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Gummy supplement pioneer TopGum Industries, Ltd. (TASE: TPGM), launches its latest innovation, synbiotic Gummiotics™. These all-in-one functional gummies feature a powerhouse trio of probiotics and postbiotics bound together in a natural, patent pending Gummiceuticals™ prebiotic fiber-based matrix. Containing no added sugar, Gummiotics™ are designed to deliver comprehensive gut-health benefits in one convenient, fruity chewable treat in two natural flavors and colors: orange and strawberry. The company will showcase its new Gummiotics creations at Vitafoods Europe on 20-22nd May 2025, booth no. 3F234. Each 3g mandarin slice-shaped gummy contains 1 billion CFUs of spore-forming strains of Bacillus subtilis (DE111) and 34mg of the postbiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BPL1). Each gummy is also infused with 60% prebiotic content, which actually stems from its unique fiber-powered gummy matrix. TopGum’s breakthrough, patent-pending Gummiceuticals™ delivery system is based on a blend of plant-based fructolligosaccharides (FOS) that act as a better-for-you natural sweetener and conjointly exerts a potent prebiotic effect. TopGum’s synbiotic gummies tap into the rapidly growing market for biotics-based products. “One of our key missions at TopGum is to continuously track market trends and scientific advancements to ensure we stay ahead of evolving consumer needs," says Eyal Shohat, CEO of TopGum. "Gut health has become a key focus for both consumers and supplement brands, driven by growing research on the benefits of pro-, pre-, and postbiotics. Their impact on digestion, weight management, and even mood and cognitive function presents strong opportunities for innovation, and we are committed to delivering science-backed solutions that align with these trends.”

Packaging Valley Germany e.V. is continuing its successful trade fair appearances and will also be presenting itself at Fachpack in Nuremberg in 2025 with a large community stand. From 23 to 25 September 2025, visitors to Hall 3C will experience the diversity of Packaging Valley and thus a wide range of innovative packaging, machine and automation solutions on an area of around 1,400 m2 with over 20 co-exhibitors. Hotspot for innovations and industry know-how: Fachpack is one of the most important trade fairs for the packaging industry in Europe and offers a unique space for the exchange of information on current trends, technological developments and industry-specific challenges. Companies from Packaging Valley will present their latest technologies and applications for the pharmaceutical, food and non-food industries, such as the use of AI in packaging machine construction, Digital Engineering and robotics – topics that are increasingly shaping the entire value chain and are an expression of the far-reaching technological change in the industry. Industry dialogue and Packbox stage Visitors will have the opportunity to exchange ideas directly with experts from Packaging Valley and gain in-depth insights into future-oriented technologies and developments. The Packaging Valley joint stand serves as a platform to meet potential customers and partners, make new business contacts and deepen existing relationships. You can experience innovation first-hand – from smart machines to sustainable packaging solutions – and get a comprehensive overview of the latest trends in the industry. The compact arrangement of the joint stand makes it possible to explore the diversity of Packaging Valley in short distances and to take away impulses for future developments.

A special highlight is Packaging Valley Germany's participation in Packbox, the expert forum of Fachpack. In Hall 4, Stand 4-209, specialist lectures and discussions on current challenges and trends in the packaging industry will take place. The event offers the opportunity for professional exchange and provides a comprehensive insight into future developments in the industry.

Busy lives demand flexible eating habits – and snacks provide the perfect solution. Snacking has become central to modern food culture, reflecting shifts in consumer behavior, lifestyle, and values. With global snack sales growing by 5% from 2019 to 2024(1), brands are increasingly developing innovative products to satisfy the demand for new and exciting options. Download our report on Next-Gen Snacks and explore top trends in salty snacks, learn about key consumer motivations, and how plant-based colors can be used to boost product appeal. What you will learn: Consumer Motivation: Understand what drives consumer behavior Market Growth: The snack industry is expanding rapidly, with opportunities to capitalize on trends Color’s Impact: Understand the influence of color on product appeal.

Downlaod the report: Link

To mark the occasion, the packaging machine specialist will be holding two open houses at its site in Dettingen/Erms, near Stuttgart, on 7/8 May and 14/15 May 2025. Since its founding in 1955, Hugo Beck has been at the forefront of horizontal packaging technology. The mid-1950s was a time of rapid industrial growth and cultural change - Rock and Roll was taking the world by storm, the first Disneyland theme park opened its gates, and automation was revolutionising industries. That same time, Hugo Beck was established as a small, family-run mechanical workshop for turned parts. Over the next seven decades, as Hugo Beck developed a strong reputation across a wide range of industries and sustainability became a driving force, the company has grown into a globally recognised leader in customised packaging and automation solutions. Today, the company remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering fully automatic horizontal film packaging, flowpack, and paper packaging machines with speeds ranging from 3,000 to 18,000 cycles per hour. The two Open House events will feature live demonstrations across Hugo Beck’s full machine portfolio, giving visitors a close-up look at the company’s packaging solutions tailored for diverse industries, including e-commerce, pharmaceutical and medical technology, food and confectionery, wood and large format products and much more. Guests will be able to explore the showroom and production areas, with experts on hand to answer questions and provide insights into machine capabilities. These demonstrations will highlight how Hugo Beck’s machines enhance both efficiency and sustainability in packaging operations.

