Innovation and R&D
Technologies that transform production needs into concrete solutions.
For PFM, innovating means developing technologies capable of improving the way products are packaged, protected, handled and distributed.
Research and Development is the heart of the Group’s creative process: an activity aimed at transforming original ideas into concrete industrial projects, through the synergistic work of multidisciplinary technical teams and continuous dialogue with the real needs of customers.
PFM’s innovation stems from a method: analyse the product, understand the process, design the most suitable solution and integrate different technologies into machines and lines capable of ensuring efficiency, flexibility, reliability and operational continuity.
Analyse the product
Study of the characteristics of the product to be packaged and its constraints.
Understand the process
Analysis of the customer’s production process and line requirements.
Design the solution
Development of the most suitable solution, tailored to the project.
Integrate the technologies
Different technologies into machines and lines for efficiency, flexibility and reliability.
PFM’s areas of innovation
Every innovation must generate a real benefit for the customer, in terms of performance, packaging quality, ease of management, sustainability, safety and reduced downtime.
Integrated robotics
PFM develops integrated robotic solutions to handle fragile, irregular, unstable products or those coming from unordered processes. Robotics is not treated as an external module, but as part of the line design: each system is configured according to the product, format, required speed and available space.
Over the last three years, the Group has integrated 93 robots into its applications, with a total value of orders containing at least one robot amounting to 40 million euros. The current order portfolio already includes 47 robots.
Vision systems and quality control
PFM develops customised vision systems for product inspection, measurement and defect detection.
These systems allow reliable, repeatable and accurate measurements even at high production speeds, with data saved in SQL databases. They can check colour, burns, stains, surface area, double or broken products, compliance of topping and seeds, shape and size.
Advanced sealing systems
Sealing quality is one of the most critical elements in flexible packaging. PFM develops systems designed to ensure precision, repeatability and reliability even with complex or new-generation materials.
Among the most representative innovations is the oil-bath sealing system of the Scirocco, combined with D-CAM technology, designed to offer high precision in managing pressure and torque. This solution has also been tested with mono-materials, paper-based materials with gusseting and MAP applications in modified atmosphere.
Configurable VFFS systems
In the vertical range, PFM and MBP develop an approach based on configuring the machine around the customer’s process.
Innovations include intermittent cross-sealing systems, QRM with power feedback, Box Motion, Long Dwell, customised jaw profiles, handling of standard film, paper-based laminates and recyclable mono-materials, as well as brushless vertical sealing systems with automatic positioning.
Intelligent transport systems
PFM integrates advanced intelligent transport technologies, such as Rockwell iTrack and B&R AcoposTrak, to handle pouches, products and canisters flexibly and with high precision.
Documented applications include Rockwell iTrack 5730 for smart pouch transport and B&R AcoposTrak for pouch transport and product feeding with canisters.
Ultra-hygienic solutions
In some sectors, hygiene is not just a requirement: it is a design condition. PFM develops ultra-hygienic versions designed for applications requiring sanitisation, contamination control and high cleanability.
In the Scirocco platform, the ultra-hygienic version is suited to products requiring sanitisation and to contexts where the risk of cross-contamination must be managed with particular care.
Modified atmosphere MAP
MAP technologies — Modified Atmosphere Packaging — allow the product to be packaged in a protective atmosphere, contributing to the preservation and quality of the packaged product.
PFM integrates MAP solutions into various applications and machine technologies, also in combination with advanced sealing systems and innovative materials. MAP is referenced both in the sustainable packaging project and in Scirocco applications as a relevant technological element.
Product protection
Product handling is essential, especially with fragile, irregular or high-value products. PFM develops systems to reduce impacts, drops and crushing throughout the process.
VFFS platforms include solutions such as ultra-sensitive anti-crushing systems and reduced drop height, designed to preserve product integrity.
Technologies for sustainable materials
The evolution of materials is one of the main drivers of innovation in packaging. PFM works on solutions capable of packaging with mono-material films, biodegradable materials and paper-plastic laminates.
The project “Development of innovative technologies for sustainable packaging”, carried out at the PFM site in Torrebelvicino between 2020 and 2024, led to the development and validation of two prototype machines for low-environmental-impact materials, integrating high-energy-efficiency sealing systems and MAP technologies.
Digital service and predictive maintenance
PFM’s innovation continues even after the machine is installed. With PFM Bridge, the customer can access a single digital hub that gathers machine documentation, 3D models, autonomous spare-parts selection and a direct connection with PFM for quotation requests.
PFM is also developing solutions geared towards scheduled preventive maintenance, with real-time data collection, continuous monitoring of machine conditions, early-warning systems and optimised planning of interventions.
Designing the future of packaging
Flexible packaging is evolving towards more sustainable materials, more automated lines, more controlled processes and increasingly integrated systems.
PFM addresses this transformation with a concrete vision: developing technologies that improve machine performance, simplify operators’ work, protect the product and support customers throughout the entire lifecycle of the plant.
For PFM, innovating means precisely this: transforming industrial complexity into reliable, efficient and future-ready solutions.
R&D in numbers
2024
