The system enables detailed comparisons across a wide range of packaging materials, including plastic, bio-plastics, paper and card. By offering insights into carbon footprint variations, it allows users to evaluate whether their current material choices are optimal. The tool also highlights potential reductions achievable through measures such as increasing recycled content, reducing material thickness, switching materials, or minimising pack size. This level of visibility provides companies with a structured approach to balancing performance, compliance, and environmental responsibility.

A key advantage of the Packaging Carbon Calculator is its applicability early in the design process. By integrating carbon assessments at the concept stage, businesses gain sufficient time to explore alternative configurations and refine packaging strategies before production begins. At the same time, the tool remains relevant for packaging already in development or in-market, ensuring flexibility across the entire product lifecycle. Outputs are presented in a clear, visual format tailored to individual client requirements, with easy-to-interpret datasheets suitable for internal evaluation and sustainability reporting.

Aligned with its broader sustainability strategy, Macpac continues to utilise rPET in its thermoformed packaging portfolio. This material contains a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content and is fully recyclable. The company also retains the capability to increase recycled content up to 100% where required. By doing so, Macpac demonstrates that higher recycled input can contribute to lower carbon footprints, in some cases outperforming traditional paper or card-based packaging alternatives.

The post Macpac and Valpak Launch Packaging Carbon Calculator Tool first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

At interpack 2026, this shift is being reflected in how Esko and its ecosystem are demonstrating packaging development workflows that move seamlessly from concept to production, with digital validation playing a central role.

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Why Physical Prototyping Is No Longer Enough

Traditional packaging development has relied heavily on physical prototypes to validate structure, design, and shelf presence. While effective, this approach introduces several challenges – longer development timelines, higher material costs, and repeated iterations that slow down product launches.

As SKU counts increase and packaging formats diversify, these inefficiencies become more pronounced. Each variation requires validation, often leading to multiple rounds of prototyping before final approval. In fast-moving markets, this model is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.

Virtual Prototyping Enables Earlier Decision-Making

Virtual prototyping allows packaging teams to simulate and evaluate designs digitally, enabling decisions to be made earlier in the development process. Structural design, visual appearance, and packaging configurations can be reviewed without the need for physical samples.

This approach supports:

• Faster design validation
• Reduced material usage during development
• Improved alignment between design and production

By identifying potential issues at the digital stage, companies can avoid costly revisions later in the process.

From 2D Concepts to 3D Packaging Environments

One of the key shifts in packaging design is the transition from flat, 2D artwork to fully realised 3D packaging models. This allows teams to understand how packaging will perform not just visually, but structurally and contextually.

Solutions such as ArtiosCAD and Studio from Esko support this transition by enabling structural design and high-fidelity 3D visualisation. Packaging concepts can be developed, resized, and tested digitally, ensuring that both primary and secondary packaging formats are aligned before production begins.

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In addition, virtual retail environments allow teams to evaluate how packaging appears on shelf, helping refine positioning and visibility without requiring physical mock-ups.

Reducing Iterations Across the Development Cycle

One of the primary benefits of virtual prototyping is the reduction in iterative cycles. When design, structure, and visualisation are aligned digitally, the number of physical revisions required can be significantly reduced.

This improves coordination between design, marketing, and production teams, ensuring that packaging moves through approval stages more efficiently. It also reduces the risk of late-stage changes, which often result in delays and additional costs.

Linking Virtual Design to Production Readiness

Virtual prototyping is most effective when it is connected to broader packaging workflows. By linking digital design outputs with production preparation, companies can ensure that what is validated virtually translates accurately into physical packaging.

At interpack 2026, Esko’s approach reflects this connection, demonstrating how digital design, artwork, and production processes can be aligned within a single workflow. This ensures that virtual validation is not an isolated step, but part of a continuous packaging development process.

A Structural Shift in Packaging Development

The growing adoption of virtual prototyping signals a broader transformation in how packaging is developed. Instead of relying on physical validation at multiple stages, companies are moving toward digital-first approaches that prioritise accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.