The european packaging manufacturer joins the plastic recycling supply chain at PRSE for the first time, addressing opportunities to enhance the circular economy within the industry. As the packaging industry navigates an evolving regulatory landscape, Coveris remains at the forefront of sustainable innovation with its dedicated recycling business, ReCover. With the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) redefining industry obligations across the continent, ReCover plays a pivotal role in advancing Coveris’ No Waste vision and compliance with legislation. Aligning with the EU PPWR targets for minimum recycled content in plastic packaging by 2030, ReCover bolsters Coveris’ capabilities in sourcing, processing, and recycling plastic waste, helping to close the packaging loop. By increasing the availability of high-quality recyclate, ReCover provides a new source of recycled content for Coveris to integrate into its packaging solutions. Coveris’ packaging innovation is centred on sustainable solutions compliant with both EPR’s recyclability requirements and PPWR’s mandated recyclability and recycled content targets. With ambitious goals to increase plastic recycling capacity to 50,000 t by 2026 and 90,000 t by 2030, ReCover is scaling up efforts to support both Coveris and its customers in meeting legislative and sustainability demands. This includes pioneering recycling methods to maximise material recovery from different film waste streams. By doing so, ReCover not only supplies Coveris with high-quality recyclate but also contributes to broader industry efforts to enhance recycling infrastructure.

Companies, organisations, and individuals from Germany and abroad have until 31 May 2025 to submit their innovations and best solutions to Europe’s largest showcase for packaging.  

The award, organised by the German Packaging Institute (dvi), is decided by an independent jury of experts across all materials and sectors in ten categories. Fachpack will host a major industry event for the award ceremony. “Increasing demands of modern societies mean that innovations in packaging are playing an ever more important role. The new solutions not only benefit the economy, but are also an influential factor for people’s quality of life and the protection of our planet. They offer effective and practicable solutions to a range of current challenges such as climate change, increasing resource consumption and the growing demands of modern consumers and economic cycles. Clever, efficient and intelligent packaging safeguards quality of life and paves the way for a sustainable future. That is why we have been promoting innovation with the German Packaging Award for over 60 years. We put the very best solutions in the spotlight and celebrate the people who bring them about,” says Oliver Berndt, Head of Events & Marketing at the dvi at the start of this year’s showcase.

“The German Packaging Award is specifically designed as a genuine and transparent showcase,” explains Berndt. “Packaging Award winning companies can make a genuine statement and gain that crucial edge in a competitive environment. The award demonstrates their outstanding innovative strength and helps to make a winning case in internal and external communication, with customers, consumers, partners and when recruiting for the best employees. The award is also a great reward for your own team’s work and an extra motivational boost,” says Berndt.

There are ten categories in which products or prototypes can be submitted, ranging from Design, Functionality & Convenience, Product Presentation, Cost Effectiveness and Sustainability to Logistics & Material Flow, New Material, Digitalisation and Packaging Machines (engineering, technology, software). Products can be submitted in several categories at the same time. Pupils, students, and trainees have their own special category.

Recent advancements in film design have expanded their advantageous properties for a wider range of applications. In response to these developments—and in anticipation of the requirements set by the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)—TPL has expanded its product range to include BOPP films. In addition to standard film types, the company now offers specialized products. These include the broad ultra-high barrier portfolio, selected heat resistant films and low density matt films. BOPP films are known for their excellent moisture barrier and sealing properties, high gloss and transparency, printability, and tensile strength. Additionally, they can be enhanced through various refinements. TPL now offers an extensive stock of transparent and metallized BOPP films in various widths and thicknesses. In addition, ultra-high barrier films, heat resistant and low density matt films are also directly available. Other BOPP films are supplied on request. TPL’s new BOPP films can help businesses achieve their sustainability goals while complying with the EU’s new PPWR legislation, which came into effect in February. The increasing demand for recyclability in flexible packaging presents a challenge for the industry. By using specialized BOPP films, such as ultra-high barrier or heat resistant variants, monomaterial packaging solutions can be designed—enabling recyclability. Beyond its broad product portfolio, TPL also provides technical support for application development and material selection, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. Ralf Meyer, COO of TPL, states: "With the expansion of our BOPP film range, we are completing our existing portfolio and helping our customers find the ideal packaging solution in a rapidly changing market. This move positions TPL as a one-stop-shop for all types of flexible films."

