SMC at interpack 2026: Efficiency, electrification and wireless connectivity for the next generation of packaging machines

Save energy and boost output with vacuum applications, electric drives, wireless technology and the latest generation of cooling and temperature control units: less compressed air, application flexibility and digital transparency for the packaging industry of tomorrow

Interpack in Düsseldorf (7–13 May 2026) is regarded as the driving force behind innovation in the packaging industry. In this context, SMC demonstrates how energy efficiency, CO₂ reduction, rapid format changes and digital transparency can be combined in a practical way – from end-of-arm tools to networked production processes.

Energy efficiency, 4-bar Factory and CO₂ reduction: A holistic approach to sustainable production

With the 4-bar Factory, SMC is establishing a practical approach that begins not with the machine, but with the plant infrastructure. The gradual reduction of operating pressure – for example, from 6–7 bar to 4 bar – reduces compressor load and leakage losses, thereby sustainably lowering energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. The prerequisite: compatible components such as the ZKJ series ejectors, which deliver stable performance even at low pressure and significantly reduce air consumption.

At the same time, it is clear that efficiency gains cannot be achieved solely through the compressed air side. Where precise movements need to be performed in a more controllable or energy-efficient manner, electrification complements pressure optimisation. Both approaches – optimised compressed air and electric drives – are pathways to greater sustainability.

The EQ series of electric actuators offers an alternative to pneumatic actuators: they are controlled just as easily as pneumatic actuators. This means that existing control programmes do not need to be modified. This simplifies the transition and reduces commissioning times as well as CO₂ emissions.

Another key focus is on the electrification of motion processes. The EQ series electric actuator with integrated controller can be controlled in the same way as a pneumatic actuator, meaning that existing control programmes for pneumatic actuators can be adopted without any modifications. Commissioning is quick and easy using the Easy Setup software. The EQ has a small footprint, and the energy-efficient bipolar motor directly contributes to CO₂ and energy targets. “Electric precision without the hurdles: the EQ reduces wiring and configuration effort to a minimum and enables a quick transition to more energy-efficient motion control,” explains Mohamed Boudouhi, Product Manager for electric drives and electro-pneumatic controllers at SMC.

Temperature control with future-proofing: CO₂ cooling and temperature control units for regulatory compliance

SMC also offers a future-proof option in the field of temperature control: with the HRSC series, SMC presents next-generation cooling and temperature control units using the natural refrigerant R744, also known as CO₂ (GWP = 1). They therefore comply with the strict F-Gas Regulation and can be integrated into existing systems as a drop-in solution. In all applications where temperatures need to be kept stable – be it laser processing systems, cooling rollers or sealing stations – the HRSC series demonstrates high quality and temperature stability of up to ±0.1 °C.

For applications where quality and hygiene are critical, the IZSW10 series rod ioniser complements the product range with a solution for the electrostatic discharge of components: The IZSW10 operates reliably in wet and dusty environments with IP protection class 66, dissipates static charge very quickly even at distances of up to 500 mm, and automatically maintains the static charge at the desired level.

End-of-arm tools: flexibility, safety and reduced complexity

The exhibition stand also focuses on compact systems that can be integrated into existing processes and systems without additional effort. These include the all-in-one vacuum unit ZKJ, which combines vacuum generation, valve technology, sensor technology and fieldbus in a single module, thereby significantly reducing cabling, installation space and set-up times. The product supports common Industrial Ethernet protocols and remains process-reliable even during power outages. Users benefit from high cycle rates, flexible scalability during frequent format changes and measurable savings in compressed air consumption – a key driver for productivity and sustainability. The ZKJ vacuum modules offer IO-Link and PROFINET functions, enabling remote monitoring, condition monitoring and optimised maintenance processes. This allows real-time data to be integrated into MES and cloud structures, forming the basis for smart factory concepts.

“Our ZKJ vacuum platform combines performance, diagnostic capabilities and connectivity in a compact form factor. This makes gripping and pick-and-place processes faster, more robust and more energy-efficient – without compromising on integration,” says Jonas Klapthor, Product Manager for Vacuum, Sensors and EOAT at SMC.

Wireless signal transmission: Greater robustness in dynamic machine areas

For modular machine concepts, SMC presents the EXW1 wireless communication module. The compact, IP67-rated system operates with high immunity to interference using frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) in the 2.4 GHz band and achieves ranges of up to 100 metres. It integrates via established protocols such as PROFINET, EtherCAT or Ethernet/IP, reduces set-up times and minimises downtime traditionally caused by cable wear and breakage. Stephan Fillinger, Product Manager for Communication Units, Directional Control Valves and Compressed Air Treatment at SMC, explains: “Wireless is the enabler for flexible, low-maintenance layouts. With the EXW1, we are securely connecting sensors, actuators and valve islands to the network – without the need for new cable harnesses or modifications to the existing design.”

Reducing complexity, increasing process stability and relieving the technical burden on machines and plants.

SMC demonstrates how efficiency, electrification and wireless connectivity can be rapidly implemented in the packaging industry: from vacuum applications, electric drives and wireless technology to the latest generation of cooling and temperature control units. The 4-bar Factory represents a proactive approach to intelligent compressed air optimisation: Based on system analyses, the working pressure is specifically reduced where processes allow – without modifications or loss of performance, but with noticeably lower compressor load, energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. In combination with networked machines and standardised data interfaces, SMC thus creates a robust, digitally transparent foundation for stable, efficient and resource-saving packaging processes.

All of SMC’s new products will be on display at interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf.

Further information is available at www.smc.de

About SMC Germany

SMC Deutschland GmbH, based in Egelsbach near Frankfurt am Main, has been operating successfully on the German market since 1978 and is one of the leading manufacturers, partners and solution providers in pneumatic and electrical automation technology.

With 32 production sites and a nationwide partner network, the group sets international standards in industrial automation tailored to customer requirements in key sectors such as the automotive industry, electrical engineering, medical technology, the packaging and food industries, and machine tool manufacturing. The product portfolio comprises more than 12,000 base models and over 700,000 variants for industry-specific solutions.

SMC Corporation was founded in Japan in 1959 and is now present in over 80 countries worldwide. As a subsidiary of the globally active SMC Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, the company combines technological excellence with global innovative strength.

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