As packaging complexity continues to increase, virtual prototyping is likely to play a more central role in enabling faster, more controlled development processes.

Where to See it in Practice

At interpack 2026, Esko will demonstrate how virtual prototyping fits within a connected packaging workflow, linking structural design, visualisation, and production preparation.

Visitors can explore these capabilities at Messe Düsseldorf from 7 to 13 May 2026 in Hall 8b, Booth 8BC14.

Register here for guided experience

The post Virtual Prototyping is Gaining Ground in Packaging Design first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

At interpack 2026, this shift is reflected in how Esko is demonstrating packaging workflows that extend beyond production to include pallet optimization and logistics planning. By linking packaging decisions with downstream outcomes, the industry is beginning to treat palletization as a strategic function rather than an operational afterthought.

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Why Palletization is Gaining Strategic Importance

The way products are arranged on pallets has a direct impact on transportation efficiency, storage density, and overall supply chain costs. In traditional setups, palletization has often relied on standard patterns or rule-of-thumb configurations. While sufficient for stable, high-volume product lines, this approach becomes less effective in today’s environment of increasing SKU diversity and frequent packaging changes.

Even marginal inefficiencies in pallet utilization can scale significantly. A few centimetres of unused vertical or horizontal space, when multiplied across thousands of shipments, can result in additional transport loads, higher fuel consumption, and increased warehousing requirements. For companies operating across global supply chains, these inefficiencies translate into measurable cost pressures.

As a result, palletization is no longer viewed in isolation. It is increasingly being evaluated as part of a broader effort to optimise end-to-end packaging performance, from production through to distribution.

From Static Planning to Data-Driven Optimization

Historically, pallet planning has been a largely manual process, often based on fixed templates or prior experience. While this approach provides a baseline, it lacks the flexibility to adapt to changing packaging formats, product dimensions, and distribution requirements.

Digital tools are now enabling a more data-driven approach to palletization. By simulating different configurations, companies can evaluate how variations in packaging dimensions, stacking patterns, and load distribution affect overall efficiency. This allows for scenario-based planning, where multiple options can be tested before a final configuration is selected.

Such simulations also help identify constraints that may not be immediately visible in manual planning—such as load stability, weight distribution, or compatibility with transport and storage systems. By addressing these factors early, companies can reduce the risk of damage, inefficiencies, and operational disruptions further down the line.

Linking Packaging Design with Logistics Outcomes

One of the most significant shifts in packaging strategy is the growing recognition that design decisions have direct implications for logistics performance. Dimensions, structural integrity, and pack configuration all influence how efficiently products can be palletized and transported.

In many cases, packaging is optimised for shelf presence or production efficiency without fully considering its impact on palletization. This disconnect can lead to suboptimal outcomes, where well-designed packaging performs poorly in distribution.

By linking design and logistics more closely, companies can ensure that packaging performs effectively across all stages of the value chain. Structural adjustments—such as resizing, reconfiguring pack formats, or optimising secondary packaging—can significantly improve pallet efficiency without compromising product integrity or branding.

Solutions such as Cape Pack from Esko reflect this integration by enabling pallet optimization alongside packaging design and workflow planning. This allows companies to evaluate packaging decisions not only in terms of production and marketing, but also in terms of their downstream logistics impact.

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Sustainability Gains through Better Space Utilization

Improving pallet efficiency has a direct and measurable impact on sustainability. Better space utilisation reduces the number of shipments required to move the same volume of goods, leading to lower fuel consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition, optimised pallet configurations can contribute to more efficient use of warehouse space, reducing energy consumption associated with storage and handling. These gains are particularly relevant as companies face increasing pressure to meet environmental targets and demonstrate reductions in their carbon footprint.

The ability to simulate and compare different packaging and pallet configurations also enables more informed decision-making. By understanding the environmental implications of different scenarios, companies can align operational efficiency with sustainability objectives.