The high-performance miracle sets new standards. Theegarten-Pactec is now expanding its portfolio with the new and innovative BHS high-speed machine for bouillon cubes. Impressing with an output of 3,000 packaged products per minute, the machine has set a new speed record. In addition, it is also setting new standards regarding economy, packaging quality and hygienic design. Boiled sweets, toffees, chewing gum, or even chocolate bars and pralines: when it comes to the fast and efficient packaging of these sweet treats, so-called small-piece confectionery products, the innovative Theegarten-Pactec solutions will inevitably be part of the conversation. Furthermore, for several years the packaging specialists based in Dresden, Germany, have also been developing and producing solutions for related products such as bouillon cubes. More than 250 machines are already being deployed around the world for this special application. With its new development, BHS, the company is now introducing a machine to the market that promises to elevate the packaging of bouillon cubes to another level. The machine, which is the result of intensive research and development work combined with the specialists’ technical expertise, makes use of the “continuous operation principle” developed by Theegarten-Pactec, which was previously intended primarily for confectionery packaging machines: there are no start-stop movements of the products within the machine during the packaging process, but rather a constant flow of movement. As a result, there are barely any acceleration forces acting on the products. In turn, this enables gentler product handling accompanied by a much higher output.

Multipacks can also be realised for medium quantities. Multipacks are popular with consumers and lucrative for retailers. However, there are hardly any suitable machines to support this process for medium-sized quantities that are simply held together with labels to save material. To fill this gap, machine builder Benner MSA has developed a compact system equipped with Herma 500 label applicators. This multipack machine has a footprint of no more than four square metres and is ideal for situations where an upstream packaging system operates at around 60 to 80 work cycles. "There are, of course, one or two other manufacturers of label-based multipack machines. However, these machines are single-format systems designed for a single product that is produced in extremely high volumes, such as a well-known biscuit snack," says Ilyas Zorla, Managing Director of Benner MSA, based near Karlsruhe, Germany. "These machines are not only very large, they are also very, very fast and can easily run at 700 cycles per minute." The Benner MSA machine, on the other hand, bundles bags into 20 to 30 multipacks per minute. "For many suppliers of, for example, nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars and so on, this processing speed is perfectly adequate - here a higher output would be uneconomical." Together with Herma, Benner MSA has developed something that has probably never been seen before in this form: a label-based multipack machine for "mid-range" products. In this new type of system, the individual, ready-filled bags are transported up a sloping conveyor belt to a height of about two meters. There the bags are fed into a compartmentalized conveyor belt where each compartment receives a defined number of horizontally positioned bags. Two Herma 500 label applicators, one on each side, then apply a preperforated label to form the multipacks. As standard, the machine is designed for bags measuring around 65 x 150 x 25 mm (W x L x H). However, the machine is flexible enough to allow wider products to be bundled. The four side guides of the shaft in which the bags are located can be adjusted to any dimension.

At the end of 2024, Gerhard Schubert successfully passed certification in accordance with the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and the ISO 50001 Energy Management System. The company is fully compliant with international standards on environmental and energy issues. The packaging machine manufacturer received certification for its environmental management systems in accordance with DIN ISO 14001:2015 and DIN ISO 50001:2018. The company introduced the two new management systems in sustainability in order to improve its energy and environmental performance in line with internationally recognised standards. With the ISO 14001 EMS, Schubert is implementing processes such as minimising environmental impact, increasing resource efficiency, reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally friendly practices in its day-to-day business. The focus of the ISO 50001 EMS is on optimising energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. With the latter, Schubert is also achieving the goals of the company’s Mission Blue Sustainability Initiative, which includes measuring the progress of the respective measures. An early commitment to sustainability The two certifications are the latest highlights of Schubert’s unwavering commitment to the environment. Early on, Schubert laid the foundation for environmentally and energy-friendly processes and infrastructure in Crailsheim. In 2006, an office complex with 4,500 m² of floor space was built on site, with heating and cooling provided by a geothermal heat pump. In 2015, the company added a final assembly hall with approx. 12,000 m² of floor space where a heat pump also uses geothermal energy to heat and cool the offices. With Mission Blue, Schubert initiated a company-wide sustainability initiative in 2022 that is aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encompasses four fields of action. In addition to sustainable corporate governance and climate-neutral production, these include environmentally friendly machines and sustainable packaging solutions, which Schubert develops with its industry partners. Since 2023, Schubert has been operating its office building and final assembly hall in Crailsheim in a climate-neutral manner using the world’s largest ice storage system, while monitoring on-site energy consumption with over 30 digital measuring points. In the same year, the company installed two PV systems, each with 550 kWp, 30 charging points for electric mobility and an infrastructure for a further 50 charging points.