Interpack 2026: Stretched, not shrunk

Sustainable secondary packaging with stretch film

Bruchsal/Dortmund – Sidel’s EvoFilm stretch packer uses the mechanical properties of modern stretch films to wrap packaging units with defined tension – without any thermal process steps. SEW-EURODRIVE's MOVI-C^® modular automation system is at the heart of this automation solution. The system requires less material and significantly less energy, achieves short cycle times and a permanently stable process quality.

System manufacturer Sidel developed a stretch packer that reduces energy consumption and the use of materials. Unlike the shrinking process, in which the film is heated and contracts around the packaging unit, it is stretched forward during stretching and applied over the container in such a way that a permanent, positive holding force is created. As this happens without heating, the packaged goods are thermally decoupled. In addition, the stability and optical quality of the packaging are maintained, which is particularly important in consumer-oriented markets.

The modular system can handle up to 80 packaging units per minute, including multipacks made of cans as well as PET and glass bottles, and can be flexibly integrated into existing lines. The stretching process is also convincing in the food industry, as well as for household and personal care products. Compared to conventional shrinking solutions, film consumption is reduced by more than 50 percent and energy consumption is reduced by more than 90 percent.

EvoFilm integrates all sub-processes relevant for the stretch process into a compact machine architecture: Supply and grouping of products, film unwinding with precise path guidance, application and strapping, and stable transfer to downstream stations such as inspection, marking, or palletizing. The synchronicity of the axes is the prerequisite for reproducibly adhering to cycle times, path profiles and film tensile forces.

The new system was automated using the MOVI‑C^®modular automation system from SEW‑EURODRIVE. Backlash-free BS.F servo gear units provide repeatable positioning quality for application and strapping. The MOVIGEAR^® performance decentralized drive unit reduces cabling and increases energy efficiency in the field. The MOVIDRIVE^® modular compact multi-axis system forms the basis for fast, precisely controlled movements. CMP.. servomotors combine low mass moment of inertia with high dynamics – ideal for short cycles. All movements are controlled by the MOVI-C^®CONTROLLER type UHX, which makes path profiles, voltage control, product change, condition monitoring and diagnostics centrally available. Intelligent energy recovery and compact control cabinet technology also reduce hardware and energy requirements.