Key advances for Acma’s latest flow packaging system for chocolate set for ProSweets
Acma's Material Gate will be among its showcases at ProSweets. pic: Acma
An advanced automated flow packaging machinery solution using paper wrapping for the chocolate industry will be among core highlights for Acma’s presence at ProSweets 2025, writes Neill Barston.
The business, which is part of the Coesia Group, will be showcasing a broad range of industry competencies at the next edition of the key show calling in on Cologne between 2-5 February 2025.
On its stand in Hall 10.1 (G049 F040), the business is set to unveil its FP Paper Smart Line, underscores ACMA’s commitment to sustainability and its ability to anticipate market trends with high-performing, eco-friendly solutions for primary and secondary packaging.
As the company noted, paper has long been a pioneer in packaging materials, first used over two thousand years ago, and remains a sustainable and versatile choice across various industries.
While it has largely been replaced by plastic as the primary and secondary packaging material over the past century, the trend has now shifted. More companies are seeking paper-based alternatives where possible. For example, eco-friendly packaging, especially for food products such as snacks, baked goods, and confectionery, is gaining popularity due to its recyclability and versatility in meeting diverse market needs.
In 2023, the global paper-based packaging market, particularly within the food and confectionery sectors, was valued at USD 1.92 trillion.
The demand for such packaging is growing in emerging markets such as India and China, driven by urbanization and the rise of food delivery services. To meet this demand, ACMA is conducting comprehensive tests in collaboration with some of the industry’s leading brands. The goal, as demonstrated by the FP Paper Smart Line, is to optimize the performance of sustainable materials for both flow packing and chocolate wrapping.
FP PAPER: The highlight of the show
The highlight of the event is the FP Paper Smart Line, a solution designed for producing flow packs using paper-based materials. Fully integrated with both a distribution and infeed system, the line boosts production efficiency and flexibility, showcasing ACMA’s ability to provide comprehensive solutions, further strengthened by the synergies of the Coesia Group. Suitable for food applications, such as confectionery, snacks, and baked goods, the system on display will precisely package chocolate snack bars at a speed of up to 150 meters per minute.
The line will also feature Optimate Premium, an advanced human-machine interface that integrates connectivity and smart functionalities, enabling operators to easily optimise machine productivity. Additionally, an integrated vision system enable precise process quality control and support remote assistance, allowing operators to quickly identify and address any issues.
Material Gate will also be showcased at the fair – a patented testing unit developed within ACMA’s Sustainability Lab, specifically designed for evaluating new materials for twist-wrapping. This innovative tool facilitates trials with new wraps, playing a vital role in the development of next-generation packaging solutions and the upgrade of existing ACMA’s machines. It is capable of testing materials for flat or spherical products assessing their machinability and resistance to mechanical stress. Through Material Gate, ACMA partners with top packaging producers to test new packaging materials while identifying the modifications needed for customers that want to improve their ACMA machinery. This ensures the sustainalble materials can be processed as efficiently as traditional ones, maintaining excellent packaging quality while reducing production downtime.
Furthermore, the company’s apperance at ProSweets highlights its commitment to technical excellence and sustainability, demonstrating adaptability across various packaging sectors.
At the core of this strategy are the Sustainability Lab and ACMA Next, advanced R&D hubs driving innovation in environmentally responsible packaging, technological innovation, and digitalization. Here, ACMA pioneers groundbreaking methods to develop cutting-edge solutions that reduce environmental impact without compromising quality, durability, or efficiency.
ACMA offers machines that deliver equal performance with paper-based materials as with traditional packaging. Its comprehensive portfolio includes wrapping and flow packing technologies, carton box solutions, tray and sleeve options, and shipping bags, suitable for both primary and secondary packaging. Notably, packaging like the Zip-Top and display trays are already widely appreciated by the confectionery market.
