of folding types, the company will be placing a particular focus on effective packaging in flow packs at interpack 2026. Both new as well as evolved, proven systems will be on display. Manufacturers of chocolate, bars, snacks and functional foods will experience how they can benefit from maximum flexibility, automated lines and digitally networked machines from this innovation driver – customized, smart solutions for a wide variety of products, packaging materials and performance ranges.

FPC6: from the flow pack directly into the carton

With the FPC6, a new generation of machines which will be presented at interpack for the first time, Theegarten-Pactec is deliberately focusing not on ‘faster, higher, further’, but on stable efficiency. The high-performance machine reliably packs chocolate bars, tablets and pralines into flow packs and is specifically aimed at manufacturers of chocolate, confectionery, muesli and protein bars, functional foods and snacks, as well as co-packers and contract packers. With the new machine, Theegarten-Pactec is also providing a single-source system that feeds flow-wrapped bars directly into the BLM cartoner.

The FPC6 has been engineered for maximum user-friendliness: mechanical enhancements reduce complexity and, given the ongoing shortage of skilled workers, also support less experienced personnel in safe and reliable operation. An improved display also simplifies troubleshooting: the machine alerts the operator to the location of the possible problem area. This allows the machine to be operated independently with high efficiency. The tool-free removal of machine parts also contributes to this: critical parts that are prone to contamination can be replaced without tools. They are designed in line with the ‘poka-yoke’ principle (a Japanese method for preventing errors in production and work processes), i.e. installation errors are prevented from the outset because the components are designed in such a way that incorrect installation during format changes and/or cleaning is impossible. These include, for example, belt assemblies and belt guides.

With the new FPC6, which will be presented at interpack for the first time, Theegarten-Pactec is deliberately shifting the focus away from “faster, higher, further” towards stable efficiency. The high-performance machine reliably packs chocolate bars, tablets and pralines in flow-wrapped packs.

Flexibility in sealing – whether longitudinal or transverse

The FPC6’s sealing device has also been designed to reduce complexity. It is exceptionally user-friendly and enables fast, reliable and error-free format changes. The tool-free replacement of the cross-sealing unit is guided and largely automatic via the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) and can be carried out with a conventional manual pallet truck – special, and often expensive, transport devices are not required. Furthermore, the machine not only processes a wide variety of product formats without major changeover effort, but can also master several types of sealing – cold sealing, heat sealing and separation seam welding for water-soluble films – thereby offering maximum flexibility in terms of packaging materials. An integrated preheating section ensures that even sensitive materials such as paper or recyclable mono films can be processed reliably and with the highest possible efficiency and consistent quality. The sealing pressure of the longitudinal sealing unit can be conveniently adjusted electronically via the HMI. Additionally, a new coupling system in the drive of the transverse sealing unit increases component longevity. Manual readjustment of the gears is no longer necessary, which significantly reduces wear. Adjusting the cross seal to different films is now also much easier. The seal gap can be adjusted in a fully reproducible manner, always ensuring consistent sealing results. Time-consuming, repeated readjustments during format changes are now a thing of the past.

‘Flying Splice’ high-efficiency changes, reliable processes with web edge control

On average, the packaging material needs to be changed every 20 to 30 minutes during the packaging process, which is why the FPC6’s packaging material unwinding system has also been optimized. In conjunction with the sealing device, the ‘Flying Splice’ takes over critical steps that previously required precise threading and gluing of the double-sided adhesive strip. A roll prepared with adhesive tape is simply placed on the machine; no further steps or special precautions are necessary. Correct application, alignment and feeding are all performed automatically. Furthermore, roll changes can be carried out without reducing speed, even at packaging speeds of 150 m/min. The ‘Flying Splice’ feature increases both process reliability and system availability with minimal training requirements.

The FPC6's packaging material web tracking control also allows the course of the film web to be adjusted directly on the HMI – for example, depending on the batch or when changing flavours. Old and new values are automatically stored in the recipe management system. Manual settings that were previously necessary are no longer required, and the original target value is retained.

The “flying splice” function is just one of many examples of the FPC6’s maximum operator convenience: a reel prepared with adhesive tape is simply placed in position, with no further steps or special precautions required. Correct positioning, alignment and threading are all carried out automatically.

Optimized product feed for a reduced footprint

The FPC6 excels with short feed paths, even in high-performance operation. Belt stages can be precisely calculated and reduced, which significantly decreases the installation area. This is achieved using a simulation model based on extensive practical tests: acceleration tests, product sliding and friction behaviour, vacuum suction tests and dynamic pressure behaviour provide the necessary data. This data is transferred to the simulation to precisely determine the product-dependent belt lengths for the back pressure and synchronization points. Thanks to the optimized design, feed speeds of up to 100 m/min are now possible – significantly faster than the previous 70–80 m/min and without bottlenecks in the production line.

Tension under control: a perfect print image thanks to HMI-controlled film control

The system features a new, HMI-supported setting for film tension at the forming shaft. This enables operating personnel to adjust the tension of the film tube easily, without tools and without prior knowledge – a decisive advantage when packaging materials behave differently depending on the batch or due to environmental influences such as temperature and humidity. Precise control of the stretch of the packaging material during the packaging process is especially important for sensitive mono-materials. This is the only way to ensure consistently high packaging quality and stable print mark control.

The automatic print image control in the longitudinal seal detects deviations immediately. If the print image is out of position, the film tension can be finely adjusted directly on the HMI. Miscuts, off-centre print images and creasing, especially with paper-based packaging materials, can be effectively avoided. The result is a consistently clean cut, visually perfect packaging and maximum process stability.

