EUROPAMA, (the Processing & Packaging EU Federation) has been founded as the European umbrella organisation for the processing and packaging machinery industry. The federation unites leading national trade associations to advocate for the sector’s interests with EU institutions, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in relation to industrial policy, sustainability, and technological transformation.

Created with the intention of providing a stronger collective voice and influence at a European level, the federation was established at Interpack 2026 in Dusseldorf by Automate UK alongside founding members VDMA (Germany), UCIMA (Italy), Evolis (France), AMEC (Spain) and Swissmem (Switzerland).

EUROPAMA aims to use its voice to address a wealth of core issues including sustainability regulations, Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), industrial competitiveness, automation and robotics policy and trade and manufacturing policy at a time when regulation and AI are reshaping the landscape of manufacturing. EUROPAMA will assist its members in dealing with new regulations so that they in turn can support their own membership.

Dan Thombs, Chief Executive Officer at Automate UK, said: “The creation of EUROPAMA marks a significant milestone in strengthening ties between British and European manufacturing innovation communities. With two thirds of all machines worldwide being made in Europe, it leads the future of processing and packaging machinery and is uniquely placed to align industry leadership with EU policy priorities whilst driving productivity and growth within the sector.

“Post-Brexit, it is vital that UK automation and packaging machinery businesses retain influence over regulations that affect European supply chains and exports, and it is our intention that in collaborating with our partners within Europama, our members will have a place in the discussions despite the UK no longer being an EU member.”

Scott McKenna, Chief Operating Officer, added: “Automate UK has evolved in recent years, proving itself to be far more than an events organisation committed to supporting the manufacturing and automation sector and increasingly cementing its position as a policy and productivity body.

“The establishment of EUROPAMA represents our continued commitment to ensuring that UK businesses remain firmly connected to European manufacturing innovation networks.

“By creating stronger links between European automation and packaging machinery associations, we can in turn help members navigate increasing regulation and sustainability requirements, and provide them with the access, insight, and relationships they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive global marketplace,” he added.

EUROPAMA will offer member organisations access to a wide network of European counterparts, industry intelligence, regulatory guidance, and opportunities to participate in trade events across the continent.

Across sectors including food and beverage, e-commerce and consumer goods, end-of-line automation is becoming one of the most demanding areas of modern production engineering.

Automation engineers are now being asked to design systems capable of handling growing SKU variation, changing packaging materials, labour shortages and tighter production footprints, all while maintaining Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Manufacturers are also under increasing pressure to improve productivity while managing labour shortages, sustainability targets and growing production complexity, accelerating demand for more flexible and scalable automation systems.

“Manufacturers are no longer looking purely at throughput,” explains Andrew Yates, Managing Director at Endoline Automation. “They need systems that can adapt to changing production requirements, integrate effectively with existing infrastructure and support long-term operational resilience.”

Production variability is now becoming the operational norm. Manufacturers are processing shorter production runs, more frequent changeovers and greater packaging diversity than ever before. In high-mix production environments, flexibility has become one of the primary performance metrics.

Modern random case sealing systems, for example, are increasingly expected to identify and respond dynamically to changing case dimensions without manual intervention. The ability to accommodate varying case sizes in real time has become critical in environments where stopping lines for manual adjustment is no longer commercially viable.

At the same time, sustainability targets and lightweighting initiatives are creating new engineering challenges around packaging materials themselves. Even small inconsistencies in board grade, flute structure or recycled content can influence how effectively materials perform during case erecting, sealing and conveying processes.

As a result, packaging automation is becoming far more dependent on controlled handling dynamics. In modern case erecting systems, opposing vacuum handling arrangements are increasingly being used to distribute opening forces more evenly across the structure of the case, helping to improve repeatability when processing heavier corrugated formats or less consistent recycled materials.

“What appears to be a straightforward packaging process often involves highly complex engineering considerations around material handling, force distribution and repeatability,” adds Andrew.

Manufacturers are also increasingly prioritising scalable and modular automation strategies rather than complete line replacement projects. The ability to integrate effectively with existing upstream and downstream equipment, while supporting future expansion, has become a major engineering consideration.

