The global hardware industry is set to converge in Cologne, Germany, as the Internationale Eisenwarenmesse (International Hardware Fair) opens its doors from March 3rd to 6th, 2024. This premier trade fair, back in its regular schedule after a hiatus, promises to be a vibrant showcase of the latest innovations and trends shaping the industry.

A Gathering of Giants:

Over 3,000 exhibitors from more than 50 countries will descend upon Cologne, transforming the city into a hub of cutting-edge hardware. From established industry leaders to enterprising newcomers, the fair boasts a diverse range of participants eager to unveil their latest creations.

A Kaleidoscope of Hardware:

For those seeking the ultimate in luxury and comfort on the open water, the Lagoon 60 catamaran emerges as a captivating option. This exceptional vessel, meticulously crafted by the renowned Lagoon brand, seamlessly blends spacious living areas, top-notch performance, and unparalleled style, offering an unforgettable cruising experience.

A Masterful Design:

The Lagoon 60's design is a testament to both functionality and aesthetics. The brainchild of the esteemed VPLP Design naval architects and adorned with the elegant lines of Patrick le Quément, the catamaran boasts a wide beam of 9.87 meters and an innovative flybridge layout, creating ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The expansive cockpit seamlessly merges with the saloon, fostering an open and inviting atmosphere, while large windows bathe the interior in natural light, further enhancing the feeling of spaciousness.

Unparalleled Comfort:

At interpack, Schütz will be presenting numerous packaging innovations and world premieres from the IBC, plastic and steel drums and plastic jerrycan sectors.
The requirements and tasks for packaging in the supply chain have increased significantly in recent years. Serving supply chains worldwide and transporting goods both safely and sustainably is main focus of interpack 2023. Schütz is highlighting this issue under the motto “Containing everything that matters” and is placing its solutions at the centre of its trade fair presentation. On 650 square metres, the company will be presenting numerous new products and services for a forward-thinking circular economy, which allows users to optimise their packaging value chain for maximum economic and environmental benefits.
 

The new SC1 canister series expands Schütz’s product portfolio to include storage and transport solutions for small filling quantities from 5 litres to 30 litres.
With the SC1 jerrycan series, Schütz is presenting a new plastic container for smaller filling quantities at interpack. The new product guarantees the highest quality and convenient, clean handling. With their innovative design, these jerrycans offer a high degree of stability, easy and safe stackability and optimum emptying. The jerrycans are available in different sizes and variants and are suitable for a wide range of applications.
 

The drum shell is manufactured in a special laser welding process by butt welding the sheet metal together. The result is a high-quality, smooth and clean weld seam.

he Ecobulk SX-D with a filling volume of 1000 litres can be used in EX Zones 1 + 2 and is also suitable for highly sensitive areas, where protection against fire and leakage, and risk minimisation have top priority.
The transport and storage of flammable hazardous liquids are among the greatest challenges in packaging management. Schütz has developed the Ecobulk SX-D specifically to offer maximum protection for these products even under extreme conditions and in critical areas. The SX-D container has a closed, fire-resistant steel outer shell. After a rigorous fire test and a comprehensive audit of the Schütz production facility, the Ecobulk SX-D was the first ever composite IBC to be awarded the “FM Approved” seal by the commercial property insurance group FM Global.
 

With the Schütz Drumfix load securing system, packaging expert Schütz offers a new cost-effective, single-use system for the secure transport of steel drums. Four drums, either empty or filled, can be securely fixed on a pallet using the Drumfix elements.
The Schütz Drumfix load securing system by packaging expert Schütz is a new cost-effective, single-use system for the safe transport of steel drums. The new system allows four drums, either empty or filled, to be securely fixed to a pallet with the Drumfix elements. The cargo unit formed in this way absorbs all horizontal forces and is optimally secured even at inclinations of 45 degrees. The Schütz Drumfix securing elements are made of reinforced plastic, which Schütz recycles from used packaging components, and are certified according to EUMOS 40509 and other standards.
 

The IBCs and PE drums of the Schütz Green Layer range are ideally suited as ecological packaging for numerous applications. Customers benefit from the high recycled content, low weight and maximum safety that the product range offers.
Saving CO₂ is becoming increasingly important in the packaging industry. With the European Green Deal and the Action Plan for the Circular Economy, the European Union has defined the future framework conditions for this. One central measure is the use of plastic recyclate in packaging. Schütz is one of the pioneers in this field, and will be demonstrating this at interpack 2023 with its Green Layer product line.

The FC / CC stopper is used to ventilate the containers quickly and safely during emptying. The Breather System allows IBCs to be emptied without having to open the screw cap.
Schütz is continuously developing and refining its IBCs and their components. At interpack 2023, the packaging specialist will be presenting the CC / FC Breather, a new ventilation system especially for IBCs of the Cleancert (CC) and Foodcert (FC) series. The company is  also presenting a version of the Automatic Lock bung closure system, currently available for drums, for use in IBCs, as well as the prototype of a new 3-skid steel pallet for transporting heavy loads.

For the automated transport of IBCs on conveyor belts, the packaging expert Schütz has developed a completely new frame pallet made of plastic. Due to its special geometry, the pallet is optimised for forward and sideways transport, and also offers a stable base for lifting heavy loads.
Even in ultra-modern, automated warehouses, it is essential that transporting IBCs is a safe and trouble-free process. To address this need, packaging expert Schütz examined the specific requirements for these applications and developed a completely new frame pallet made entirely of plastic. The special geometry makes it particularly suitable for horizontal transport on conveyor belts and handling in fully-automatic, high-bay warehouses. The new plastic frame pallet is extremely robust and stable, as well as UN-certified and sustainable when suitably reconditioned and reused.