BROUGHT TO YOU BY PMMI MEDIA BRANDS:
2026
Edition
Baking & Snack
Innovations Report
From The Editors
Welcome to the 2026 ProFood World/ Packaging World Innovations Report.
This second-year report showcases standout packaging and processing equipment and materials spotted by PMMI Media Group editors at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, held September 29–October 1, 2025.
Editors highlight the defining features of each new product and capture videos of the innovations in action on the show floor. What follows is an organized, category-by-category look at the most noteworthy and genuinely new solutions drawn from hundreds of booth visits, and curated through decades of combined editorial experience.
Participating editors included:
- Matt Reynolds, Chief Editor, Packaging World
- Liz Cuneo, Editor in Chief, Healthcare Packaging
- Derrick Teal, Editor in Chief, ProFood World
- Anne Marie Mohan, Senior Editor, Packaging World
- Lilián Robayo Páez, Editor in Chief, Mundo EXPO PACK
- Silvia Gamba, Assistant Editor, Mundo EXPO PACK
- Casey Flanagan, Associate Editor, ProFood World
- Sean Riley, Editor in Chief, OEM Magazine
- Pat Reynolds, Contributor, Packaging World
- Rick Lingle, Contributor, Packaging World
Baking & Snack
Introduction
A Surge of Innovation
The baking and snack industry is experiencing a surge of innovation as manufacturers adapt to evolving consumer preferences for freshness, flavor variety, and healthier ingredient profiles. At the same time, producers face growing pressure to improve efficiency, ensure consistent quality, and meet sustainability goals across their operations. To address these demands, companies are embracing advanced packaging and processing technologies that deliver precision, flexibility, and performance in every stage of production.
Baking & Snack
Innovations Report
Packaging Equipment
Fast Changeover
High Speed
Operator Friendly
Small Footprint
Energy Efficient
AlliedFlex Technologies, Inc.
Nexes Premade Bag Machine
Servo-driven
Servo-driven controls enable rapid, tool-free changeovers.
Hygienic Design
Full washdown design ensures hygienic operation in food environments.
The Nexes system exemplifies how servo-driven, washdown-ready pouch machinery is making flexible packaging more accessible, offering speed, versatility, and hygiene in a compact, operator-friendly design.
Anne Marie Mohan
Senior Editor, Packaging World
Nexes Premade Bag Machine
AlliedFlex Technologies, Inc.
The system features servo-driven grippers that precisely position and open the premade film pouches for filling.
The machine’s compact footprint means it can be placed beneath an existing stackup.
Nexes Premade Bag Machine
AlliedFlex Technologies, Inc.
Key Features
The Nexes can fill bags from 95 g to 5 kg at speeds to 100/min, depending on the model.
Fast Changeover
High Speed
Operator Friendly
Small Footprint
Smart HMI
Eriez
SenseGuard X-ray Systems
AI-enabled Inspection
Uses AI-enhanced imaging to detect both metallic and non-metallic contaminants while also verifying fill levels and seal integrity in real time.
Targeted Versatility
Includes four specialized models, each designed for different inspection needs.
AI is changing how inspection works, and the SenseGuard X-ray is a good example. It uses smart imaging to catch more contaminants and verify quality in one seamless process.
Anne Marie Mohan
Senior Editor
SenseGuard X-ray Systems
Eriez
All models are designed for demanding environments and feature stainless steel construction, IP65 washdown ratings, and built-in rejection options.
SenseGuard X-ray Systems
Eriez
Key Features
The line is available in four series: the XRP for packaged goods, the XRB for raw, unpackaged bulk materials, the XRS for upright containers, and the XRL for liquid and semi-solid pipelines.
Robotic
Fanuc
M710iD Robotic Palletizer
Food-rated
Comes with food-grade grease, a stainless steel face plate, and epoxy paint to help the robot withstand the washdown environment of the food industry.
Versatility
From cases to totes to crates to pails, this is a good solution for robotic palletizing in a washdown environment.