Modern packaging machinery is no longer viewed purely as a standalone mechanical asset. Increasingly, manufacturers expect end-of-line systems to contribute to wider operational efficiency through real-time performance monitoring, diagnostics, line coordination and integration across connected production environments.

“One of the biggest integration challenges manufacturers faces is ensuring new automation can communicate effectively with existing equipment and production infrastructure,” concludes Andrew. “Flexibility and scalability are becoming just as important as mechanical performance.”

This is also driving greater focus on machine accessibility, reduced cabling complexity and integration flexibility to simplify commissioning, maintenance and long-term operational support.

Ultimately, end-of-line automation is no longer simply about speed or output. It is becoming a far more sophisticated systems engineering discipline, where flexibility, maintainability, integration and long-term operational resilience are all critical to manufacturing performance.

A robotic mandrel gripper, integrated by KOCH Robot Systems, ensures the precise and controlled transfer of rolls to the RoRo StretchPack packaging machine for the wrapping process. This combination of robotics and horizontal stretch hood wrapping technology provides stable and precise control, for wrapping rolls with significant variations in diameter (up to ø850 mm) and length (up to 700 mm).

Designed for controlled and accurate roll wrapping

The robotic mandrel gripper transfers each roll from a conveyor and positions it inside a five-sided stretch hood film prepared in the RoRo StretchPack packaging machine, and carries the roll through the packaging machine, placing it on the output conveyor. The mandrel is released and returned before the final welding of the film end for complete sealing of the roll packaging.

This solution is especially beneficial in cases where conventional belt conveyors are unsuitable or when products type require precise positioning.

Flexible packaging solution for sealed packaging

A key feature of RoRo StretchPack is the delivery of fully sealed packaging, with welded film ends providing reliable protection against external contamination. This capability is crucial for sensitive products such as paper, hygiene materials, and nonwoven rolls, ensuring product integrity during storage and transport.

The flexible design of the RoRo StretchPack packaging machine integrates seamlessly with a wide range of input and output systems, including robotic mandrel grippers. This adaptability allows for tailored packaging lines that meet specific customer requirements.

The demand for ever more powerful machines and increasing regulatory requirements, such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), are fundamentally changing the rules in the packaging industry. OEMs are under growing pressure to design packaging that is as small, material-efficient, and sustainable as possible – while maximising space utilisation and flexibility.

What appears to be purely a packaging issue has far-reaching implications for mechanical engineering: such profound changes in packaging require new machine designs. This presents an opportunity to make machines even more compact, flexible, and energy-efficient while ensuring the highest level of precision.

High-performance packaging machines

As a specialist in drive and automation technology, Lenze offers application-specific motion control solutions for the packaging machines of tomorrow. At Interpack 2026, Lenze will show how the combination of in-depth application expertise and powerful servo and drive technology enables precise, energy-efficient, and cost-effective solutions for every machine architecture – from sensorless control to drive solutions for the highest cycle rates.

Open interfaces, integrated safety, and end-to-end engineering also shorten development times, increase system availability, and ensure the flexibility that modern packaging machines demand.

Cost and energy efficiency

With its IE5/IE6 drive system, Lenze offers a decentralised solution with servo-like performance. In combination with the Lenze i650 motec frequency inverter, the Motor Drive System achieves IE5/IE6 energy efficiency classes and supports machine optimisation through sensorless positioning and integrated regenerative capability – helping OEMs process sustainable packaging materials more effectively.

Visitors will also experience how machine architecture can be adapted flexibly and how high dynamics, precise motion, and reduced hardware effort can be optimally combined for modern packaging machines with demanding motion profiles.

Inline robotics without cycle interruptions

Another highlight at the booth is a delta robot demonstrating highly precise pick-and-place processes on two rotating tables – without having to stop them. Through rotary tracking, products are picked up and placed synchronously, eliminating unnecessary cycle times and maximising efficiency.

This is made possible by Lenze’s “Feasible Application Software Toolbox.” Known as “Lenze FAST,” this modular software toolkit enables machines to be implemented faster, in a more structured way, and with significantly less programming effort. The Lenze FAST Robotics Template used in the delta robot significantly reduces engineering effort by parameterising robotics instead of programming them. Users benefit from short cycle times, increased line performance, and a scalable system solution that ensures the highest level of process reliability.

