At interpack 2026, COPA-DATA will present its zenon platform for integrating process automation, data management and modular production in packaging environments.

Here, Emilian Axinia, Director Industry Management Sustainability Solutions and F&B at automation supplier COPA-DATA examines the current HMI challenges of OEMs in the Food & Beverage industry.

COPA-DATA will be presenting its zenon Software Platform at drinktec 2022 in Munich from September 12 to 16. In hall A3, booth 424, the specialist for industrial software will demonstrate how companies can innovatively shape the digital transformation process towards sustainable production.

It’s estimated that for every kilogram of drug made in the pharmaceutical industry, 100kg of waste is produced. Manufacturing faces the need to become more efficient and sustainable, and waste production is one area for improvement. Here I explain how pharmaceutical manufacturers can use automation to improve production line processes and reduce waste.

Faced with dwindling product and innovation cycles, the manufacturing industry requires more flexibility. To ease automating modular production equipment, User Association of Automation Technology in Process Industries (NAMUR) has created a manufacturer-independent standard called Module Type Package (MTP), which has now been adopted by COPA-DATA’s zenon software platform. Here, Johannes Petrowisch, Managing Director of COPA-DATA CEE/ME explains how this standard will revolutionize entire industries but especially the process industry.

Future-proofing food and beverage production. Food and beverage production typically involves complex equipment that is often developed and added to over time. Readying these installations to meet future requirements requires an update to the automation, monitoring and control systems involved.

How many steps does it take to make a cup of tea? Before those tiny leaves make their way to your mug, they have been rolled, fermented, sieved, inspected and bagged in a factory — not to mention the process of adding strings, tags and specialist packaging.