Empack 2026 live: Bizerba debuts CO2 leak detection system to reduce food waste

At this year’s Empack 2026, Bizerba is launching its in-line leak detection system designed for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays that use CO2, such as for fresh meat, poultry, seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and ready-to-eat meals. 

It aims to reduce food spoilage caused by gas leaks and increase shelf life. Unlike previous offline testing methods, LeakSecure checks MAP packages during production to catch errors early. 

On the show floor, Packaging Insights speaks to Ton Kommers, general manager at Bizerba, about the company’s detection system, as well as current trends in the packaging and automation market. 

“The highlight of our booth, for which we are nominated for an innovation award, is our LeakSecure automated CO2 leak detection solution. It’s designed to verify the integrity of packages during production.” 

“The purpose is to make sure that we have detected any compromised product safety, shelf life, or compliance issues before it leaves production,” adds Kommers. 

Ensuring protection 

Ton Kommers, general manager at Bizerba.Kommers notes that at Empack 2026, he is curious about identifying current trends and market gaps, helping Bizerba decide “how we can follow or how we can make our own solutions available for the market.”

Thinner films are increasingly being used in MAP packaging to reduce plastic content. However, according to Bizerba, this is also making packages more fragile, causing small holes or breaks.

Kommers adds: “We are seeing a shift towards zero defects and waste reduction strategies in the total market. The LeakSecure machine can help producers make sure that there are zero defects on a production line.”

“It can also increase product safety and brand protection, because leaking packages can damage a brand, especially when there’s a lot of them in the supermarket.” 

Traceability through automation

Kommers also says that automation and digitalization of quality control are a “hot item” in the packaging industry at the moment. 

“Our solution automatically sends all the data to the system, so there’s nothing handwritten anymore. We are entering a data-driven industry, where LeakSecure also very much complies.” 

He adds that LeakSecure ensures traceable inspection data that can be used for trend analysis and root-cause investigation. 

“This aligns with Industry 4.0 initiatives, predictive maintenance strategies, and digital quality control systems.” 

Regulation readiness

LeakSecure helps manufacturers reduce food waste, minimize material usage, and lower carbon impact, says Kommers.LeakSecure also taps into sustainability and resource efficiency, says Kommers. 

“By preventing leaks that lead to spoilage, recalls, or excessive packaging, LeakSecure helps manufacturers reduce food waste, minimize material usage, and lower carbon impact,” he adds. 

Kommers also points to the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) as “the main driver for what is going to come” in the packaging industry. 

“The PPWR is a waste reduction solution. Bizerba prevents packaging machines from reproducing false products, and it directly interferes in the production line, so there’s no waste from faulty products anymore.”

“It supports preventive and risk-based approaches because Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points legislation, for instance, prefers a proactive rather than reactive position.” 

Kommers concludes that leak-related failures often impact shelf life and label accuracy, highlighting that LeakSecure supports “consistent package performance,” helping manufacturers meet regulatory obligations.