Packaging equipment is evolving rapidly as manufacturers seek solutions that combine sustainability, speed and operational efficiency. Supporting this shift, electrical automation technology from Festo is helping power IWK Verpackungstechnik GmbH’s CABLIblue 870 blister packaging system, designed to reduce environmental impact while improving production performance.
IWK Verpackungstechnik, based in Stutensee near Karlsruhe and part of the ATS Group, is a global manufacturer of packaging machinery specialising in tube filling and cartoning systems. With the CABLIblue 870, the company is helping customers progress toward circular economy targets by enabling recyclable packaging solutions.
The CABLIblue 870 card-to-card blister system uses durable recyclable cardboard packaging and eliminates the need for plastic. It is designed for applications across medical technology, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, DIY products and other non-food sectors.
In addition to sustainability benefits, the machine delivers strong productivity gains. With an output of 22 cycles per minute, IWK says the system operates around 10% faster than the industry average. This performance is supported by the use of Festo EMMS-ST stepper motors, which enable coordinated overlapping movements for faster processing.
The stepper motor technology also contributes to lower noise levels, keeping machine sound below 72 dBA, while reducing overall power consumption. These improvements help manufacturers lower operating costs and reduce carbon emissions.
Further efficiency gains come from Festo OVEM vacuum generators, which integrate air-saving functions and system monitoring features. These capabilities help minimise compressed air usage and support predictive maintenance by monitoring vacuum performance, reducing the risk of unplanned downtime.
The handling section of the machine uses Festo EGC and ELCC electric axes to move vacuum grippers that remove completed blister packs. Packaging material magazines are positioned for easy operator access and can be refilled quickly during operation, helping reduce interruptions and improve productivity. Festo stepper motors are also used to move the magazine area toward operators during loading, improving ergonomics and reducing physical strain during repetitive tasks.
A significant portion of the development and assembly of the CABLIblue 870 was completed at IWK’s facility in Thailand. Wolfgang Konrad, Vice President Marketing & Communication at IWK, said cooperation with Festo was marked by smooth coordination and reliable support across locations. He noted that digital engineering tools used by Festo allowed development teams in Thailand and Germany to work efficiently, while local project engineering support ensured quick access to required components.
Mr Konrad added that the relationship with Festo reflects the same collaborative approach IWK maintains with its own customers, where packaging concepts are developed jointly at an early stage to ensure compatibility and performance.
Festo, headquartered in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany, is a global supplier of pneumatic and electrical automation technology serving more than 300,000 customers across over 35 industries. The company continues to invest heavily in research, development and technical training while supporting sustainable industrial progress worldwide.
