interpack 2026: Hugo Beck to unwrap plastic-free transport solution

Hugo Beck, a global leader in horizontal film and paper packaging technology, has announced it will unveil the paper S — a compact sleeve wrapping machine designed specifically to replace plastic shrink film and bulky cardboard in transport packaging — at interpack 2026.

The launch marks a significant shift for secondary packaging, offering FMCG producers and retail-ready operations a high-speed, resource-conscious alternative for securing products in or without trays. By utilising a tight kraft paper wrap instead of traditional heat-shrunk plastic, the system addresses the dual industry pressures of reducing plastic waste and lowering energy consumption.

The paper S has been engineered for seamless integration into existing production lines. Its compact, space-saving footprint makes it an ideal drop-in solution for facilities where floor space is at a premium. Unlike traditional shrink tunnels that require massive energy loads to heat plastic film, the Hugo Beck system uses an optimised hot-melt gluing process to overlap and secure the paper, providing a stable, puncture-resistant bundle for transport.

“The introduction of the paper S represents a logical next step in our sustainable strategy,” said Jonas Beck, managing director at Hugo Beck. “Our aim is always to support our clients to meet evolving regulatory demands. We are offering a practical solution for reducing plastic usage and minimising cardboard consumption while maintaining the reliability our clients expect.”

The machine’s performance is underpinned by a close technical collaboration with paper giant Mondi. At the interpack demonstrations (Stand A74, Hall 11), the unit will be running Mondi’s Ad/Vantage StretchWrap, an uncoated kraft paper weighing just 70gsm.

Despite its low weight, this specific substrate offers:

• High puncture resistance: ensuring stability during the rigors of palletisation and transit.
• Exceptional tensile absorption: leveraging high-stretch characteristics to maintain a tight wrap without tearing.
• Circular credentials: the material is both industrially compostable and fully recyclable in conventional paper streams.

To meet the diverse needs of modern factories, the paper S is designed as an operator-friendly, low-maintenance system. It can be further customised with optional digital printing units for late-stage branding, as well as integrated labelling and automation components.

For the trade, the move highlights a growing trend: the paperisation of the warehouse. As manufacturers look to hit 2030 sustainability targets, the ability to move away from energy-intensive shrink tunnels toward ambient-temperature paper wrapping offers a clear path to both lower carbon footprints and reduced material overheads.