From Packaging to Supply Chain Efficiency

What is becoming increasingly clear is that packaging decisions extend far beyond the production line. They influence transportation costs, warehouse utilisation, and overall supply chain performance.

In this context, palletization serves as a bridge between packaging and logistics. By integrating it into packaging workflows, companies can align design, production, and distribution into a more cohesive system. This not only improves efficiency but also enhances visibility and control across the value chain.

As supply chains become more complex and interconnected, this level of integration is becoming essential. Companies that are able to align packaging and logistics effectively are better positioned to respond to cost pressures, regulatory requirements, and evolving market demands.

Where to See it in Practice

At interpack 2026, Esko is demonstrating how pallet optimization fits within a broader packaging workflow, connecting design, production, and logistics into a more integrated process.

Visitors can explore how palletization, data integration, and packaging design come together in practice at Messe Düsseldorf from 7 to 13 May 2026 in Hall 8b, Booth 8BC14.

Click here to register for guided experience

The post Palletization Drives Efficiency in Packaging Operations first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

At the core of this configuration is the ability to print directly onto the adhesive layer, a shift that reduces intermediate production stages such as repeated unwinding and rewinding. This adjustment enables faster throughput while maintaining operational flexibility and consistency. Each section of a label whether the primary panel or subsequent layers and stubs can be individually customised, creating broader possibilities for extended content and peel-and-reveal formats within Multi-layer Label production.

“We have saved an enormous amount of time producing extended content labels,” said Axel Néri, Operator, LP2i Étiquettes. “I can spot print onto the adhesive, which is very easy, all while printing with the N730i. We started at 70 metres per minute, and then upgraded to 90 metres per minute, which is extremely fast – it’s completely revolutionary.”

The N730i Integration Module delivers 1200dpi resolution while maintaining consistent performance at speeds of 70 metres per minute, with its High-Speed Productivity Mode enabling operations up to 90 metres per minute without visible compromise in output quality. High-opacity white ink ensures a stable background layer, enhancing text clarity and supporting the accurate reproduction of fine elements such as microtext down to 2pt. Alongside this, the K600i monochrome inkjet printer introduces variable data, text, and 2D codes directly onto the adhesive, enabling converters to tailor content across multiple layers efficiently.

Quality assurance is managed through an inspection system from Lake Image Systems, a Domino Group Company, which monitors print integrity and verifies 2D codes where required. Grafotronic’s contribution covers web handling, including unwind and rewind processes, as well as the assembly of printed layers during secondary operations. Together, these components create an integrated production line capable of handling complex Multi-layer Label formats at scale.

“Our clients demand the highest quality,” said Vivien Sol, Quality Manager, LP2i Étiquettes. “The Domino press provides us with greater control over our printing process, especially in terms of repeatability and print quality.”

“The new process increases our productivity, capacity, and profitability, because we save on materials and time,” adds Patrice Néri, Founder, LP2i Étiquettes. “And it’s true, if we had to do it all over again, I would choose Domino again, and – maybe soon – I’ll get a second Domino myself.”

Sebastién Van Der Luys, Business Development Manager EMEA, Domino Printing Sciences, concludes: “We are excited to support LP2i Étiquettes in meeting the growing demand for extended content labels. This project is an excellent example of how close collaboration, technical expertise, and a commitment to continuous improvement can deliver greater efficiency and consistency, and we look forward to continuing to support Mr Néri and the team to ‘do more’ as they optimise their operations.”

The post Domino, LP2i Étiquettes Advance Multi-layer Label Printing first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

Companies like Canbarco Industries, kunkle safety valve, and apollo relief valve play a vital role in supplying high-performance relief valves tailored for demanding industrial applications. This blog explores how relief valves function, their applications in oil and gas, relevant standards, and best practices for selection and maintenance.

What Are Relief Valves and Why Are They Critical?

A relief valve (also known as a pressure relief valve or safety valve) is designed to control system pressure by releasing excess fluid when pressure exceeds a preset limit. This ensures that pipelines, pressure vessels, and processing equipment remain within safe operating limits.

