In the Food, Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics industries, hygiene is not an option, but a prerequisite for safe products and stable processes. Modern weighing and inspection technologies make a decisive contribution to this: they ensure correct filling quantities, detect foreign bodies and support manufacturers in reliably maintaining high quality standards. At the same time, the systems used must themselves meet the highest hygiene requirements - so that they can be cleaned quickly and economically without residue.

The basis for this is the hygienic design. Smooth stainless steel surfaces, rounded geometries, self-draining constructions and the absence of inaccessible spaces reduce the risk of microbiological contamination right from the start. "Hygiene doesn't just start with the cleaning process, it starts on the drawing board," says Nils Hubrich, Product Manager at Minebea Intec. "Risks can only be permanently minimised if the design and choice of materials are right from the start." This results in technology that protects, reduces downtimes and makes hygiene requirements manageable.

EHEDG and NSF: two perspectives, one goal

Clear guidelines are essential in hygiene-sensitive Industries. In Europe, the recommendations of the EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) provide the design framework. They describe how machines, systems and components must be designed to prevent contamination and enable effective cleaning - from surface finishes to hygienic sealing and welding concepts.

In the USA, the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) takes on a different role: it tests and certifies products on the basis of binding standards and thus confirms compliance with regulatory requirements, for example with regard to materials, product safety and manufacturing. Together, EHEDG and NSF provide a complete picture - from hygienic design to standard-compliant implementation for international markets.

Hygienically designed weighing systems

With the MiNexx^®product series, Minebea Intec covers a wide range of industrial weighing applications. The MiNexx^®Weight indicators record measurement signals highly accurately and control both simple weighing processes and complex applications such as filling or fill quantity control. In combination with the MiNexx^®3000 Weighing Platforms, which can be used as bench and floor scales, a powerful system is created for a wide range of requirements - from light loads to robust industrial applications in the high-load range.

A key feature of the MiNexx^®3000 Weighing Platforms is their consistently hygienic design. The open, self-draining design with minimised exposed horizontal surfaces prevents product residues from accumulating. "Good hygienic design can be recognised by the fact that dirt cannot accumulate in the first place," says Hubrich. "This reduces cleaning effort and increases process reliability at the same time." Hygienically designed screw connections without exposed threads in the product contact zone also help to minimise contamination risks in a targeted manner and prevent impurities from accumulating in the first place.

Surfaces as a hygienic success factor

Another focus is on the surface treatment of the Material used. The MiNexx^®3000 Weighing Platforms utilise satin-finished stainless steel surfaces that combine a homogeneous structure with high robustness. With a surface roughness of just 0.8 µm, the surfaces are particularly easy to clean and at the same time resistant to the mechanical stresses of everyday production. "Compared to electropolished surfaces, satinised structures are more robust in everyday use and just as reliable in terms of hygiene," explains Hubrich. "This is a clear advantage, especially under real production conditions."

The MiNexx^®Weight indicators also follow this approach. Stainless steel fronts with flush-mounted integrated front foil avoid edges and gaps, while high protection classes such as IP 69K enable safe high-pressure and wet cleaning. Products are NSF-certified and have been developed in accordance with EHEDG requirements - clear evidence of Minebea Intec's High hygiene standards.

Hygienic vessel weighing

Hygienic design principles also play a central role in Vessel scales. With the Novego^®weighing module, Minebea Intec shows how hygienic design can be realised down to the last detail. The integrated mounting kit consisting of 360° restraint, lift-off protection and tilt protection avoids additional transitions and contact surfaces, while minimised horizontal surfaces, low surface roughness and FDA-compliant materials support easy cleaning.

Hygiene as the basis for future-proof processes

Hygienic design is far more than just a question of constructional detail. It forms the basis for safe, stable and efficient production processes in hygienically sensitive Industries. Thinking about hygiene from the outset reduces risks, shortens cleaning and downtimes and creates trust - among auditors, customers and, ultimately, consumers.

Modern weighing and inspection technologies make a decisive contribution to this. They combine precise measurement technology with constructive hygiene concepts and make cleanliness manageable - day after day, process after process. In this way, hygiene does not become a downstream obligation, but an integral part of sustainable production.