This is a fully-enclosed IP67-rated robotic palletizer with a 50-kg payload that is specifically designed for food industry applications.
Pat Reynolds
Contributing Editor
M710iD Robotic Palletizer
Fanuc
Food companies need robotic palletizers suitable for washdown environments.
Shown here picking and placing bags of tortillas, this new robotic palletizer is suitable for any food company.
M710iD Robotic Palletizer
Fanuc
Key Features
Handles up to 50-kg payload and it's IP67-rated.
BEGIN SPONSORED CONTENT
High Tek USA, Inc.
High Tek T2 Weigher
Compact T2 Weighing & Bagging Machine System
The High Tek USA T2 is a compact, entry-level weighing and bagging solution designed for small to medium production runs. It delivers reliable accuracy, easy operation, and a space-saving footprint.
Compact T2 Weighing & Bagging Machine System
High Tek T4 delivers fast, accurate multihead weighing for dry or wet products.
M16 Multihead Weigher
High Tek M16 delivers high-speed, high-accuracy weighing for demanding production environments.
Mini Weigher System
High Tek Mini Weigher delivers precise, reliable weighing for snacks, fresh, and frozen foods.
END SPONSORED CONTENT
Energy Efficient
Fast Changeover
High Speed
Festo
HPSX Pneumatic Gripper
Hygienic Handling
A robot gripper tool specially designed for hygienic environments and sensitive products like delicate or irregularly shaped food items.
Gentle Gripping
It uses soft, silicone-based gripper fingers, particularly suited for handling items that might be easily damaged by rigid tooling.
There is a growing need in the food, pharma, and cosmetics industries for tooling that can handle delicate, irregularly shaped products in hygienic environments.
Anne Marie Mohan
Senior Editor, Packaging World
HPSX Pneumatic Gripper
Festo
The HPSX pneumatic soft gripper can withstand acceleration up to 15 g force while holding up to 1.1 lb.
HPSX Pneumatic Gripper
Festo
Key Features
The gripper is corrosion resistant, features a sanitary design, has a high-pressure washdown rating of IP69K, and uses materials that are food-grade and metal-detectable.
Operator Friendly
High Speed
Fast Changeover
Smart HMI
Small Footprint
nVenia (Duravant)
Rapid CL26 Vertical Bagger
Fast Vertical Bagger
Continuous motion design delivers up to 100 bags per minute with smooth operation and high efficiency.
Change Sizes on the Fly
Tool-free, touchscreen adjustments let operators switch formats instantly—no new forming tubes or collars required.
The Rapid CL26 from nVenia shows that speed doesn’t have to come at the expense of simplicity—its clean design, intuitive HMI, and tool-free changeovers set a new standard for vertical baggers.
Matt Reynolds
Chief Editor, Packaging World
Rapid CL26 Vertical Bagger
nVenia (Duravant)
Hygienic frame and easy-clean design meet modern food safety and sanitation standards for 24/7 uptime.
Intuitive HMI with simple size selection ensures user-friendly operation and fast onboarding for any skill level.
Rapid CL26 Vertical Bagger
nVenia (Duravant)
Key Features
nVenia’s Rapid CL26 vertical form/fill/seal machine combines continuous motion, hygienic design, and intuitive touchscreen control. With tool-free size changes and speeds up to 100 bags per minute, it’s built for high-efficiency, flexible packaging operations.
Pattyn (Duravant)
Razim-51 Bag Inserter
Accurate Bag Placement
Automatically makes, cuts, and inserts gusseted bags into boxes or crates with precise, hygienic alignment.
Flexible, High-Speed Design
Handles multiple box sizes and heights at up to 15 cases per minute, with single or double liner capability.
The RAZIM-51 elevates bag-in-box automation with precision and hygiene, accurately forming liners on the fly for a cleaner, faster bulk packaging process.
Matt Reynolds
Chief Editor, Packaging World
Razim-51 Bag Inserter
Pattyn (Duravant)
15-inch HMI simplifies operation and adjustments, while low energy consumption keeps operating costs minimal.
