By Tom Tomac
The consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry is undergoing a fundamental shift, one driven by sustainability mandates, evolving retail demands, and changing consumer expectations.
For food and consumer goods manufacturers, packaging is no longer just about containment. It’s about compliance, efficiency, brand perception, and future readiness.
At Bartelt, we’re helping manufacturers navigate these changes with flexible, scalable packaging solutions designed to meet today’s packaging trends head-on.
Flexible Packaging Is Accelerating
One of the most significant shifts across the CPG landscape is the transition from rigid packaging, such as tubs and plastic containers, to flexible pouches. Several factors are driving this transition:
- Increasing regulatory pressure
- Corporate sustainability initiatives
- Advances in recyclable and compostable film technologies
Flexible packaging uses less material and can help reduce environmental impact. However, it also introduces new manufacturing complexities. This is where Bartelt’s expertise comes in.
With more than 75 years of pouching experience, Bartelt helps manufacturers transition to flexible formats without sacrificing performance, product protection, or efficiency.
Sustainability Starts with the Right Packaging Strategy
Sustainability remains a top priority for manufacturers. Many companies are working towards ambitious environmental goals while responding to growing demand from retailers and consumers.
As a result, the conversation has moved beyond recyclability to materials that are compostable, renewable, and sustainable by design.
Manufacturers are increasingly being asked to adopt materials that reduce landfill impact, break down naturally over time, and comply with evolving regulations. However, these materials often perform differently than traditional films.
Successfully running sustainable materials requires precise control of web tension, heat application, and seal timing and consistency. Without proper validation, manufacturers risk production inefficiencies, packaging failures, or compromised product quality.
Unlike many OEMs in the US, Bartelt offers a dedicated test lab where manufacturers can try new packaging materials to ensure machine and product compatibility.
This capacity allows our customers to:
- Validate new films before production
- Test performance on existing or new equipment
- Optimize speeds, seals, and material selection
- Reduce risk when transitioning to sustainable packaging
Whether you’re a large CPG brand or a growing company launching a new product, this hands-on testing helps ensure you make informed decisions before investing in full-scale production.
Club Stores Are Shaping Packaging Trends
Club stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club have driven growth in high-count variety packs and increased demand for carton-based packaging that offers better protection, presentation, and shelf appeal.
These packaging trends often begin in club stores before expanding into smaller, traditional retail brands.
Bartelt systems are designed to support these evolving requirements, handling everything from single-serve pouches to high-volume, multi-SKU packaging configurations.
One example is the MAG Series, our family of horizonal form fill seal pouching machines. Designed to support sustainable packaging initiatives, the MAG Series can run recyclable and paper-based films while maintaining the speeds manufacturers need to maximize output.
The machines are engineered to deliver reliable seals on thinner or heat-sensitive materials often used in sustainable packaging applications. Additionally, the MAG Series magnetic linear track system provides precise motion control and exceptional reliability in demanding production environments.
Designed for flexibility, the MAG platform offers:
- Simplex, duplex, or triplex operation
- Quick, push-button changeovers
- Modular designs for a variety of applications
- High-speed operation of up to 300 pouches per minute
Whether you’re replacing legacy equipment, launching a new product, or planning for future growth, the MAG Series provides a proven flexible packaging solution that can adapt to changing market demands.
The Power of ProMach
When customers invest in a new pouching machine, cartoner, or other packaging equipment from Bartelt, they gain more than a machine. They gain access to the expertise and resources of the entire ProMach network.
ProMach is a leading global provider of processing and packaging equipment, system, and integration services, representing more than 50 product brands. ProMach brands encompass the entire packaging spectrum, covering areas such as Filling & Capping, Pharmaceutical, Robotics & End of Line, and Flexibles & Trays, which includes Bartelt, Matrix, HMC Products, and other related brands.
The Power of ProMach lies in the ability to bring together specialized expertise from across the organization to build the right solution for each customer.
Rather than working with multiple vendors, customers benefit from a single point of contact who manages the project from start to finish while leveraging the collective knowledge and capabilities of the broader ProMach team. The result is a simpler process, better collaboration, and a more seamless customer experience.
The Power of Bartelt
The CPG packaging landscape continues to evolve, but the opportunity is clear. Manufacturers that embrace flexible packaging, invest in sustainable materials, and prioritize testing and adaptability will be best positioned for long-term success.
Global brands choose Bartelt because of our proven ability to deliver reliable, high-performance solutions tailored to real-world production challenges. With decades of experience in flexible packaging, we understand what manufacturers need and engineer equipment that meets those requirements every day.
Tom Tomac is the Vice President and General Manager of Bartelt, which is part of ProMach’s Flexible Packaging Group. He can be reached at Tom.Tomac@ProMachBuilt.com.
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Bartelt delivers reliable, long-lasting pouching and cartoning solutions to food and non-food industries. A pioneer in automated packaging, Bartelt was the first to develop intermittent motion HFFS pouching machines. Today, Bartelt offers durable solutions for both primary and secondary packaging, from simple to advanced applications.