Easily realise modular packaging machines

A real eye-catcher at the booth is the Lenze Jonglator: The high-performance motion control system demonstrates how powerful servo inverters handle complex motion requirements while remaining more compact than purely mechanical motion solutions. Thanks to Lenze’s open architecture, modular machines can be planned and implemented much more easily.

Consistent functions and interfaces across controllers, HMIs, and I/Os enable seamless integration. This means motion, logic, and HMI functions are executed reliably and in parallel, even at high cycle rates and with increasing machine complexity.

Mpac tray former live at the booth

Under the motto “Motion enabled by Lenze,” Lenze demonstrates on a machine from customer Mpac how machine solution expertise creates real added value: the high-performance tray former processes up to 200 trays per minute and is therefore ideally designed for demanding production environments.

A rotary infeed concept replaces conventional pusher systems and ensures stable, continuous operation at high speeds. Reliable synchronisation and Lenze’s dynamic drive technology ensure this performance over the long term. As a result, Mpac’s tray erector is an ideal example of sophisticated packaging solutions and demonstrates how the complete Lenze portfolio delivers high speeds, precision, and consistent drive performance in demanding packaging processes.

Another advantage of the system is that it replaces conventional plastic trays with environmentally friendly cardboard containers. This supports the industry’s transition toward more sustainable, plastic-free packaging solutions.

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As the saying goes, if you’re not moving forwards – you’re going backwards. And in a world of increasing global competition, unpredictable costs, and mounting pressure on labour and sustainability, the UK’s manufacturing sector can no longer afford to delay the adoption of robotics and automation. That’s the message from Mike Wilson, one of the UK’s leading authorities on automation, who brings over four decades of experience into his role at the MTC.

At Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, taking place 11-12 of February at NEC Birmingham, Mike will lead the Automation in Action session. The panel will spotlight how robotics, AI and connected systems are revolutionising packaging operations. But for all the promise, he says, the UK still lags far behind its international peers.

“The truth is, not much has changed in the last 12 months in terms of actual robot adoption numbers,” Mike says. “But what is changing is the mindset. For the first time in decades, the government is signalling that manufacturing matters again.”

Culture, confidence, and the fear of complexity

The UK’s historical hesitance to automate isn’t purely down to cost, Mike argues. It’s rooted in a deeper cultural mindset: a “make do and mend” philosophy that undervalues capital investment. SMEs, which make up the vast majority of UK manufacturers, are often cautious and risk averse.

“Many businesses still have this outdated perception that robots are only for big automotive plants,” says Mike. “They think it’s too expensive, too complicated, or not suitable for what they do. But the reality is the opposite – systems are more affordable and easier to use than ever before.”

That fear is often compounded by gaps in practical knowledge. “Most SME business leaders have never been taught how to buy automation. They don’t know how to write a specification, assess suppliers, or build a business case,” he explains. “We don’t teach that in apprenticeships or business school, and if you’re unfamiliar with the tech and the salesperson across the table knows far more than you do, it’s understandable why people hesitate.”

The solution, he believes, lies in independent, trusted support – organisations like the MTC who aren’t selling systems but offering impartial guidance, helping businesses start small, upskill gradually, and grow their confidence.

The people problem: Demographics and attraction

Another ticking clock is the workforce. “The average age in UK manufacturing is now over 50,” says Mike. “In 10 years, many of those people will have retired. And the next generation doesn’t want to do the same jobs their parents did – not unless there’s exciting and engaging tech involved.”

It’s easy to see this demographic shift as a threat, but savvy businesses also recognise it as an opportunity. “Younger people are digital natives. They’ve grown up with tech and they expect to use it at work. If we want to attract them into manufacturing, we have to build the kind of workplaces they want to be part of – automated, digital, connected,” says Mike.

Automation, when done right, doesn’t replace jobs, it redefines them. From factory line programming to process monitoring, a new category of roles is emerging that blends operational oversight with digital skills. This also opens the door to a more diverse workforce.