Integrated plunger and V-shaped guillotine ensure consistent bag forming and clean cuts for reliable performance.
Razim-51 Bag Inserter
Pattyn (Duravant)
Key Features
Pattyn’s RAZIM-51 bag inserter forms and inserts gusseted liners from roll film into boxes at up to 15 cases per minute. With hygienic design, servo precision, and flexible handling for multiple box sizes, it delivers perfect seals, low energy use, and fully automated performance.
High Speed
Sacmi
VPS 40C
Versatile Packaging Applications
Designed to handle snacks, crackers, grains, and other dry goods, providing flexibility across product categories.
Multiple Bag Styles
Capable of producing block-bottom bags, pillow bags, and other custom formats to suit various retail or bulk packaging needs.
VPS 40C
Sacmi
Reaches 100–130 bags per minute, depending on the bag type and product characteristics, ensuring efficient throughput.
VPS 40C
Sacmi
Key Features
This new integrated vertical packaging solution is designed for a wide range of food applications, including snacks, crackers, and grains. It combines high performance, flexibility, and precise, efficient bagging for multiple product and material types.
BEGIN SPONSORED CONTENT
Heat and Control, Inc.
Small Bag Snack Packaging
High-Speed Snack Packaging Built for Small Bags
Capable of 220 bags per minute, our small-bag solution combines precision weighing, highly sensitive metal detection, and high-speed bagging to maximize throughput and efficiency for multi-pack formats.
A Symphony of Seasoning Technology
Accurately apply seasoning using technologies that control fugitive dust and reduce ingredient waste
Cascade Water Recirculation
Achieve up to 75% reduction in fresh water consumption for raw produce preparation processes.
FastBack® 4.0 Horizontal Motion Conveyor
Ultimate product handling performance with the industry's highest travel rates & flow rate capacity.
END SPONSORED CONTENT
Syntegon
Amplified Heat Sealing (AHS) Technology
Seal Integrity Even for Mono Films
AHS combines rotational and linear motion to create tighter, more consistent heat seals, and it's ideal for mono-material films.
Gentle, High-Speed Precision
Enables reliable sealing quality at any speed while protecting delicate bar and bakery products in flow wrapping lines.
AHS is a breakthrough for sustainable packaging. It gives brands the confidence to run mono-material films at high speed without sacrificing seal strength or product protection.
Matt Reynolds
Chief Editor, Packaging World
Amplified Heat Sealing (AHS) Technology
Syntegon
Integrated on Syntegon’s HCM flow wrapper, AHS ensures repeatable sealing performance across varying process speeds and materials.
Digital tools like Guide-by-Light, Logbook, and 3D Error View streamline troubleshooting and enhance operator efficiency.
Amplified Heat Sealing (AHS) Technology
Syntegon
Key Features
Syntegon’s Amplified Heat Sealing (AHS) technology combines rotational and linear motion for stronger, more consistent seals—especially on recyclable mono-material films. Featured on the HCM flow wrapper, AHS pairs with digital tools to boost uptime, precision, and sustainability.
-Downsized_DB.jpg)
Operator Friendly
System Technology, Inc.
ThermoDrive Belt Conveyor
Versatile
This conveyor is designed for candy manufacturing, and allows operators to run product with or without wrappers.
Hygienic Design
An SEW-Eurodrive motor supports washdown capability, contributing to the conveyor's sanitary design.
A fully washdown capable conveyor not only simplifies cleaning for operators, but supports food safety and quality assurance as well.
Casey Flanagan
Associate Editor, ProFood World
ThermoDrive Belt Conveyor
System Technology, Inc.
This conveyor is designed for confectionery operations, able to handle candy without a wrapper.
ThermoDrive Belt Conveyor
System Technology, Inc.
Key Features
System Technology, Inc. uses an SEW-Eurodrive stainless steel motor for this confectionery-focused conveyor, providing washdown capability.
High Speed
Operator Friendly
TNA Solutions
conti-pro PEL3 Fryer
High Capacity
This continuous fryer handles up to 600 kg of pellets per hour, moving product through the fryer in about 12 seconds.