In oil and gas operations where systems frequently operate under extreme pressure and temperature conditions these valves are indispensable. Whether handling crude oil, natural gas, steam, or chemicals, relief valves prevent system failure by acting as a controlled escape route for excess pressure.

Key Applications in Oil & Gas

Relief valves are used across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. Their applications vary depending on the process, fluid type, and pressure conditions.

1. Upstream (Exploration & Production)

In drilling rigs and wellheads, pressure fluctuations are common due to unpredictable reservoir conditions. Relief valves protect:

• Blowout preventers (BOPs)
• Wellhead equipment
• Drilling mud systems

2. Midstream (Transportation & Storage)

Pipelines and storage tanks transporting oil and gas across long distances require continuous pressure regulation. Relief valves help:

• Prevent pipeline rupture
• Manage thermal expansion in storage tanks
• Protect compressor stations

3. Downstream (Refining & Processing)

Refineries and petrochemical plants involve complex processes with high heat and pressure. Relief valves are critical in:

• Distillation columns
• Heat exchangers
• Reactors and separators

Manufacturers like kunkle safety valve offer valves suitable for steam, gas, air, and liquid applications, including extreme environments such as cryogenic and high-temperature systems.

Types of Relief Valves Used

Different applications require different valve designs. The most common types include:

Spring-Loaded Relief Valves

These are the most widely used valves in oil and gas. A spring mechanism determines the set pressure, and the valve opens when system pressure exceeds this threshold.

Pilot-Operated Relief Valves

Used in high-pressure systems, these valves provide more precise control and are ideal for large-scale industrial operations.

Balanced Bellows Valves

Designed for systems with backpressure, ensuring consistent operation regardless of downstream pressure variations.

Thermal Relief Valves

Used to handle pressure increases due to thermal expansion in trapped liquids.

Products from the Apollo relief valve include multi-purpose safety relief valves designed for steam, gas, and liquid systems with high reliability and durability.

Industry Standards and Compliance

Relief valves in oil and gas must comply with strict international standards to ensure safety and reliability. The most important standards include:

ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)

• Section I: Power boilers
• Section VIII: Pressure vessels These standards define design, manufacturing, and testing requirements.

API (American Petroleum Institute)

• API 520: Sizing and selection
• API 521: Pressure-relieving systems
• API 526: Valve dimensions

ISO Standards

• ISO 4126: General requirements for safety valves

Compliance with these standards is mandatory in most countries and ensures that valves perform reliably under critical conditions.

Leading manufacturers like kunkle safety valves provide valves certified under ASME and other global standards, ensuring compatibility with international oil and gas projects.

Role of Canbarco Industries in Relief Valve Supply

Canbarco Industries is known for supplying high-quality industrial valves, including relief valves used in oil and gas applications. By offering trusted brands such as Kunkle and Apollo, Canbarco ensures:

• Reliable product sourcing
• Compliance with global standards
• Technical support for valve selection

Their portfolio supports industries requiring precision-engineered pressure control solutions.

Key Selection Criteria for Relief Valves

Choosing the right relief valve is critical for system safety and efficiency. Engineers must consider several factors:

1. Set Pressure

The valve must open at a pressure slightly above the system’s operating pressure but below the maximum allowable pressure.

2. Flow Capacity

The valve should be capable of releasing sufficient fluid to reduce pressure quickly and safely.

3. Fluid Type

Different materials and designs are required for gases, liquids, or corrosive fluids.

4. Temperature Range

Valves must withstand extreme temperatures, especially in refining and petrochemical processes.

5. Backpressure Conditions

In systems with backpressure, specialized designs such as bellows valves are required.

Relief valves from apollo relief valve and kunkle safety valve are engineered to handle a wide range of pressures and temperatures, making them suitable for diverse industrial environments.

Best Practices for Installation and Maintenance

Even the best relief valve will fail if not installed or maintained properly. Following best practices ensures long-term reliability.