“Historically, engineering has been male dominated. But the skillsets needed in future – analytical thinking, digital fluency, system control – are completely gender neutral. There’s no reason women shouldn’t be leading this shift too.”

Don’t automate the bottleneck

When companies finally decide to automate, Mike has a word of warning: start smart. “One of the major mistakes we see businesses make is trying to automate the hardest job first; the biggest bottleneck. But there’s a learning curve. If it’s your biggest headache now, chances are it’ll be your biggest headache in automation too.”

Instead, he advises starting with simple, repetitive tasks that free up skilled people to focus on more valuable work. Palletising, line loading, transferring – these are ideal starting points. “A robot might not be faster than a person, but it’s consistent. It doesn’t stop for lunch or lose focus at 3pm. That stability is where the gains come from.”

AI, embedded intelligence, and what’s next

AI is already making its way into automation systems. Not in the form of humanoid robots, but as embedded intelligence that improves robot performance, simplifies programming, and enables predictive maintenance. “AI’s already here. It just doesn’t wear a badge,” Mike says. “And while some of the hype – especially around humanoids – will settle down, AI will absolutely continue to play a growing role in packaging and manufacturing.”

By enhancing flexibility, improving diagnostics, and lowering the barrier to entry, AI will make automation more accessible to more businesses – but that also means strategy is critical.

“Think about your end goal. Where do you want to be in five or ten years? Build your automation roadmap around that, including the training and investment you’ll need. Don’t bolt it on as an afterthought.”

Packaging’s productivity challenge

For the packaging industry, the opportunity is especially clear. Fast-moving, high-volume, and labour-intensive by nature, packaging operations are ideal candidates for automation. And yet, the sector still faces the same barriers: skills gaps, investment fears, and cultural resistance.

“If we haven’t started to change by 2030, we’re in trouble,” Mike says. “Productivity is the route to competitiveness – it lets you pay better wages, attract talent, and justify investment. Automation is the lever that unlocks all of that.”

Mike will be chairing ‘Automation in Action: Robotics as the engine for packaging agility’ at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, 11-12 February at NEC Birmingham. Bringing together key voices sharing insight and perspective on today’s hottest packaging and manufacturing topics, it’s set to be an unmissable edition of the show.

As of this month, PACE is incorporating artificial intelligence and free performance monitoring into the HMI on all of its machines.

The artificial intelligence within the ‘Gateway’ monitors various wearing components within PACE’s robots, stitchers, weighers and palletisers and issues an alert by text or email if a loss of performance is detected, signalling that maintenance might be required.

“For many years, we have offered remote access as an optional feature to our customers, but now with advances in technology, we have decided to include the Gateway feature as standard,” says Nick Cesare, director of PACE Mechanical Handling. “Unlike some other companies involved in end-of-line automation, we are offering Gateway functionality completely free of charge to people buying brand new lines from us for the duration of their ownership of the system.”

PACE’s automated end-of-line packing and palletising solutions are particularly popular in the fresh produce industry, with the company completing more than 100 installations on farms, packhouses and processing factories.

Established in 1996, PACE uses four core products to develop reliable, efficient, and cost-effective automated packaging and palletising solutions: the Gemini twin-head weigher, Orion Weigher, Orion Weigher and sack placer, and the CBC sack placer and stitcher line.

You’ll be able to see how OMRON’s customised automation solutions improve production speed and precision, while accommodating various bottle sizes and shapes.

To be held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, from 23-25 September, PPMA 2025 is the UK’s largest event for the processing equipment, packaging machinery, industrial robots, and machine vision system sector. Thousands of visitors are expected to attend, to see cutting-edge solutions from more than 350 exhibitors, listen to multiple free talks from industry experts, and make the most of countless networking opportunities.

OMRON has arranged a packed schedule of demonstrations across the three days of the show, all designed to help organisations overcome the practical challenges of embracing the future of manufacturing, today.

Stuart Coulton, marketing manager UK&I, said: “Digital enablement is about making factories and processes more efficient. Yet while the technology, and its potential, is evolving fast, adoption is not always straightforward.

