From 1 to 4 February 2026, ProSweets Cologne will bring the sweets and snacks industry together at the Cologne fairgrounds, with sustainability and recyclability taking center stage. Exhibitors will present packaging innovations that align with the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), focusing on paper, mono-materials, and recyclable solutions.
The discussion surrounding environmentally friendly packaging has intensified as both consumers and legislators drive the demand for sustainable materials. ProSweets Cologne will highlight the industry’s efforts to address these expectations through resource-saving materials, optimized packaging designs, and machines engineered for precision and efficiency.
One approach gaining attention is the optimization of packaging dimensions and material thickness. “Pick-and-place robots play a central role in this process,” the organizers noted, explaining that the technology ensures delicate products like biscuits or chocolate bars are packaged with millimetre precision. Visitors can expect to see a strong focus on cartoners, flow-wrapping machines, and integrated packaging lines.
“Circular packaging is no longer an option for successful brands, it is a necessity which is increasingly becoming a success factor. The new EU Packaging Regulation has accelerated this change even further,” said Guido Hentschke, Director of ProSweets Cologne and ISM Ingredients.
Preparing for PPWR Implementation
The PPWR, which takes effect on 12 August 2026, aims to ensure that only recyclable or reusable packaging reaches the EU market by 2030. It also calls for increased use of recyclates and reduced reliance on disposable packaging.
Manufacturers have already begun adapting to these requirements by redesigning machines for thinner films and developing modular systems that can process paper-based materials. “Fully recyclable mono-materials are more difficult to process. They require strict process controls and the right packaging machine,” Hentschke added.
To support compliance, exhibitors and machinery producers are working with food manufacturers to analyse packaging structures, conduct material testing, and ensure compatibility with future regulatory demands. “The discussion about the carbon footprint of packaging and PPWR-conform solutions needs less gut instinct and more facts,” Hentschke emphasized. “At ProSweets Cologne, we want to make the discussion more objective to enable producers to come to well-founded investment decisions.”
The Expert Stage in Hall 10.1 will host presentations and debates on topics such as recyclability, material innovation, and the circular economy, offering insights into how the industry can achieve PPWR compliance while maintaining product quality.
Innovation in Packaging Materials and Machinery
Composite packaging materials, commonly used for products that require strong barriers, pose a particular recycling challenge. Exhibitors are responding with fully recyclable paper and mono-film alternatives, particularly suitable for products like cereal and chocolate bars that have lower barrier requirements.
Next-generation flow-wrapping machines capable of processing both conventional and new sustainable films will be on display. These systems use ultrasonic and ceramic heating technologies for precise sealing, accommodating varying materials and minimizing waste.
Single-material polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) packaging will also feature prominently, as these can be recycled without material separation—an essential step toward achieving a true circular economy. However, meeting the mandated 10% recyclate content in food packaging by 2030 remains a challenge, especially for sensitive food applications where suitable materials are scarce.
Given these constraints, paper packaging continues to gain traction. Though more delicate than plastic, advances in machinery have made it possible to produce paper-based pillow bags, block-bottom bags, and stand-up pouches without compromising performance. Exhibitors will showcase technologies that allow vertical bagging machines to switch between materials seamlessly, facilitating production flexibility and sustainability.
Digital Tools for Regulatory Compliance
A key topic at ProSweets Cologne 2026 will be digital integration for compliance reporting. As the PPWR introduces more detailed documentation requirements, packaging producers and food manufacturers will need to adopt digital quality management systems. The fair will serve as an early platform for companies to explore digital tools that reduce regulatory risk while fostering transparency and traceability.
Organized by Koelnmesse, ProSweets Cologne is one of the world’s leading trade fairs for food technology, alongside Anuga FoodTec. The Cologne-based organizer also stages international events in India, Italy, and Colombia, offering platforms for innovation across the food and beverage technology supply chain.
