The Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV will showcase how the packaging industry can successfully navigate fundamental transformations and complex challenges at interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf.
The developments from Fraunhofer IVV enable the use of innovative, sustainable materials, the handling of modified processing properties, and the adaptation of existing machinery and production lines. To secure long-term technological expertise, the institute will introduce a digital knowledge management system to ensure smooth operations under labour shortage conditions. The system will be accompanied by digital solutions for process efficiency and strategies to facilitate data management across the material life cycle.
Said Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Marek Hauptmann, Head of the Department for Packaging and Processing Technologies at Fraunhofer IVV: “With our interdisciplinary expertise – spanning mechanical engineering, materials science, digitalisation, automation, and engineering psychology – we support the packaging industry in its transition toward closed-loop value chains.”
To ensure reliable and efficient sealing of mono-material films, the Fraunhofer IVV has developed the patented, innovative ‘HIS’ technology. Compared with conventional heat-contact sealing methods, this approach reduces energy consumption by up to 95% while offering exceptional process flexibility. It is particularly suitable for demanding applications such as high-speed production processes, temperature-sensitive products, or operations with highly constrained processing windows.
Achieving the required recycled content quotas demands a robust assessment of material processability, particularly given fluctuating recycled content levels and varying material qualities. The flexible development and pilot facility ‘MoTiV,’ operated by the Fraunhofer IVV, enables comprehensive analysis of material properties, targeted testing of process parameters and tooling, and the realisation of prototypes from batch size 1. Through data-driven transfer into specific machine settings, the resulting insights can be directly implemented in industrial production environments.
The deep-drawable barrier coatings developed by the Fraunhofer IVV combine product protection and thermoformability within a recyclable mono-material concept – without compromising process stability or quality. The technology enables the safe and food-compliant use of recycled polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in thermoformed packaging applications.
In addition, the Fraunhofer IVV will showcase its expertise in the development of new circular packaging solutions through a portfolio of innovative, fibre-based demonstrators. These include thermoformed paper packaging with functional barrier coatings, autonomously separating multi-material packaging systems, alternative packaging concepts based on regionally sourced peatland plants, and pouch packaging featuring functional barrier properties. To enable the application of ultra-thin inorganic barrier layers onto paper and bio-based films, the Fraunhofer IVV has developed a dedicated transfer film. For more visit the VDMA booth in Hall 4, Stand C5 or ivv.fraunhofer.de/en/
