Increasing energy prices, ambitious climate targets, and complex regulatory requirements characterize the framework conditions for the confectionery and snack industry. Resource-efficient processes are increasingly becoming a strategic success factor. From February 1 to 4, 2026, Prosweets Cologne will show how production processes can be optimized and energy consumption reduced with modern technologies. The trade fair provides guidance on which solutions support the industry on its way to more sustainable and economical value creation.
Energy efficiency as one of the guiding principles of Prosweets Cologne
Today, confectionery and snacks must be produced in a flexible, reliable, and energy-efficient manner. Guido Hentschke, Director of Prosweets Cologne and ISM Ingredients at Koelnmesse, explains that machine manufacturers and food producers face similar challenges: rising energy costs, diverse product requirements, and the expectation of a sustainable footprint. Efficient drive technology and intelligent controls can significantly reduce power consumption while increasing productivity. This helps to reduce costs and improve the carbon footprint.
Technological developments for more efficient plants
At the Prosweets Cologne exhibition center, machines and systems are presented that are modular in design, enable compact layouts, and offer additional flexibility through robot-assisted units. Integrated control cabinets, shortened cable routes, and optimized space requirements contribute to lower losses. Whether delicate chocolates or robust crackers: the more precisely the systems work, the more resource-efficient the production.
Prosweets Cologne highlights retrofit as an important lever for existing plants
Many manufacturers initially focus on modernization rather than completely new purchases. The exhibitors at Prosweets Cologne offer coordinated retrofit packages that include drive systems, controls, user interfaces, and digital diagnostic tools. Switching from IE3 motors to modern synchronous reluctance motors in efficiency class IE5 can save up to seven percent in energy. Pneumatic modules that automatically detect standby phases and disconnect the air supply also significantly reduce consumption and costs.
Sustainable packaging without adhesive
In the packaging sector, Prosweets Cologne showcases technological approaches that facilitate the transition to sustainable materials. Modern machines process both recyclable composite films and paper-based alternatives. New forming stations make it possible to form cardboard blanks into stable boxes or trays without adhesive. This saves material costs, improves recyclability, and reduces power consumption because gluing equipment is no longer needed. At the same time, cleaning costs are reduced.
Digital transparency for lower energy consumption with solutions from Prosweets Cologne
Condition monitoring and networked systems provide a precise overview of energy flows from drives, cooling, or pneumatics. They help identify weak points and reveal potential savings. At Prosweets Cologne, companies will find digital tools that transparently display energy consumption and emissions, thereby increasing process stability and efficiency. Even slight temperature fluctuations in upstream or downstream processes can lead to product deviations, which modern systems compensate for immediately.
Program highlights at Prosweets Cologne 2026
A wide-ranging program of presentations on the Talks and Tasting Stage in Hall 10.1 and on the Expert Stage in the central boulevard will provide practical solutions. The DLG supports the program with expertise from the food and agricultural industries. Inspiration will come from contributions on AI-optimized packaging processes, resilient supply chains, and innovative materials for a truly circular economy, among other topics. Prosweets Cologne thus provides concrete starting points for how the industry can shape the transition to climate-neutral, efficient, and sustainable production.
