by N. S.
We had the opportunity to delve into these topics with Gampack, following key insights into how innovation in secondary packaging, digitalization, and sustainability of materials are reshaping the rules of the game.
ProSweets and confectionery market trends
“There haven’t been any major revolutions in machines or packaging solutions,” explains Giovanni Anzani, Commercial Director at Gampack. According to him, the core machinery remains largely the same as in recent years. “However, we’re observing continuous improvements in software and diagnostics, which make the lines increasingly efficient.”
Another detected trend is the increasing use of wrap-around packaging in the confectionery and bakery sectors. This highly flexible packaging solution is being applied across a wide range of products. Meanwhile, the rising cost of raw materials—such as cocoa—is pushing many manufacturers to revise their recipes, opting for more cost-effective alternatives like candies or different types of snacks.
“Customers are looking for machines that can easily switch from one product to another, without compromising on line speed,” Anzani concludes.
Digitalization and remote line monitoring with AI
The second key topic that came to light from the conversation concerns digitalization and the use of advanced software solutions. Anzani emphasizes the key role of data management: “One of the most significant advantages is the ability to collect and analyze production data remotely. This means that if the factory is in India, it can be monitored instantly from an office in Italy—resulting in significant time and travel cost savings.”
Gampack’s lines are designed with advanced diagnostics, capable of providing constant support to technicians and minimizing unexpected downtime. Preventive maintenance is part of this approach: by analyzing data, failures can be predicted and addressed proactively, preventing line stoppages.
“In our R&D roadmap,” adds Gaetano Giuri, Area Manager for the DACH region, “we’re also working to reduce the footprint of our lines—developing machines that are more compact and faster to install, even in plants already filled with equipment.”
This connects directly with the concept of Artificial Intelligence, a further tool to help interpret production data.
“AI can help determine when a component should be replaced before it breaks,” Anzani explains, “or suggest setup adjustments to make the process smoother. In a rapidly evolving market, anticipating issues can make all the difference.”
Efficiency, productivity, and modularity
When it comes to efficiency, Anzani emphasizes that machines must focus on modularity and flexibility. In the confectionery sector, factors like raw material prices and consumer preferences can shift rapidly. The ability to quickly adapt to a new product configuration becomes a major competitive advantage.
“Imagine a manufacturer switching from chocolate bars to bags of candies,” Anzani explains. “They simply introduce the new sizes, make few adjustments, and the same machine can package entirely different products.”
Gampack also offers a dedicated and highly efficient customer support service, which Anzani calls the company’s “flagship offering”—helping customers implement these changes quickly and seamlessly.
As Gaetano Giuri points out, major international players—something that stood out clearly both at ProSweets and other industry events—tend to favor full “turnkey” lines, from primary packaging to end-of-line solutions. This approach reduces downtime and streamlines the design phase, with a single supplier as the main reference for clients.
A single partner for a complete line: simplifying the production process
What are the advantages for a company in relying on a single main contractor instead of coordinating ten different suppliers? Anzani’s answer is clear: “First of all, it reduces complexity—because with just one point of contact, there’s no risk of suppliers shifting responsibility from one to another. Secondly, mechanical and electronic components can be standardized, which lowers inventory costs and simplifies maintenance.”
Underlying this consideration is the growing importance of sustainability, which is becoming an increasingly relevant factor for both manufacturers and consumers.
Gaetano Giuri explains that many customers are opting for recyclable materials such as paper and cardboard, reducing the use of plastic. “Our machines, designed for cardboard-base packaging and for palletization, can handle both plastic and paper-based packaging materials equally well. This greatly facilitates the transition toward more eco-friendly solutions.”
Eco-friendly multipack solutions and emerging packaging formats
In light of all this, Gampack has developed four specific solutions for sustainable multipack packaging—perfect for wrapping confectionery and bakery products.
- The first replaces shrink film with a vertical cardboard layer featuring glue dots, capable of holding containers together (such as beverage cartons).
- The second is called Mini-Tray: a small cardboard tray glued to the base of the containers, drastically reducing the use of plastic.
- The third involves a paper adhesive label that binds soft bags together (think of chips or cookies).
- The fourth is a paper sleeving system designed for tubes of moisturizing creams or cosmetic items.
“These are all solutions adopted by major international brands,” says Anzani, “and they are successfully applied even to products requiring a good barrier effect. Several key players—including some very well-known brands—are already using these technologies to gradually replace plastic packaging. Even when a minimum barrier effect is still needed. And we’re continuing to develop new systems to make this transition even smoother.”
When it comes to energy-savings, Anzani points out that Gampack machines are equipped with low-consumption components, energy-efficient motors, and compact layouts—reducing both environmental impact and operational costs for the company, as well as minimizing the machines’ overall footprint.
A noteworthy trend that took shape during ProSweets—according to Luna Ughini from Gampack’s Marketing Department—is the increasing use of display boxes: shelf-ready packaging that speeds up shelf restocking and boosts product visibility. These often contain square-bottom sealed bags, which are both practical and pleasant to the touch.
“In addition to being more cost-effective than traditional cartons,” adds Luna Ughini, “these bags can be made of paper, offering a greener solution. And our high-speed pick-and-place robots load them into the display boxes, ready to go straight onto the shelf.”
System adaptability meets market demands
The confectionery industry increasingly requires secondary (and tertiary) packaging solutions that are both adaptable and sustainable—capable of switching rapidly between sizes while minimizing material and energy waste. Gampack’s machines meet these challenges through ongoing innovations built on advanced software, sophisticated diagnostics, flexibility, and artificial intelligence—enabling modular lines and a customer service approach designed to significantly reduce response times.
As highlighted earlier, major international players are primarily looking for turnkey lines—from primary packaging to end-of-line solutions—to simplify overall process management and reduce risk. The growing focus on sustainability is driving demand for eco-friendly materials, aiming to lower environmental impact through reduced system footprint and energy savings.
In this context, Gampack serves as a trusted partner, offering versatile technologies and dedicated technical support—helping manufacturers transition toward a more responsible future, aligned with the evolving needs of both producers and consumers.
