DIENST PACKSYSTEMS, PACKING SOLUTIONS FOR THE FOOD AND NON-FOOD SECTOR

DIENST Packsystems is a German company specializing in advanced packaging machinery solutions for both food and non-food industries. Founded in 1988, the company has built a reputation for delivering customized packaging solutions that range from individual machines to comprehensive packaging lines. Known for the dedication to quality and sustainability, DIENST integrates automation, digitalization, and customer-specific configurations to meet a range of packaging needs, ensuring efficient, reliable, and adaptable solutions across various industries. The company also provides eco-friendly packaging solutions to meet the growing demand for environmentally responsible practices.

Interview with Arina Balan, Marketing at DIENST Packsystems.

What are the main areas of activity of the company?

Arina Balan: Packaging Solutions: They design and manufacture machines for erecting, filling, and closing pre-glued folding boxes, as well as tertiary packaging for various carton types. The solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of both food and non-food industries.

Automation and Digitalization: DIENST integrates modern automation concepts, IoT, and AI into their packaging machines to enhance efficiency, traceability, and overall performance.

Service and Support: The company offers comprehensive service options, including predictive maintenance, on-site and remote services, and customized service level agreements to ensure high machine availability and optimal performance.

Sustainability: DIENST is committed to providing eco-friendly packaging solutions, addressing the growing demand for sustainable practices in the packaging industry.

DIENST Packsystems has introduced several innovations in its product offerings, emphasizing automated, energy-efficient, and sustainable packaging solutions. The company now integrates digitalization through IoT and AI for better efficiency and traceability. Additionally, the company offers customized turnkey solutions, predictive and remote services, and maintenance contracts to ensure machine availability. 

What’s the news about new products?

A.B: We offer a range of products and services, including:

Packaging Machines:

  • Side Load Packaging: Erecting, filling, and closing pre-glued boxes.
  • Top Load Packaging: Erecting and sealing carton blanks.
  • End-of-Line Solutions: Tertiary packaging for various carton types.
  • Turnkey Solutions: Full packaging lines from concept to implementation.
  • Customized Solutions: Tailored packaging options for specific needs.

Automation and Digitalization:

  • Integration of IoT and AI to enhance efficiency and traceability.
  • Modern automation concepts to improve productivity and material flow.

Service and Support:

  • Predictive Maintenance: Services to anticipate and prevent machine failures.
  • On-Site and Remote Services: Comprehensive support options to ensure machine availability.
  • Spare Parts and Maintenance Contracts: Tailored agreements to maintain optimal machine performance.

Sustainable Packaging Solutions:

  • Eco-friendly packaging options.

What can you tell us about market trends?

A.B: The company operates in a dynamic and evolving market, primarily serving the food and non-food packaging sectors. The current market trends highlight several key aspects:

  • Growing Demand for Automation: There is an increasing need for automated packaging solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve product consistency. DIENST’s integration of IoT and AI in the machines positions the company well to meet this demand.
  • Sustainability Focus: The packaging industry is under pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. DIENST is responding to this trend by offering eco-friendly packaging solutions.
  • Customization and Flexibility: Customers are seeking highly customized and flexible packaging solutions to cater to diverse product requirements. DIENST’s ability to provide tailored solutions, from individual machines to complete packaging lines, makes them a preferred partner for many manufacturers.
  • Global Reach: DIENST serves a global market, with a strong presence in Europe and expanding influence in other regions. Their reputation for reliability and innovation helps them maintain a competitive edge internationally.

The packaging market is currently experiencing dynamic growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences and increasing regulatory demands for sustainability. Notably, there is a growing demand for smaller packaging sizes, particularly in sectors like food, beverages, and personal care, fueled by demographic shifts such as the rise of single-person households and on-the-go consumer behaviors.

Additionally, the market is facing significant transitions, especially in response to regulatory pressures aimed at reducing plastic waste. This has led to an increase in the adoption of alternative materials like paper and glass, as well as a rise in flexible plastic packaging solutions.