(Madison, IN) – Madison Chemical introduces new ENVIRO-CLEAN SY-X, an in-place alkaline cleaner containing a high percentage of available chlorine in a medium duty highly sequestered formulation for maximum performance cleaning food, beverage, and dairy plants. This proven formulation is low foaming, even at high concentration and high circulation velocities, and is free rinsing in hard or soft water. High detergent activity plus high available chlorine makes this an effective and convenient product.  Formulated to perform in challenging environment, ENVIRO-CLEAN SY-X is free of phosphates, NPE surfactants, PFAS, and EDTA, and is Prop 65 compliant, so it has minimal environmental impact. ENVIRO-CLEAN SY-X is ideal for circulation in-place cleaning of equipment lines, in milk plants, breweries, and more.

This versatile cleaner is typically used at .5 to 3% by volume in the recirculating tank, never permitting the available chlorine level to fall below 50 ppm. It is generally used at temperatures from 120°F to 185°F. Surfaces being cleaned with ENVIRO-CLEAN SY-X should be thoroughly rinsed with clear water prior to or following any acid rinse.

Conditions of use vary considerably due to the extent of and differences in soils and deposits as well as the base materials from which they are removed. Madison Technical Sales Representatives are available to assist in determining dilution rates and contact times.

Before using ENVIRO-CLEAN SY-X food products and packaging materials must be removed from the room or carefully protected. After use, all surfaces must be thoroughly rinsed with potable water. ENVIRO-CLEAN SY-X is safe to use on ferrous and cuprous materials; it attacks aluminum and zinc alloys.

ENVIRO-CLEAN SY-X is part of the ENVIRO-CLEAN line of cleaning chemicals developed to provide superior cleaning performance while meeting modern environmental standards. They are designed for the increased focus on the relationship between cleaning chemistry and wastewater systems, both municipal and within production facilities. The full lineup includes a range of alkaline, acidic, and neutral products that are free of phosphates, NPE Surfactants, PFAS, and EDTA while remaining Prop 65 compliant.

Madison Chemical is a chemical formulator providing cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance products for the food and beverage processing industries.  They also produce products for surface preparation, metalworking, industrial maintenance, transportation, wastewater treatment, winery, pulp and paper, and other industries.  Since 1947 they have served customers from their Madison, Indiana headquarters and through a nationwide network of direct Technical Sales Representatives.  For additional information, visit

Herndon, Virginia; Jan. 20, 2026 — , Feb. 17–19, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, will offer several new show features and expanded educational offerings, according to PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. Celebrating its 10th year, PACK EXPO East has grown into the East Coast’s premier packaging and processing event with 500 exhibitors showcasing solutions for more than 40 vertical markets over 125,000 net square feet of exhibit space. The show features a wide range of packaging and processing machinery, from filling and labeling to automation and robotics. Attendees can see equipment in action and learn how it can improve efficiency and reliability on the production floor.

New for 2026, PACK EXPO East introduces the , designed to help brand owners, package designers, and manufacturers explore the latest advances in paperboard, glass, metal, flexible, and resealable packaging. The pavilion highlights innovations that support brand differentiation, functionality, and sustainability, including recyclable, biodegradable, and e-commerce-ready materials.

Also debuting at the show is the , presented by PMMI in partnership with Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP). This show floor destination is designed to spotlight early-stage, Pennsylvania-based companies tackling real-world industry challenges, from smart automation and predictive analytics to sustainable materials and next-gen packaging design.

The Incubator Hub aims to connect attendees with emerging technologies and entrepreneurial innovation by offering a concentrated area where startups showcase solutions that could become future standards in the industry. It positions Pennsylvania as a strong innovation ecosystem and highlights how startups contribute to economic growth, job creation, and manufacturing advancement.

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) will be able to easily identify SMB-friendly exhibitors and education sessions targeted to their companies through . The educational sessions will feature SMB- related topics on lean operations, cost-effective packaging solutions, startup supply chain strategies, and scalable technologies. Attendees can also easily identify exhibitors showcasing machinery by looking for the gear icon in the show directory.

With intuitive planning tools, SMB FastTrack makes it easy for SMBs to connect with the right suppliers — quickly and conveniently. This exclusive program helps exhibitors and attendees find each other faster, opening the door to new partnerships and opportunities for growth. New this year, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce will be on-site, showcasing resources and services to support business success.