Automated CIP
An integrated clean-in-place system allows for efficient cleaning without operator intervention.
A continuous fryer with integrated oil management and clean-in-place technology helps operators maintain quality while minimizing downtime, contributing to higher throughput.
Casey Flanagan
Associate Editor, ProFood World
conti-pro PEL3 Fryer
TNA Solutions
This fryer combines high-capacity production with efficient oil management and a clean-in-place design.
conti-pro PEL3 Fryer
TNA Solutions
Key Features
This fryer includes an external filtration and heating system, circulating the oil at full flow through a filter and heat exchanger before sending the heated oil back into the fryer.
For Smaller Companies
WMD Equipment
Semi-Automatic Dry Filler
Versatile Product Handling
This filler can handle product as small as rice or granular foods, or larger items like pretzels or pre-wrapped hard candies.
Modular
The filler's modular design allows it to be integrated into a larger system and become fully automated.
As CPGs look to scale efficiently, semi-automatic systems like this bridge the gap between manual and fully automated filling, offering flexibility for growing operations.
Casey Flanagan
Associate Editor, ProFood World
Semi-Automatic Dry Filler
WMD Equipment
The filler includes an HMI screen for operator control.
Semi-Automatic Dry Filler
WMD Equipment
Key Features
This semi-automatic dry filler can handle products of various sizes and be integrated with other equipment for a fully automatic setup.
BEGIN SPONSORED CONTENT
Schubert North America LLC
Schubert Core
Same Schubert Technology. Different Size.
At the core of our technology platform are TLM, lightline, and tog.—three complementary machine concepts built with the same intelligent Schubert engineering and designed to scale across a wide range of applications.
%5B96%5D.png)
TLM - Top Loading Machine
High performance and tailored solutions in a compact footprint, even for complex applications.
lightline – Standardized for Simplicity
Ideal for manufacturers looking for reliable performance without the need for extensive customization.
tog. – Built for Versatility
Delivers flexible, transformable packaging with easy changeovers and future-ready adaptability.
END SPONSORED CONTENT
Baking & Snack
Innovations Report
Materials
Sustainable / Recyclable
Tipa
TipaPaper Compostable Barrier Paper
Home Compostable
A selection of home-compostable paper laminates with a natural, paper-like look and feel.
Barrier Performance
Offers barrier protection against moisture, UV, gases, aromas, oils, and grease.
As brand owners and consumers look for paper-based and compostable options, TIPA’s barrier papers offer a sustainable alternative without sacrificing product protection or shelf appeal.
Anne Marie Mohan
Senior Editor, Packaging World
TipaPaper Compostable Barrier Paper
Tipa
TipaPaper three-ply laminates feature white paper on the outside and either a transparent or a metallized barrier on the inside.
Among the applications are salty snacks, confectionery, tea, aromatic herbs, grains, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, dry pasta, cereals, powders, and supplements.
TipaPaper Compostable Barrier Paper
Tipa
Key Features
The metallized film can be used for pillow bags, SUPs, zipper bags, and sachets; the paper with transparent liner can be used for SUPs or sachets. They can be run on pouch machines and on vertical and horizontal form/fill/seal packaging lines.
BEGIN SPONSORED CONTENT
FANUC America Corporation
FANUC CRX-10iA
Automated Cake Decorating with FANUC CRX
Ideal for bakery environments, FANUC’s line of food-grade CRX cobots offer manual guided teaching and flexible programming to deliver reliable and precise automation.
Easy Baked Good Cutting with FANUC SCARA Robots
Designed for ready-to-eat bakery environments, FANUC’s food-grade SCARA robot guided by iRVision 3DV/400 cameras, can support picking, placing and cutting baked goods.
Vision-Assisted Load and Unload with FANUC CRX
With integrated vision, this extended-reach FANUC CRX cobot can load and unload baked goods from an oven. A dual-cobot system creates even greater flexibility in reducing manual labor in bakery operations.
