Interpack 2026 live: Schubert highlights machines for cost optimization amid trade hurdles

Cost optimization is one of the biggest trends at Interpack 2026, according to Peter Schubert, head of design engineering at Gerhard Schubert. 

At the ongoing trade show in Düsseldorf, Germany, the family-run packaging company is presenting a new generation of its classic top-loading packaging machines (TLM) and two highly standardized machine ranges. 

“One is the Lightline range of standard machines offering specific solutions to specific packaging tasks, and the other is the tog family, which are individual production cells for single packaging steps. For example, pick & place, erecting, filling, or closing, each via a separate, specific cell,” Schubert tells Packaging Insights. 

“On TLM, there’s one big piece of news. We have the new generation of our machines, offering a frame that is four times stiffer and optimized robotic tools. We also went from decentralized cells in the control system to one central control.”

Cost efficiency

He notes that, as cost remains the biggest current trend, and machinery investments can be too expensive for the market, Schubert is working on making its solutions more cost-efficient.

Peter Schubert, head of design engineering at Gerhard Schubert.“It’s because of the global situation we have at the moment — our biggest market is Europe. After that, it’s the US, and the US tariff strategy is a little problematic for us,” says Schubert.

“The competition from China is also affecting European businesses, as these solutions come with a lower price. That’s the reason why we have to also change our machines in a way that we can be more cost-efficient.”

Speaking of prices, Schubert also addresses how the ongoing supply chain issues are affecting the company. 

“Most of our suppliers come from around our factory in Crailsheim, Germany. During COVID-19, we did not really face issues getting our materials or the components we needed. This is also because we have deep production; we build our own robots.”

“We have had problems with chips, and at the moment, we have more or less the same situation.”

He argues that while it’s a difficult time economically, there were also economic difficulties in the 1990s, which were tackled successfully. “We’ll see what the future brings, but it’s important to stay positive.”

AI utilization

In addition to the new software development for the TLM machines, Schubert is also adopting AI in its operations.

Schubert's Lightline range packaging machine presented at Interpack 2026.“AI is always a buzzword, and there are two different ways we think about it. We have AI-based aspects of our machines and the processes around our machines. For example, we make the movements of the robots AI-based. This gives us a smoother movement of the robots, which also makes them faster.”

“We have an increase of 20% in the performance of our robots, which means fewer robots for the same performance, lower footprint, and cost.”

Material flexibility 

Schubert says that environmental sustainability considerations are a key aspect of projects, adding that the company is prepared for compliance with EU regulations like the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. 

“For example, if there is a picker line, usually there are plastic trays or plastic foils. What we can also offer is systems that process paper-based foils and cartons. In this way, we remain flexible for customers. If they need something, we could make some technological changes even after they buy a machine.”

“If a company makes plastic trays and after a while needs carton trays, that’s a machine change we can deliver.”

Schubert’s Packaging Competence Center is focused on developing new packaging concepts and ensuring the sustainability of the final packaging solutions.