“PACK EXPO East provides a convenient, high-impact way for packaging and processing professionals to discover solutions, connect with peers, and move projects forward,” says Laura Thompson, vice president, trade shows, PMMI. “We’re proud to be introducing exciting new features and expanding education and networking opportunities that will give attendees tools and insights to apply immediately to their operations.”

In addition to new features, PACK EXPO East 2026 will offer a robust slate of free educational programming on the show floor, including Industry Speaks and sessions led by industry experts and exhibitors. Industry Speaks topics will address timely challenges and opportunities such as 2D codes, food safety sanitation, regenerative robust gasification, pharmaceuticals packaging, and capital goods financing. Innovation Stage will feature sessions covering operational efficiency, AI, automation, next-gen packaging, workforce development, food safety, and sustainability.

Attendees also can take advantage of multiple networking opportunities, including the Taste of Philly Opening Reception, Young Professionals Networking Reception, Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network Reception, and the new Philly Snack Stop, offering complimentary local snacks directly on the show floor each day.

Attendees won’t want to miss the exclusive Vision 2030 session. This immersive, focused forum, tailored for leaders and decision-makers in the packaging and processing sectors, delivers actionable strategies and insights to help CPG companies and PMMI members advance their operations and business performance. It also provides a platform to connect with industry peers, explore emerging trends, and collaborate on solutions that drive innovation and growth. Separate registration is required, and spots are limited to ensure high-level targeted discussions.

PACK EXPO East’s first-quarter timing provides a strategic head start on 2026 projects, while its East Coast location makes it easy for teams to attend with minimal travel. Registration is $30 through Jan. 23, 2026, and increases to $130 thereafter. For more information and to register, visit

TAUNTON, Mass., January 20, 2026 — Harpak-ULMA announced a new application of the Mondini Trave Sinfonia® tray-sealing platform designed explicitly for high-volume ground-meat production. The solution delivers a higher-output, fully automated alternative to conventional tray-sealing methods — setting a new performance benchmark for producers.

Sinfonia can effectively double throughput compared to typical mechanical grind-line tray sealers, increasing output from roughly 120 packs per minute to as high as 200 packs per minute. Sinfonia's software-controlled magnetic-transport architecture delivers this dramatic performance advantage by moving trays on independent shuttles with micron-level accuracy. The innovative design eliminates belts, pusher arms, and other friction-based components that typically constrain sealing speed, especially in low-oxygen MAP applications.

Although the Sinfonia system was introduced in 2023, this marks its first application for grind-line environments, where tray control, contamination, and mechanical indexing have long limited achievable speeds.

"The competitive ceiling for grind-line tray sealing is around 120 ppm. With Sinfonia, we can engineer a 200-ppm grind line—almost a 100% throughput increase," said Carlo Bergonzi, Product Manager, Tray Sealing at Harpak-ULMA. "Sinfonia fundamentally changes what's possible in ground-meat tray-sealed packaging," he added. "By controlling each tray independently, we remove the mechanical constraints that typically dictate line speed. The result is a faster, cleaner, and far more stable tray-sealing process that simply isn't achievable with conventional systems. Given the momentum behind meat-brick formats across major retailers, this application directly addresses the performance conversations we’re hearing from processors as they head into IPPE 2026.”

The new configuration integrates portioning, dual denesting, retractable conveyor loading, and a 14-up sealing array — enabling each processing station to run at its optimal rate without being limited by fixed-pitch conveyor mechanics. With the new Sinfonia application, producers gain a consistent, contamination-resistant tray path and simplified changeovers in a compact footprint. In contrast, competitive systems rely on mechanical indexing systems that cannot independently control tray motion. Comparable throughput levels are not currently achievable using traditional technologies.

For more information, visit or call (508) 884-2500. Experience a live demonstration at one of Harpak-ULMA's Customer Experience Centers in Boston, Atlanta, or Costa Mesa, Calif. —call (508) 884-2500 to make arrangements. Visit Harpak-ULMA at IPPE on Jan. 27–29, 2026, in Atlanta at booths BC43109 & BC45111.