Picking and Packing with FANUC Delta Robots
Designed for speed and versatility in food handling, FANUC’s DR series of Delta robots make programming, cleaning and sanitizing easy, offering impressive payload, speed and reach.
END SPONSORED CONTENT
No items found.
Baking & Snack
Innovations Report
Inspection/Detection
_HA.jpg)
High Speed
Operator Friendly
Fast Changeover
Smart HMI
Key Technology (Duravant)
COMPASS Optical Sorter
Dual-Camera Vision
This optical sorter combines a four-channel RGB-IR camera and a short wave IR camera, along with a customizable LED lighting setup, for optimal machine vision.
High Speed and Accuracy
The sorter can spot and remove defects of color, shape, texture, or other material properties as the product quickly passes through.
A high-speed and accurate optical sorter helps food producers to ensure food safety and product quality, while also reducing waste by removing unwanted product with precision.
Casey Flanagan
Associate Editor, ProFood World
COMPASS Optical Sorter
Key Technology (Duravant)
A smartphone app-style HMI enables easy operation; Operators can create new recipes in under 10 minutes and quickly switch between different products.
COMPASS Optical Sorter
Key Technology (Duravant)
Key Features
This system is designed to support sanitation with open architecture, sloped surfaces, and sensor and light windows positioned away from product splatter.
High Speed
Pepperel+Fuchs
Volume 3D
Power Couple
Combined input from a R2300 LiDAR Line Scanner and a rotary encoder provides real-time 3D measurements with a one-millimeter resolution.
Application Example
On a bakery production line, the technology can provide a detailed scan of the surface of bread loaves for quality control.
Combining two proven technologies in a novel way provides a powerful path to robust inspection.
Rick Lingle
Contributing Editor
Volume 3D
Pepperel+Fuchs
Brand owners remain on the lookout for ways to optimize product inspection, especially in high-speed operations.
Volume 3D
Pepperel+Fuchs
Key Features
Combining the inputs from a R2300 LiDAR Line Scanner and rotary encoder into a control system with software permits high-resolution 3D scans.
Fast Changeover
Operator Friendly
Rotex Group
Ultrex
Single-operator Changeovers
Fewer line stoppages and lower labor costs during product shifts.
Tool-free Access
Improved uptime because no special tools are needed for routine screen swaps.
Given the rise in allergen management, dust control, and cross‐contamination prevention, features like sealed access doors and dust-mitigation are increasingly relevant.
Derrick Teal
Editor-in-Chief, ProFood World
Ultrex
Rotex Group
The screener is designed with low-step panels, easy-grip handles, and lock-out / tag-out ready design for maintenance interventions.
Ultrex
Rotex Group
Key Features
Intended for handling dry or semi-dry bulk materials, the screener accommodates rugged processing in food-ingredient, powder, or particulate streams.
Operator Friendly
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Sentinel 4000 Metal Detector
Multi-frequency Detection
Multi-frequency detection helps reject certain metals that are not detected at some frequencies.
Five Frequencies at Once
This greatly improves probability of detection.
This system is fully integrated with Thermo Fisher's Sentinel platform electronics and includes a Festo pneumatic cylinder that rejects product along with detected metal.
Pat Reynolds
Contributing Editor
Sentinel 4000 Metal Detector
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Not all metals are detected at the same frequency, and this multi-frequency system is designed to address this.
Drop-through metal detector includes a Festo pneumatic cylinder to reject product containing metal.
Sentinel 4000 Metal Detector
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Key Features
The 4000 metal detector is fully integrated with Thermo Fisher's Sentinel electronics.
Small Footprint
Operator Friendly
Smart HMI
Wipotec
SC-40 Modular X-ray
Detector Flexibility
Choices include diode array detector, dual-energy detector, photon-counting detector, or high-end TDI (Time-Delay-Integration) camera technology.
Hygienic Structural Design
Full laser-cut frame with no hollow sections, paired with stainless-steel conveyor decks.
SC-40 Modular X-ray
Wipotec
Tool-less belt exchange reduces downtime and simplifies maintenance access.