“At PPMA this year, we want to help our customers understand how to put theory into practice. That’s why we will be showcasing the power of condition-based monitoring, demonstrating easy-to-scale sensor technology, and explaining how to overcome the biggest challenges to implementation: bridging the gap between IT and OT, and combatting data overwhelm.”

OMRON will be based at stand B34, where highlights will include a demonstration of the power of sensor-driven technology. Join the team to learn:

• how sensor-driven technology can provide the framework for condition-based monitoring, helping factories to avoid unplanned downtime and extend the life of equipment;
• how installing even a small number of sensors in the production line can generate the data facilities need to drive efficiencies and productivity;
• how to collect, analyse, and use sensor data to guide production decisions;
• how to rationalise and optimise sensor use;
• how to bridge the gap between IT and OP functions.

In addition, the stand will also showcase a range of OMRON’s industry-leading solutions:

• VHV5 code reader: This advanced code reading technology offers rapid set up and high-quality, high-resolution imaging, as well as a code grading system that enables operators to detect printer degradation ahead of time;
• NX5 controller: OMRON’s visual inspection and automated playback can detect defects in uniform background objects, enabling automatic, human eye-like quality control without complicated set up;
• Digimarc digital watermarking: Prevent mismatched components and mislabelled products with digital watermarking, increasing production speed and efficiency while streamlining the distribution and fulfilment of packaged goods;
• Sysmac Studio:  The first industry integrated development environment, bringing logic, motion, robotics, human-machine interface (HMI), vision, sensing, safety and 3D Simulation into one single platform.

The OMRON team will also be on hand throughout to provide information and answer questions about the company’s products – and their role in the future of manufacturing.

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The highly intuitive and streamlined design of MyCo cobots allows seamless integration into dynamic environments, making them ideal for warehousing, intralogistics, packaging, arc welding and light assembly – key sectors identified as part of Comau’s ongoing diversification strategy.

The robust yet lightweight construction supports easy relocation and redeployment, while the IP66 protection ensures reliable performance even in demanding conditions. The new cobots are also fitted with advanced safety features, six degrees of freedom and best-in-class precision with intuitive programming capabilities. The six distinct models feature payloads from 3-15 kg and a reach between 590mm to 1300mm.

In addition to expanding its vast robotics portfolio, the new MyCo robot family embodies Comau’s ongoing commitment to delivering highly accessible and easy to use automation for a wide spectrum of industries. By leveraging its extensive industrial robotics expertise and cutting-edge technology, Comau is bringing its powerful automation solutions to a broader array of industries and in doing so, is helping companies of all sizes reduce integration complexity and improve productivity.

Comau’s vision for collaborative robotics gives an industrial perspective to human-robot collaboration, emphasising the critical role of incorporating application and process know-how within the design parameters. More importantly, Comau’s comprehensive robot portfolio grants customers access to the best choice between industrial, collaborative or a combination of the two robots, for their particular needs. All this is further complemented by Comau’s vision systems and IoT expertise, as well as its strategic partnerships with leading end-effector brands.

“With the launch of our new MyCo robot family, Comau is taking yet another concrete step in accelerating our powerful diversification strategy,” said Stefania Ferrero, Chief Marketing Officer at Comau. “We estimate that the global collaborative robotics market should see a CAGR of 15% (2024 to 2028). This is fuelled by a growing demand in non-traditional sectors such as food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy and logistics, in addition to the increased adoption by small and medium-sized enterprises. MyCo is a cost-effective and versatile response to these trends, as each of the six models allows us to deliver a highly flexible, user-friendly, and transportable solution that supports safe and efficient operations in dynamic environments.”

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On stand D72, RARUK Automation will be demonstrating the PE Series Palletising Solution from Robotiq. The solution was designed specifically for the Universal Robots range of 6-axis cobot arms and there are a variety of options to suit different UR models. For this demonstration, the palletising solution will be paired with the newly upgraded UR12e. With a recently improved payload capacity of 12.5 kg/ 27.5 lbs, this model has a reach of 1300 mm / 51.2 in whilst maintaining a compact footprint.