Proper Installation

• Install valves vertically unless specified otherwise
• Ensure correct orientation and flow direction
• Avoid excessive piping stress

Regular Testing

• Periodic pressure testing ensures correct set pressure
• Leak testing helps detect early wear or damage

Preventive Maintenance

• Clean internal components regularly
• Replace worn seals and springs
• Inspect for corrosion or fouling

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain records of inspections and certifications
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards

Manufacturers like kunkle safety valve test and certify valves before delivery to ensure performance accuracy and reliability.

Common Challenges in Oil & Gas Applications

Despite their reliability, relief valves can face challenges in harsh environments:

• Valve chatter due to unstable flow conditions
• Corrosion from aggressive chemicals
• Fouling caused by deposits or debris
• Improper sizing leading to inefficient pressure relief

Addressing these challenges requires proper design, correct valve selection, and regular maintenance.

Future Trends in Relief Valve Technology

The oil and gas industry is evolving, and so are relief valve technologies. Key trends include:

• Smart valves with real-time monitoring
• Improved materials for corrosion resistance
• Enhanced designs to reduce emissions and leakage
• Integration with digital asset management systems

These innovations aim to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.

Conclusion

Relief valves are a cornerstone of safety in the oil and gas industry. From upstream drilling to downstream refining, they protect critical infrastructure and ensure smooth operations. Selecting the right valve, adhering to international standards, and following best practices are essential for maximizing performance and safety.

With trusted suppliers like Canbarco Industries and leading manufacturers such as knuckle safety valve and apollo relief valve, industries can rely on high-quality solutions designed to meet the toughest operational demands.

In a sector where safety is paramount, investing in the right relief valve system is not just a technical decision it’s a critical commitment to operational excellence and risk prevention.

The post Relief Valves in Oil & Gas: Applications, Standards & Best Practices first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

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This shift reflects a broader transition in packaging operations, where compliance is no longer treated as a final checkpoint but as a continuous requirement embedded within the lifecycle of packaging development.

Regulatory Complexity is Increasing Faster than Workflows can Adapt

Packaging today must respond to a growing number of regulatory frameworks, ranging from ingredient disclosures and safety labelling to recycling instructions and emerging digital identification standards. These requirements differ across regions and are frequently updated, making it increasingly difficult for companies to maintain consistency across packaging variants.

At the same time, product portfolios are expanding, with more SKUs, faster refresh cycles and greater localisation. This combination of regulatory pressure and operational complexity is exposing the limitations of traditional compliance approaches, which often rely on manual checks carried out late in the process.

The result is a higher risk of labelling errors, delayed approvals, and costly rework—particularly in environments where multiple stakeholders are involved across design, regulatory, and production teams.

AI is Reshaping Compliance from Manual Review to Assisted Validation

AI-assisted systems are beginning to address these challenges by supporting faster and more consistent validation of packaging artwork and labelling. Instead of relying entirely on manual inspection, these tools can analyse packaging data and highlight potential issues early in the workflow.

This includes identifying missing elements, flagging inconsistencies across variants, and supporting alignment with regulatory requirements. While not replacing human oversight, AI acts as a layer of assistance that improves both speed and accuracy in compliance processes.

The impact is particularly significant in high-volume environments, where even small inefficiencies can scale into substantial operational delays.

Embedding Compliance within the Packaging Workflow

A key structural change is the integration of compliance checks directly into packaging workflows. Rather than operating as a separate stage, compliance is increasingly embedded within systems used for design, artwork management, and production preparation.

This enables continuous validation as packaging evolves, ensuring that regulatory requirements remain aligned with design changes. It also improves coordination between teams, reducing the fragmentation that often leads to errors.

Platforms from Esko reflect this direction by combining artwork management with validation capabilities, allowing compliance to be handled alongside other packaging data within a unified environment.

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Data Consistency is Becoming Central to Compliance

As packaging becomes more data-driven, the ability to manage information consistently across formats and markets is becoming critical. Compliance is no longer just about checking labels—it is about ensuring that the underlying data is accurate, structured, and consistently applied.

