You may also be interested in
Since 1969, Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH has specialized in developing and manufacturing single machines and complete lines for end-of-line packaging. They are one of the leading international manufacturers of film and carton packaging machines, as well as equipment for palletizing, buffer, and conveyor technology. They have installed more than 13,500 machines worldwide.
- Heavy reliance on plastic shrink‑wrap with limited viable alternatives for secondary multipack packaging
- Risk of reduced speed, reliability, and uptime when introducing unfamiliar paper‑based materials
- High energy consumption driven by heat‑based shrink tunnels and film processing
- Pressure to accelerate development and launch entirely new machine concepts to meet sustainability‑driven market demand
- Need to serve diverse customer segments with both premium and cost‑sensitive packaging options without increasing investment risk
- FactoryTalk® Optix™
- Developed two complementary paper-based multipack machines:
- Paper sleeve solution for premium packaging
- Low material tape solution for cost sensitive applications
- Achieved up to 90% lower energy consumption by eliminating heat tunnels
- Machine efficiency exceeded 99%, outperforming contract targets
- Same footprint and speed as legacy plastic machines for easy replacement
- Faster time to market for entirely new machine concepts
- Greater flexibility for manufacturers to meet sustainability goals with lower investment risk
Challenge
Reinventing Multipack Packaging Without Plastic
Food and consumer goods manufacturers face growing pressure to reduce plastic packaging while maintaining speed, cost efficiency, and shelf appeal. For Meurer Verpackungssysteme, this meant designing entirely new secondary packaging machines capable of replacing plastic shrink‑wrap with paper—without decades of material or machine development to rely on.
Plastic shrink machines depend on heat tunnels that consume large amounts of energy and limit sustainability gains. Paper alternatives introduce new challenges around material handling, adhesion, reliability, and speed. At the same time, Meurer customers are demanding solutions that fit existing footprints, match upstream line speeds, and minimize investment risk.
Meurer needed a platform that could support rapid innovation, high‑precision motion, and data‑driven reliability, while helping customers navigate a market still learning how to adopt new packaging formats.
Solution
High‑Speed, Data‑Ready Machines Built on Rockwell Automation
Meurer developed two distinct machine concepts from a shared platform. The first is a paper sleeve solution that fully encloses multipacks, delivering strong shelf presence for premium brands. The second uses minimal adhesive tape of either paper or plastic to secure packs with dramatically lower material and energy usage.
By not relying on shrink tunnels, the tape solution avoids the need for heat, reducing energy consumption by up to 90%. Precision motion control synchronizes knives, tape conveyance, perforation, and sealing operations within millimeters, providing consistent pack quality at high speed.
Rockwell Automation technology makes this level of performance possible. Modular programming based on the OMAC standard accelerates development and commissioning, even for machines with 18 synchronized axes. Additionally, FactoryTalk® Optix™ provides built‑in data visibility, helping operators and engineers monitor performance, diagnose issues, and optimize operations.
“The short timeline is due to the cooperation with Rockwell because of the support, the components, and the reliability of the system. That was the key enabler to install a machine in such a short time as a prototype,” says Matthias Look, Global Sales and Marketing Director, Meurer Verpackungssysteme.
Result
Sustainable Packaging Without Compromise
Meurer’s machines allow manufacturers to transition away from plastic without sacrificing throughput, footprint, or reliability. Their customers can select premium or cost‑sensitive solutions based on market needs while maintaining line speeds and operational efficiency.
Machine efficiency consistently exceeds 99%, reducing downtime and maximizing output. Additionally, integrated data capabilities support faster root‑cause analysis, reduced dependency on individual operator expertise, and more resilient production.
“We typically contract for 98% efficiency. But achieving more than 99% is a huge benefit when you calculate total output,” Matthias explains.
By pairing innovative machine design with Rockwell Automation control, motion, and digital technologies, Meurer delivers a flexible, lower‑risk path to sustainable secondary packaging. Their approach helps manufacturers meet today’s expectations while preparing for what’s next.
Published September 15, 2026