Coesia companies ACMA and FlexLink, together with PWR, a Coesia partner, will join forces at ProSweets 2025 (February 2–5, Hall 10.1 | G049 F040) to showcase their innovative solutions for the confectionery market. The three companies will highlight sustainable paper-based packaging systems, advanced robotic technologies, and efficient material handling systems aimed at addressing the industry’s evolving needs for sustainability and operational excellence.
The highlight of the event is the FP Paper Smart Line, a solution designed for producing flow packs using paper-based materials. Fully integrated with a distribution system, it demonstrates ACMA’s ability and continuous investments to deliver comprehensive solutions beyond standalone machines. Suitable for use in food applications like confectionery, snacks, and baked goods, the system on display will package chocolate snack bars at speeds of up to 150 meters per minute in a paper Flowpack.
Suitable for food applications, such as confectionery, snacks, and baked goods, the system on display will precisely package chocolate snack bars at a speed of up to 150 meters per minute. The packaging material is provided by a leading packaging material producer. The line will also feature Optimate Premium, an advanced human-machine interface that integrates connectivity and smart functionalities, enabling operators to easily optimize machine productivity. Additionally, an integrated vision system enables precise process quality control and support remote assistance, allowing operators to identify and address any issues quickly.
FlexLink will present a compact setup of its X85 conveyor system, featuring advanced material handling technologies. The system includes a space-saving spiral elevator, a magnetic chain for vertical transportation, and solutions for efficiently handling candy tins and similar products. With its compact, modular structure, the X85 is designed to integrate seamlessly into high-speed production lines, offering improved operational efficiency and straightforward maintenance. This system addresses the complex needs of confectionery manufacturers, delivering precision and reliability for demanding production environments.
PWR, a Coesia partner, with over 25 years of experience in the Confectionery, Bakery, Convenience, Snacks, and Pet Food industries, will showcase its expertise. PWR experts will be available to discuss a tailored approach to address unique manufacturing challenges with systems that maximize productivity and support long-term goals. The company specializes in advanced robotic systems and automated lines, offering solutions that prioritize efficiency, accuracy, flexibility, and durability. Its portfolio ranges from large-scale custom systems to the newly launched Smartline range, which is comprised of compact, high-performing systems that meet the specific demands of customers’ production environments.
“At ProSweets 2025 ACMA aims to demonstrate its commitment to helping the entire industry make its products more sustainable,” says Daniele Ponzinibbi, CEO of ACMA. “Today, many studies are being conducted on new materials, starting with paper-based ones, and our engineering expertise enables us to provide effective support. This effort is further reinforced by the presence of top-tier sister companies within our group, such as PWR and FlexLink, which add even greater strength to the value proposition that Coesia can offer the market.”
“The collaboration between PWR and ACMA at ProSweets 2025 highlights the exceptional synergies within the Coesia Group,” says Peter Mellon, CEO of PWR. “By combining ACMA’s expertise in sustainable, paper-based packaging with PWR’s advanced robotic pick & place systems, we’re able to deliver integrated solutions that meet the evolving needs of the confectionery market. Together, we are driving innovation to help manufacturers achieve greater efficiency and sustainability in their operations.”
“FlexLink has almost 40 years of experience as a leading manufacturer of food handling conveyors, robotics, and automated food processing equipment,” says Lars Lindberg, CEO of FlexLink. “With a direct presence in 30 countries, we can support our customers locally for the handling of wet food, dry food, frozen food, food packaging, and more.”
Material Gate: a key asset supporting the green revolution
Material Gate will also be showcased at the fair – a patented testing unit developed within ACMA’s Sustainability Lab, specifically designed for evaluating new materials for twist-wrapping. This innovative tool facilitates trials with new wraps, playing a vital role in the development of nextgeneration packaging solutions and the upgrade of existing ACMA’s machines. It is capable of testing materials for flat or spherical products assessing their machinability and resistance to mechanical stress. Through Material Gate, ACMA partners with top packaging producers to test new packaging materials while identifying the modifications needed for customers that want to improve their ACMA machinery. This ensures the sustainable materials can be processed as efficiently as traditional ones, maintaining excellent packaging quality while reducing production downtime.
Beyond paper: ACMA’s vision for sustainable packaging
ACMA’s participation at ProSweets highlights its commitment to technical excellence and sustainability, demonstrating adaptability across various packaging sectors. At the core of this strategy are the Sustainability Lab and ACMA Next, advanced R&D hubs driving innovation in environmentally responsible packaging, technological innovation, and digitalization. Here, ACMA pioneers groundbreaking methods to develop cutting-edge solutions that reduce environmental impact without compromising quality, durability, or efficiency. ACMA offers machines that deliver equal performance with paper-based materials as with traditional packaging. Its comprehensive portfolio includes wrapping and flow packing technologies, carton box solutions, tray and sleeve options, and shipping bags, suitable for both primary and secondary packaging. Notably, packaging like the Flip Top and display trays are already widely appreciated by the confectionery market.
The Evolution of paper-based packaging in the food and confectionery industries
Paper has long been a pioneer in packaging materials, first used over two thousand years ago, and remains a sustainable and versatile choice across various industries. While it has largely been replaced by plastic as the primary and secondary packaging material over the past century, the trend has now shifted. More companies are seeking paper-based alternatives where possible. For example, eco-friendly packaging, especially for food products such as snacks, baked goods, and confectionery, is gaining popularity due to its recyclability and versatility in meeting diverse market needs. In 2023, the global paper-based packaging market, particularly within the food and confectionery sectors, was valued at USD 1.92 trillion*. The demand for such packaging is growing in emerging markets such as India and China, driven by urbanization and the rise of food delivery services. To meet this demand, ACMA is conducting comprehensive tests in collaboration with some of the industry’s leading brands. The goal, as demonstrated by the FP Paper Smart Line, is to optimize the performance of sustainable materials for both flow packing and chocolate wrapping.