This is particularly relevant as industry initiatives such as digital product passports and advanced traceability systems gain traction. These frameworks require packaging to carry reliable, machine-readable information that can be used across the supply chain.

Workflow platforms that centralise packaging data help address this need by ensuring that updates are reflected across all variants, reducing duplication and the risk of inconsistencies.

From Reactive Corrections to Proactive Control

The transition toward AI-driven compliance represents a broader shift in how packaging operations are managed. Instead of identifying issues after they occur, companies are increasingly looking to prevent them through earlier validation and better data control.

This reduces reliance on last-minute corrections, which are often more costly and disruptive. It also supports faster time-to-market, as packaging can move through development stages with fewer interruptions.

As regulatory demands continue to evolve, this proactive approach is likely to become a defining feature of packaging workflows.

Where this is Being Demonstrated

The Esko lead experience tour will take place at Messe Düsseldorf from 7 to 13 May 2026 in Hall 8b, Booth 8BC14 where AI-driven compliance capabilities within a broader packaging workflow are demonstrated.

Visitors can explore how compliance, data consistency, and workflow integration come together in practice at Messe Düsseldorf from 7 to 13 May 2026 in Hall 8b, Booth 8BC14.

Discover more details and register here for a guided experience

The post Esko Highlights AI-Driven Compliance in Packaging at Interpack 2026 first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

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Regulatory and Market Pressures Are Driving Change

Packaging companies are facing growing expectations from both regulators and consumers. Policies such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and evolving European requirements are pushing organisations to improve material efficiency, recyclability, and transparency.

At the same time, operational pressures such as rising material costs and supply chain constraints are reinforcing the need to reduce inefficiencies. As a result, sustainability is increasingly linked to how packaging workflows are managed, rather than being treated as a separate initiative.

Design Stage Decisions Influence Environmental Impact

A significant portion of a package’s environmental impact is determined during the design phase. Choices around materials, structure, and print specifications affect not only performance but also recyclability and waste generation.

Digital design and visualisation tools allow teams to evaluate packaging concepts before production begins. By enabling earlier validation, these tools can help reduce the need for repeated physical prototyping and late-stage design changes, both of which can contribute to material waste.

Workflow Efficiency as a Driver of Waste Reduction

Inefficiencies in artwork handling and production preparation can lead to errors, rework, and unnecessary material use. Disconnected systems and manual processes often increase the likelihood of inconsistencies across packaging variants.

Integrated workflow environments aim to address these issues by maintaining data consistency across stages. By reducing manual intervention and improving coordination between teams, such systems can help minimise avoidable waste and improve overall process efficiency.

Data Consistency and Traceability Are Becoming Central

Sustainability is increasingly tied to the availability and accuracy of packaging data. Regulatory requirements and emerging frameworks are placing greater emphasis on traceability, recyclability, and transparency.

Managing this information consistently across packaging formats is becoming more important. Workflow platforms that centralise artwork and packaging data can help ensure that information remains accurate as it moves from design through to production.

Sustainability as an Outcome of Connected Workflows

What is becoming clear is that sustainability is less about individual tools and more about how systems work together. When design, artwork, and production preparation are aligned, packaging development can become more efficient and predictable.

Esko’s presence at interpack 2026 reflects this broader shift, where sustainability is supported through improved workflows, data consistency, and better coordination across the packaging lifecycle.

Where to See It in Practice

These capabilities will be demonstrated at interpack 2026, taking place from 7 to 13 May at Messe Düsseldorf, where Esko will exhibit in Hall 8b, Booth 8BC14.

Visitors will be able to explore how packaging workflows are being structured to support efficiency, compliance, and sustainability within a single, connected process.