With many manufacturers struggling with labour shortages, robotic palletising enables workers to be re-allocated to higher value, safer tasks. This eliminates the risk of RSI associated with manual palletising. Robotiq’s full range of palletising solutions are fast to set up, easy to scale and do not require annual software licencing fees.

Material handling with mobile robots

Working in collaboration with the palletising cell on stand D72, the MiR600 from Mobile Industrial Robots will be transporting the pallet once loaded. This showcases how workflows can be completely automated in real-life applications and how different robotic solutions can work together. The MiR600 can move 600 kg payloads autonomously at a speed of 2m/s in demanding environments. The AMR is IP52 rated, with an ability to withstand dust and fluids. Offering enhanced worker safety due to multi-sensor systems and cameras that feed data into an advanced planning algorithm, the MiR600 meets ISO 3691-4 safety standards.

Another mobile robot on RARUK Automation’s stand will be the ER-FLEX, created by Enabled Robotics. The robot combines a MiR250 mobile robot base with a Universal Robots cobot arm mounted on top (there are a range of UR models to choose from). This mobile cobot can be used for transporting and handling materials, saving valuable worker time and improving productivity. The ER-FLEX can be used for 20 hours a day, or around the clock with a smart layout.

AI vision for packing

Completing the range of demonstrations on RARUK Automation’s stand will be an AI vision application, using Cambrian Vision on a UR5e. The vision system works by capturing images with a 3D camera mounted on the robot arm, which are then routed through an AI model and 3D co-ordinates are returned for any pickable parts. The UR robot will then move to pick the part and pack it in a uniform orientation. Cambrian Vision offers prediction times of 0.2 seconds. The vision system can detect difficult part materials such as shiny metals and transparent plastics. The AI technology enables the system to work in a range of challenging artificial and natural lighting conditions.

The PPMA Total Show 2025 promises to highlight the very latest in machinery, robotics, vision systems and automation all under one roof. On stand D72, visitors will have the chance to see innovative collaborative robot technology in action and ask any questions they may have. Whether it is packing, palletising or material handling there are a range of scalable, intelligent solutions available from trusted automation distributor RARUK Automation.

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Established more than 35 years ago, the renowned exhibition welcomed thousands of visitors over the course of its three-days at the NEC Birmingham. The event offered visitors the opportunity to experience a complete production line from start-to-finish.

The exhibition hall was busy from the moment the doors opened until the show finished, providing a perfect platform for visitors to observe the latest cutting-edge technologies and solutions, exciting live demonstrations and product launches, as well as top up their knowledge with hours of free expert seminars.

This year’s show was made extra special by the well-known broadcaster, entrepreneur and writer, Gregg Wallace – who spent a day at the show as he went ‘Inside the Exhibition’ – interviewing exhibitors to gain their insight. These recordings will be available soon online.

The PPMA Show, which is owned and organised by Automate UK, gave visitors the chance to see how the of state-of-the-art solutions on display could improve the efficiency of their own businesses, giving them key competitive advantages over their competitors.

The show boasted an impressive line-up of more than 350 exhibitors – including over 100 new exhibitors. These companies showcased their cutting-edge solutions spanning the full spectrum of the manufacturing industry, including pharmaceuticals, food, beverages, building materials, pet care, microbrewers and distillers.

Informing their decision-making before investing, visitors held face-to-face conversations with exhibiting experts, gaining guidance on the suitability and benefits the various innovative solutions can bring to their businesses.

Exhibitors included many well-known companies in the sector, such as: Packaging Automation, PFM, Holmach, Keymac, Omori, Wipotec, Somic, Markem-Imaje, Ilapak, Bizerba, Ulma, Beckhoff, Schur Star Systems, Ilpra, Sidel, and JBT Proseal.

Scott McKenna, Chief Operating Officer at Automate UK said: “The PPMA Show has consistently been the premier destination in the UK for exploring technology across the entire processing and packaging industry. Our main challenge as organisers is to ensure the exhibition evolves and stays relevant to the high-calibre visitors we are proud to attract each year.

“This year, we can confidently say, we exceeded our own expectations, with an outstanding turnout of attendees eager to invest in the remarkable range of innovative technologies showcased at the event.”