DIENST who specializes in packaging machinery, will likely find increasing opportunities to innovate in line with these sustainability goals, ensuring they stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

At what stage is the market where you are currently active?

A.B: The packaging industry is witnessing several key trends, driven by consumer demand and regulatory changes:

Sustainability Focus: One of the most prominent trends is the shift towards sustainable packaging. As environmental concerns and regulations tighten, the demand for eco-friendly materials, such as recycled paper and glass, is on the rise. This trend is particularly strong in the European market, where governments are pushing for increased recycling rates and reduced plastic waste. 

Companies are also exploring alternatives to plastic packaging, such as biodegradable and reusable materials.

Smaller, Convenience-Oriented Packaging: Driven by the growth of single-person households and the on-the-go lifestyle, there is a marked increase in demand for smaller, more convenient packaging sizes. Products like sauces, snacks, and personal care items are often repackaged in smaller, resealable, and portable formats to cater to this shift​.

Technological Advancements: Automation and digitalization are transforming the packaging industry. Smart packaging solutions, including the use of IoT and AI, are enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving product traceability. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting predictive maintenance and remote service options, which are becoming key differentiators in the competitive packaging machinery market​.

Flexible Packaging: The demand for flexible packaging is on the rise due to its lightweight, cost-effective, and customizable nature. Flexible packaging offers advantages in product protection, handling, and visual appeal, and is increasingly favored for food, beverage, and personal care products.

Regulatory Compliance and Recycling: Increasing regulatory pressure regarding packaging waste management is driving companies to develop solutions that align with sustainability goals. These include designing packaging that is easier to recycle or using materials that are more easily processed.

These trends suggest a market that is moving towards greater innovation, sustainability, and efficiency, with companies looking to adopt both eco-friendly materials and advanced technological solutions to stay competitive.

What are the most innovative products marketed?

A.B: DIENST Packsystems has introduced several innovative products and services that set them apart in the packaging industry:

  • Development of a cutting-edge packaging machine for Air Up, featuring an integrated inlay system: This innovative machine is designed to enhance the packaging process by ensuring precise placement and secure integration of inlays, which are crucial for maintaining product integrity and presentation. The integrated inlay system not only improves efficiency but also ensures that each product is packaged to the highest standards of quality and reliability. With this new machine, DIENST Packsystems continues to lead the way in packaging innovation, providing our clients with the advanced technology and support they need to succeed in a competitive market.
  • P³ Packaging System: This system is designed for packaging gluten-free frozen pizzas, offering a highly efficient and reliable solution for the food industry.
  • PAL – Packaging for Automated Logistics: This solution focuses on automating logistics processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual labor.
  • Sustainable Battery Packaging for VARTA: Reflecting their commitment to sustainability, DIENST has developed eco-friendly packaging solutions specifically for VARTA batteries.
  • Enlarged Magazine for Increased Cutting Capacity: This feature extends the autonomy of their machines, allowing for longer production runs without interruptions.
  • Extended Sensor System: This system provides comprehensive quality control by detecting and ejecting faulty packs, thereby preventing production downtimes.

What estimations do you have for 2024?

A.B: DIENST Packsystems is actively planning for growth by focusing on offering the best services and solutions to its customers. The company recognizes that the packaging machinery industry is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in automation, digitalization, and sustainability. DIENST is committed to integrating the latest technological innovations into its solutions, ensuring high efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability for its clients. With a customer-centric approach, DIENST aims to provide tailored packaging machinery that meets the specific needs of industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.

To stay ahead of the competition and continually improve its offerings, DIENST closely monitors the latest industry trends and regulatory changes. This includes keeping up with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which is expected to have a significant impact on the packaging sector. By adhering to the PPWR guidelines, DIENST plans to deliver packaging solutions that comply with sustainability targets, including reducing packaging waste, promoting recycling, and using more sustainable materials.

Through these strategies, DIENST aims to solidify its position as a leader in the packaging machinery market, offering top-tier, innovative solutions that meet evolving customer needs and regulatory requirements.