Find more details and register here

The post Esko Highlights Sustainable Packaging at Interpack 2026 first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

The showcase represents UNITED CAPS’ most integrated Interpack platform to date, bringing together product innovation, live co-development and lower-carbon packaging initiatives within a single framework. As the packaging sector faces mounting pressure from sustainability goals, regulatory complexity and increasingly demanding supply chains, the company is shifting focus beyond product display towards problem-solving engagement. “Packaging today demands solutions that combine performance, sustainability and speed to market,” said Benoît Henckes, CEO of UNITED CAPS. “IMAGINE BETTER reflects our commitment to helping customers turn challenges into practical action.”

Central to this strategy is a collaborative development model designed to accelerate packaging innovation. Under the WE ARE BETTER UNITED principle, UNITED CAPS emphasises early-stage cooperation between customers and technical teams to improve efficiency and outcomes. This is operationalised through BETTER LAB, an interactive space where visitors can schedule one-to-one sessions with design specialists and utilise live 3D prototyping to move concepts into development. “Too often good ideas stay at discussion stage,” added Henckes. “BETTER LAB is designed to move them into real development with customers, right there on the stand.” Alongside this, BETTER TALKS will provide focused discussions on PPWR and other industry-shaping topics.

The company will also introduce three new closure solutions at the event: 27 H-PAK for cartons, 26 FLIP-ON for edible oils, and 26/22 S-SPRING for beverages. Sustainability remains a defining element of the IMAGINE BETTER concept, with UNITED CAPS stating that all closures now deliver at least a 12% reduced carbon footprint compared to the previous Interpack. Its low-carbon offering, developed in collaboration with Dow, includes PE products manufactured in Europe and a dedicated version of 23 H-PAK using bio-circular feedstock and renewable wind energy. This approach can reduce carbon footprint by 35% or more depending on application, reinforcing the company’s focus on measurable environmental impact.

The post UNITED CAPS Unveils IMAGINE BETTER Concept at Interpack 2026 first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

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Rather than relying on fragmented processes, the approach highlights how integrated systems can help streamline packaging development while maintaining consistency across stages. Building on its foundation in digital prepress, Esko is extending these capabilities into a broader connected packaging workflow.

The Shift Toward Connected Prepress and Packaging Workflows

Packaging workflows are moving toward environments where data created during design is carried through to production without repeated manual handling. Esko’s solutions support this transition by connecting structural design, artwork, and workflow management within a single ecosystem.

Tools such as ArtiosCAD, Studio, and Store Visualizer enable packaging concepts to be developed and evaluated digitally, while workflow platforms help ensure that artwork and production data remain aligned.

Automation at the Core

Automation plays a central role in improving efficiency across packaging workflows. Esko’s systems support automated handling of tasks such as file processing, version control, and workflow routing, helping reduce manual intervention and improve consistency.

By enabling teams to work from a shared data environment, these workflows can become more predictable and easier to manage, particularly as packaging complexity increases.

Managing Colour and Print Consistency

Maintaining consistent colour across different substrates and print processes remains a key challenge in packaging. Esko’s colour management capabilities are designed to support alignment between design intent and print output, helping ensure that packaging appearance remains consistent across production environments.

This becomes increasingly important as brands work across multiple regions and production setups.

Collaboration and Workflow Management

Collaboration is another critical aspect of packaging development. Platforms such as WebCenter are used to manage packaging projects, coordinate approvals, and maintain visibility across teams.

By centralising artwork and approval processes, these systems help reduce delays and ensure that packaging data remains accurate as it moves through different stages of development.

The Bottom Line for Brand Owners and Converters

For brand owners and converters, the shift toward more connected packaging workflows is about improving control and reducing complexity.

More integrated systems can help:

• Maintain consistency across packaging variants
• Reduce manual errors in artwork and production preparation
• Improve coordination between teams
• Support compliance and traceability requirements

Where to See It

At interpack 2026, Esko will present these capabilities as part of a connected packaging workflow that links design, artwork, and production preparation.

Visitors can explore how these systems operate together within a structured environment at Messe Düsseldorf from 7 to 13 May 2026 in Hall 8b, Booth 8BC14.

Register here for guided experience

The post Esko Streamlines Design and Production at Interpack 2026 first appeared on Packaging World Insights.