Organised by Automate UK, and now in its 38th year, the PPMA Total Show® 2025 will bring more than 350 exhibitors and a series of expert-led seminars to the NEC, Birmingham from 23-25 September.
Retailers and manufacturers getting to grips with new Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) legislation and forthcoming GS1 Digital Link labelling requirements will have access to the latest guidance and sustainable technologies when the PPMA Total Show® 2025 brings more than 1,500 brands under one roof this month.
With new elements of ESG such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) coming into force in 2026, and QR labelling systems being rolled out across the retail and packaging industry in 2027, the UK’s largest processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision event is a prime opportunity for visitors to future-proof their operations, with practical demonstrations of the latest waste-reducing, sustainable solutions and insight and intelligence from experts within the field.
Scott McKenna, Chief Operating Officer for Automate UK, said: “The next two years will see operators throughout the manufacturing sector adopt new policies and processes as legislation is introduced, which makes this year’s event an unmissable opportunity for visitors to take advantage of the wealth of expertise and insight at their disposal.
“From 2026, new laws will come into force requiring many businesses to start reporting key ESG factors such as production and packaging waste, while 2027 will see the shift from traditional retail bar-codes to GS1 Digital Link QR codes to help reduce food waste, enhance stock control and bring greater communication – all from a single barcode!
“The PPMA Total Show® 2025 will showcase practical demonstrations of the latest state-of-the-art technology to support suppliers with waste reduction, data tracking and marking systems, helping visitors identify the best solutions to both streamline their processes and ensure compliance,” he says.
[Crosshead] X-ray inspection technology
Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection, a global leader in precision instruments and inspection solutions, will be exhibiting at PPMA Total Show 2025, showcasing a wide range of innovative contamination detection and compliance technologies.
Under the banner Inspect. Protect. Comply, the company will highlight its proven solutions that help food and pharmaceutical manufacturers inspect every product with confidence, protect their brand and productivity and comply with industry standards. Three advanced systems will be demonstrated live on Stand C84, supporting quality control, waste reduction and operational efficiency.
Live demonstrations will feature:
X52 X-ray Inspection System: Offering precise, complete and ultimate detection, the X52 is a premium dual energy system that delivers outstanding contaminant detection across a wide range of products. Capable of identifying hard-to-find low-density contaminants such as bone, rubber and glass, it is ideal for complex or high-risk applications. Its modular construction and intuitive software make it easy to adapt to individual production needs.
Profile Throat Metal Detector: Designed for restricted-space environments, the Profile Throat system is ideal for inspecting free-falling products ahead of Vertical Form, Fill and Seal (VFFS) packaging. Its high sensitivity and colour touchscreen interface enable simple integration and reliable metal detection, helping to protect product quality while supporting speed and efficiency on the line.
CMV Combination System: Bringing together dynamic checkweighing, label inspection and metal detection into a single space-saving unit, the CMV Combi offers comprehensive critical control in one solution. With full configurability to suit specific applications, this compact system helps manufacturers reduce product give-away, verify labelling accuracy and identify contaminants, delivering robust compliance and improved productivity.
In addition, visitors focused on food manufacturing will also be able to learn about data management software ProdX™, which saves time and money by automating the monitoring, reporting and collating of all product inspection activities in real-time. The safely stored data can help food manufacturers grow their business by facilitating safety regulatory compliance. The software enables taking due diligence to the next level with more effective brand protection measures. By analysing the data, production line improvements can be identified thereby helping to boost productivity and combat rising costs.
Equipment from the Industrial and Process Analytics divisions will also be on display, with details to be confirmed ahead of the show.
“This year at PPMA, we’re inviting manufacturers to take a fresh look at product inspection as a driver of quality, compliance and operational efficiency,” says Baptiste Naegelen, Head of Product Inspection, Mettler-Toledo UK and Ireland. “Our latest technologies give manufacturers the confidence to inspect every product, protect their brand and comply with global standards, while reducing costs and optimising productivity.”
Robust and easy to clean, the Icon X-ray system from Fortress Technology significantly enhances consumer safety and contaminant detection in hygienic food processing facilities.
To optimise efficiency, the Icon X-ray system can also be fully integrated with a Fortress Raptor checkweigher. Installed at the end of production lines, other special features include the option to add internal view cameras and Vyper Vision label inspection, as well as an integrated automatic reject device to save valuable floor space.
The IA+ algorithm developed by Fortress Technology’s dedicated X-ray experts enables the machine to adapt to variable density products that present with metal, ceramic, glass and high-density plastic contaminants. Time-saving sanitation features include bevelled surfaces to promote water runoff, easily removable magnetic X-ray curtains, a quick release tight-fitting conveyor and IP69k-rated sensors.
Prioritising user safety, processors can select from either internal cameras or optional transparent high-density windows on the sliding access panels to vigilantly monitor product status and immediately address operational bottlenecks. The self-contained stainless steel cabinet means no additional shielding or guarding is needed to meet X-ray exposure requirements.
Data integration and reporting is included in the standard Icon X-ray package. The option of communication adapters enables users to customise data collection.
See it in action and how straightforward it is to install X-ray onto existing food production lines at PPMA Total 2025, stand B32.
[Crosshead] Packaging machinery
Independent integrator of packaging lines Autopack will showcase a range of cutting-edge automated equipment at PPMA Total 2025. The Hereford-based business will take its largest individual stand to date in what it believes is the largest packaging machinery stand at the show.