Extensive machine adjustments, such as changing the cross-sealing unit, are carried out with the aid of a dedicated user guidance system. Largely controlled automatically via the HMI (human–machine interface), the cross-sealing unit can be changed without tools. The changeover can also be performed using a conventional manual pallet truck.

FPH5: Flow-wrapped pouches for entry-level applications

Theegarten-Pactec is presenting the modular FPH5 for the reliable packaging of preformed products in flow-wrapped pouches. The first machine manufactured in collaboration with partner MAKREV in Turkey is designed for simple applications and achieves an output of 2,000 packaged products per minute. With this machine, Theegarten-Pactec is strengthening its competitiveness in the entry-level segment. More advanced systems for chiclets, multi-piece packs or jelly products, as well as customized solutions, will continue to be developed and manufactured at the Dresden site.

CHS with ‘Smart Bunch’: maximum flexibility and high speed in a single system

Specially developed for the gentle packaging of chocolate products, the CHS offers exceptional flexibility: it enables quick changes between different folding types as well as rapid format changes – while ensuring high product protection thanks to its continuous operation. First presented at interpack 2023, the CHS has become the company's flagship product in just under three years. Since then, 15 machines have been installed on the market, and the system has been continuously optimized and expanded in terms of its functions.

Now Theegarten-Pactec is presenting an additional folding type, the ‘Smart Bunch’, in which the closure is made at the side. This expansion not only increases the flexibility of the machine, but it also reduces the consumption of packaging materials without compromising on efficiency. Depending on the product, material consumption can be reduced by five to twelve per cent compared to the classic ‘Bunch’. Another advantage is that the flat product base after packaging facilitates the subsequent secondary packaging process, thereby contributing to higher packaging line efficiency.

Designed specifically for the gentle packaging of chocolate products, Theegarten-Pactec is presenting its flagship CHS with an additional folding style, the “Smart Bunch”, in which the closure is formed at the side. The result is reduced packaging material consumption compared with the “standard” bunch. The smooth product base also facilitates secondary packaging and therefore contributes to greater efficiency across the entire packaging line.

Outstanding system performance: the KTS 1000 stock cube press, BHS and BLM cartoner

Beyond the packaging of confectionery, Theegarten-Pactec also has some exciting innovations in store for interpack 2026. With the BHS, which was launched in March 2025 and is already in operation at several customer sites in Africa, the company is presenting an innovative high-performance machine for bouillon cubes that sets all-new speed standards. It processes three product variants – preformed cubes, double cubes and preformed tablets. At the trade fair stand, visitors will experience a fully integrated system consisting of the KTS 1000 bouillon cube press from Kilian, the BHS primary packaging machine and the directly connected high-performance BLM cartoner. The line impressively demonstrates how up to 3,000 preformed tablets/min can be packed reliably. For cubes, 3,000 products/min are achieved for single packaging and 6,000 products/min for packaging in packs of two.

The entire line can be operated by just one production specialist. At the same time, the system is extremely cost-effective throughout its entire service life. It is notable for its minimal consumption of wear parts and is also designed according to the ‘poka-yoke’ principle to prevent errors during installation from the outset.

Highly efficient quality control ensures that defective products are ejected reliably before packaging and that inadequately packaged units are ejected after the process. This means that only perfect products with flawless primary packaging reach the downstream processes. Thanks to a revised machine design, the BHS offers enhanced hygiene and increased process stability. Less product contamination in the packaging area ensures an overall clean and efficient production environment.

A complete system from a single source: from the FPC6, the flow-wrapped packs are transferred directly to the high-performance BLM cartoner, also developed by Theegarten-Pactec.

Cubes, double cubes and tablets can be packaged gently and efficiently with the new BHS, presented at interpack 2026. The machine is available in three versions, all offering exceptional packaging performance. It can also be complemented by Theegarten-Pactec’s high-performance BLM cartoner, specially designed for direct integration to the company’s own high-speed machines.

EK4: double twisted, efficiently packaged for 20 years

With the EK4, Theegarten-Pactec is showcasing the world's fastest packaging machine for preformed products in double twist wrapping. This proven solution has been in use for over 20 years and is continuously being developed and adapted to customer requirements. It has recently been equipped with a latest-generation control system. Some 115 systems are already in use worldwide, with more on order. The EK4 achieves an output of 2,300 packaged products/min and excels in the efficient, yet gentle and reliable packaging of sweets and other preformed products.
 

Partnering for greater efficiency in the medium output range

At interpack 2026, Theegarten-Pactec will be exhibiting for the first time with its partner MAKREV at a joint stand. The acquisition of a stake in the Turkish machine manufacturer in 2022 has strategically expanded the portfolio to include solutions for the medium output range – ideal for manufacturers of chocolate, hard sugar and jelly products who need flexible, cost-effective machines below the high-speed class.

At the trade fair, MAKREV will be showcasing its MR7800 and MRCW packaging machines. These machines can pack a wide range of products, from chocolate, jelly sweets and toffees to hard caramels, chocolate balls and eggs, at a rate of 600 to 900 pieces per minute. The intermittent motion machines not only handle numerous types of packaging, they also enable quick format and packaging type changes within minutes.

Get connected

Trade fair visitors will also benefit from another significant partnership: at the stand, they can find out about the Sweet Connect digitalization platform. This solution, developed specifically for the confectionery industry, connects the systems of all partner companies and digitally maps the entire production chain. Theegarten-Pactec launched the platform together with Sollich, Chocotech and Winkler + Dünnebier. Since October 2025, Aasted, the well-known Danish confectionery machine manufacturer, has been the newest shareholder of the partner network. Hänsel and OKA have also recently joined as additional partners.

Further information is available directly at the interpack stand (Hall 1, Stand B51).