Syntegon Technology, a German multinational company, is one of the key players in the packaging machinery sector, particularly within the food and pharmaceutical industries. With a presence in over 17 countries and headquarters in Germany, Syntegon is renowned for providing advanced packaging solutions that encompass both vertical wrapping machines and horizontal packaging systems. Syntegon offers a comprehensive product portfolio with intelligent solutions for the pharmaceutical and food industries, including machines, systems, and services that ensure safe and high-quality processing, filling, inspection, and packaging. Syntegon's advanced technologies and sustainable packaging solutions support smooth production processes globally. At the recent PackEx India, Syntegon showcased its innovative food machinery, highlighting its commitment to advancing packaging technology and sustainability.

Trends in the food industry and Syntegon's strategic response

In an interview, Nilesh Vedak, managing director of Syntegon Technology India, emphasized the key trends shaping the food industry. "The trends we are seeing in India show that customers are looking for system solutions. They are looking for complete end-to-end solutions - from taking over the products from the production process, all the way to the end of line case packing," Vedak explained. He noted that the market is increasingly moving towards automation and reducing human interference, with a focus on increasing production volumes through faster machines and advanced technologies.

Sustainability is also becoming a significant global trend. "Sustainable packaging could be a future trend for us, aligned with environmental considerations and the need for innovation in this area," Vedak said. "Further many global companies are setting up manufacturing and packaging facilities in India, making it a very lucrative market."

Syntegon is not only keeping pace with these trends but trailblazing with innovations in the packaging space to meet future demands.

Focus areas in the food sector

Syntegon's efforts in the food industry are wide-ranging. Vedak shared insights into the major segments Syntegon is actively involved in, "In the food segment, when it comes to vertical packaging machines, we are mainly focused on snacks. We also work with powders, including atta and milk powders, cereals, seeds, and grains. For horizontal packaging, we are engaged with chocolates, bars, bakeries, cookies, and biscuits." He also mentioned the growing interest in sustainable packaging solutions, particularly those that use paper-based materials, which were showcased at PackEx India.

Showcasing Innovation at PackEx India

At PackEx India, Syntegon displayed a range of innovative solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of the market. "We are showcasing several new developments," Vedak explained. "In the horizontal segment, we have introduced a new machine for the bakery and biscuit sector, featuring an advanced loader and vibratory system to enhance automation and packaging speed. In the snack segment, we are displaying our latest snack bag maker, which offers superior speed and performance compared to our competitors. Additionally, we are focusing on sustainability by demonstrating how our machines support paper packaging, which aligns with global sustainability trends."

The SVL 2310 Twin emphasizes expertise in the vertical bagging of potato chips, while the Pack 301 LS with Smart Duplex Measuring Loader (SDML) ensures efficient horizontal flow wrapping of biscuits, sandwich-style biscuits, cookies, and crackers. Also featured is the Pack 201 HS horizontal flow wrapper, which now includes a paper-ON-form retrofit kit. This addition allows manufacturers to seamlessly process both paper-based and plastic film on a single system.

Addressing challenges in the Indian market

Vedak acknowledged that Indian food manufacturers face several challenges, including high product volumes and a price-sensitive market. "Indian manufacturers need solutions that handle large volumes efficiently and economically," he explained. "Syntegon offers end-to-end solutions, providing seamless integration from product handling to end of line packaging. We focus on adding value to the customer's product through efficient product handling, packaging aesthetics, and overall productivity improvements."

He highlighted Syntegon's dedication to offering more than just products by providing comprehensive solutions that improve customer’s operations. In a market often dominated by cost-driven competitors, Vedak stressed Syntegon's commitment on quality, reliability, and customer support. "When it comes to purchasing equipment, companies are always looking for the best," he said. "Syntegon distinguishes itself by not merely selling a machine or product. We add value through customization and ongoing service support, ensuring our customers achieve optimal performance and a strong return on investment."

Commitment to sustainability and innovation

Syntegon's commitment to sustainability is a cornerstone of its innovation strategy. "Our packaging solutions are designed to minimize capital expenditures (CapEx) and operational expenses (OpEx), increase efficiency, and support sustainable practices, helping customers manage costs effectively while adhering to environmental responsibilities,” Vedak explained.

He further underscored the company's dedication to sustainable practices. "Sustainability is a crucial focus for us. We have a dedicated research and process team working exclusively on sustainability initiatives to anticipate future trends and help our customers prepare for what's next.”

Future technologies and market expansion

Syntegon is focused on equipping its machines to meet the future demands of mega food factories in India. "We are developing machines for the high-performance segment, which will be manufactured locally in India," Vedak revealed. "Beyond enhancing packaging solutions, we are also improving secondary packaging, case packing and product distribution systems. In the snacks segment, we are launching comprehensive solutions tailored to the needs of snack manufacturers."

Additionally, Syntegon is exploring the integration of robotics and AI into its machines, signalling a forward-looking approach to innovation and the increasing demand for automation. "These are areas of ongoing development, and we are excited about the potential they hold for the industry," he added.

Reflecting on the company's vision, Vedak stated a clear direction for growth and sustainability. "Our vision for the coming years, as outlined by our CEO, is to continue to believe in seamless processes, both for our own operations and our customers," he articulated. "We believe in continuous innovation to provide the best solutions that add value to our customers. Moreover, we are dedicated to sustainability and giving back to nature through environmentally-friendly solutions."

As Syntegon continues to innovate and expand its offerings, it remains at the forefront of the packaging industry, ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future. For more information on Syntegon's products and upcoming projects, customers are encouraged to engage with Syntegon through their world-class facility in Goa or check their global website, where they regularly publish updates on their innovations.