With 15 machines on stand B20, Autopack will be giving pride of place to four primary machines in filling, capping, horizontal Form Fill Seal (HFFS) and Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS). The VFFS machine will demonstrate a new brick pack format for coffee beans as one of Autopack’s latest packaging innovations. The block bottom bag has a roll top finish secured using a resealable label and delivers a new packaging format for the hugely popular coffee bean sector.
“We believe that the coffee market has huge potential and that packers are after something new,” said Autopack Sales Director Jonathon Stewart. “The different style bag will deliver a fresh packaging format that can shake up the sector and we invite those in the sector to come and see this latest innovation.”
As well as VFFS and HFFS machines, Autopack provides sachet, stick and pouch equipment either pre-made or from film on the reel. These can be tailored with zippers, spouts and custom shapes, with visitors able to discuss their requirements with a 20-strong team, who will be on Autopack’s stand throughout the three-day show.
For those looking at rigid packaging solutions, Autopack supplies de-palletising, un-scrambling rinsing systems for bottles, jars, tins and containers. In addition, it can provide the associated conveyors onto a wide range of filling machines (single head up to 12 head) with capping solutions such as screw-on, pilfer proof and vacuum twist capping machines.
“PPMA Total 2025 is the perfect platform to highlight our innovations in the sector,” added Jonathon. “We can interact with key decision makers from big name retailers and brand owners, as well as start-ups looking for advice on what technology best suits their product.”
Representatives from ULMA Packaging look forward to welcoming visitors to Stand B32 at the PPMA Show 2023, where they will be actively promoting ULMA’s mission to support eco-friendly practices throughout the packaging process. #ULMAweCare reflects the company’s dedication to reducing material usage and embracing sustainable packaging solutions while ensuring maximum packaging efficiency.
ULMA Packaging offers an extensive array of cutting-edge packaging machinery and applications, making it the most comprehensive selection available in the market. Their product portfolio includes Flow Pack (HFFS), Thermoforming (TF), Traysealing (TS), Vertical (VFFS), automation, end of line and product loading.
The show will feature two standout machines from ULMA’s lineup. Firstly, the FR200 horizontal flow pack wrapper excels in working harmoniously with plastic-free packaging materials, contributing to reduced environmental impact; secondly, the VTI640 vertical form-fill-seal machine impresses with its incorporation of both Tight-Bag™ air extraction and Venturi systems.
The patented Tight-Bag™ technology efficiently removes air without compromising visual appeal or raising contamination risks, leading to a substantial reduction in plastic usage and operating at speeds of up to 70ppm. The Venturi system caters specifically to the loose-leaf salad market, gently pulling the product downward using air before sealing it securely, without causing damage.
“We are excited to be part of the PPMA Show again this year, where we will be showcasing our innovative and sustainable packaging solutions”, said James Coudwell, ULMA Packaging’s managing director.
“We are dedicated to reducing material usage and advancing sustainable packaging technologies without compromising on efficiency – our FR200 and VTI640 machines are perfect examples of how we can achieve this goal while addressing the specific needs of our customers. Together, we can make a difference and pave the way towards a more sustainable future for packaging, as promoted by our #ULMAweCare initiative.”
[Crosshead] Hygienic solutions
Kemtile is using PPMA 2025 to engage prospective customers on the benefits of coming to an internationally-backed industrial flooring and drainage business with a single source approach to flooring projects across the process and packaging industry.
Kemtile, part of global flooring group Stonhard, has been providing single source design and install solutions to the sector for over 40 years and works with some of the world’s best known specialist product suppliers in the space.
Its experts – together with European market leader in hygienic kerbs and walls PolySto and top Spanish manufacturer of protection bollards and PVC cladding Panelchok – will be on Stand C122 at PPMA 2025 to focus attention on the importance of sourcing the right product and service expertise to meet any flooring needs. Previous customers include Reckitt, RBSL, Brioche Pasquier & Astra Zeneca
Kemtile specialises in providing a complete range of hygienic, durable epoxy and polyurethane flooring systems from Stonhard.
PolySto offers hygienic construction materials that are specifically designed to eliminate food safety risk. Its durable CleanRock kerbs and CleanSheet walls and ceilings ensure that a food processing environment remains hygienic and safe, minimising the potential for contamination and safeguarding the quality of products.
Panelchok manufactures its protection products in a high-performance ecopolymer with a hidden fixing system in a range of lengths and diameters. Its anchoring technology prevents breakage on impact – a strength of resistance that has been independently tested by UKAS certified accreditation body TÜV Nord.
Kemtile’s Business Development Manager Akeel Ahmed commented: “Together with our colleagues at Polysto and Panelchok we are developing robust, compliant turnkey solutions to flooring challenges in every possible process and packaging environment.”
Nick Van den Bosschelle, Vice President Global Business Development from PolySto added: “We have spent the last 30 years investing in product design and construction to provide the highest level of protection for process-driven facilities, partnering with Kemtile and other master installers in more than 100 countries worldwide.”
Kemtile’s Director Jamie Cook commented: “The PPMA Show remains a key platform for Kemtile and Stonhard to meet existing and new customers, understand new trends and challenges facing the industry, and advise companies on their flooring and drainage needs.”