SC-40 Modular X-ray
Wipotec
Key Features
With its modular design, advanced detector options, and hygienic build, the Wipotec SC-40 supports both current production needs and future upgrades.
Baking & Snack
Innovations Report
Processing Equipment
Operator Friendly
Small Footprint
Gericke
Nibbler, FEEDOS S, and Rotary Valve
Robust Granulator
The Nibbler reduces lumps and agglomerates into uniform particle sizes without damaging the product. Designed for rework, post-drying, or pre-mixing operations.
Volumetric Feeder
FEEDOS S ensures precise and consistent dosing of powders, granules, and flakes in hygienic environments. Has a compact footprint, quick-clean design, and reliable performance.
Nibbler, FEEDOS S, and Rotary Valve
Gericke
These products are designed to meet specific application requirements.
The Nibbler, FEEDOS S, and Rotary Valve.
Nibbler, FEEDOS S, and Rotary Valve
Gericke
Key Features
Gericke displays powder handling products suitable for food & beverage, as well as pharmaceutical applications.
Small Footprint
Operator Friendly
PFM Packaging Machinery Corp.
Gasparin Bread Slicer/bagger
Slices and Bags
Introduced by PFM was the Gasparin system that slices loaves of bread, bags them, and applies a Kliklok closure.
Single Source
PFM supplies everything needed for bread slicing and bagging.
Gasparin, now a part of PFM, has come up with a comprehensive slice/bag/clip system that occupies a compact space.
Pat Reynolds
Contributing Editor
Gasparin Bread Slicer/bagger
PFM Packaging Machinery Corp.
Multiple packaging operations combined in a system having a compact footprint is a trend that never goes away.
Compact footprint, band slicing, loading of sliced bread into wicketed bags, and application of a Kliklok closure all take place in one compact system.
Gasparin Bread Slicer/bagger
PFM Packaging Machinery Corp.
Key Features
Combining multiple packaging operations in a single flow.
Operator Friendly
Smart HMI
PPM Technologies (Duravant)
FlavorWright All-in-One Seasoning and Coating
All-in-One Integration
This equipment combines all the subsystems required to apply liquids and/or dry powders to snack food products like chips, nuts, or cereals.
HMI Recipe Control
A touchscreen HMI allows operators to control the machine's operations, including inputting, storing, and editing recipes.
An integrated all-in-one system like this can provide smaller companies with a compact solution to cover every step, and give larger companies a flexible R&D tool.
Casey Flanagan
Associate Editor, ProFood World
FlavorWright All-in-One Seasoning and Coating
PPM Technologies (Duravant)
A dry powder hopper stores seasoning and meters it onto the product, and an oil dispenser is positioned inside the tumbling drum.
FlavorWright All-in-One Seasoning and Coating
PPM Technologies (Duravant)
Key Features
The FlavorWright system's electrical controls are housed in an IP65-rated washdown control cabinet for easy cleaning, and a touchscreen HMI puts full recipe control at the operator's fingertips.
Baking & Snack
Innovations Report
No items found.
Baking & Snack
Innovations Report
No items found.
Baking & Snack
Innovations Report
No items found.
Our Editors
Matt Reynolds
Chief Editor
Packaging World
.jpg)
Anne Marie Mohan
Senior Editor
Packaging World
.jpg)
Elisabeth Cuneo
Editor in Chief
Healthcare Packaging
Derrick Teal
Editor in Chief
ProFood World
Sean Riley
Editor in Chief
OEM Magazine
.jpg)
Lilián Robayo Páez
Editor in Chief
Mundo EXPO PACK
.jpg)
Silvia Gamba
Editor
Mundo EXPO PACK
Casey Flanagan
Associate Editor
Packaging World
.jpg)
Patrick Reynolds
Contributor
Packaging World
Rick Lingle
Contributor
Packaging World
We'd love to hear your feedback!
editors@pmmimediagroup.com
Enjoying this preview?
The complete report reveals many more
game-changing innovations.
