ACHEMA stands as a landmark event for the international process industries and their suppliers, and as one of the leading companies in that sector, IMA is set to have a major presence there. To learn more about what to expect from the show, which takes place from the 10th to 14th of June this year, we spoke with Thomas Fricke, IMA Pharma Commercial Director & IMA Safe Pharma & Cosmetic Sales and Marketing Director.
Speaking from your company’s perspective, what are you most looking forward to about the ACHEMA 2024?
As a driving force and trendsetter for the international process industries and their supply chains, ACHEMA is a not-to-be-missed event for us. We are focusing on just one part of IMA Group, which is Pharma, one of the biggest suppliers specialized in the design and manufacture of innovative machines and complete lines for the packaging and processing of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.
At ACHEMA we will show a selection of our wide machinery portfolio as well as our projects developed in-house concerning digitalisation, sustainability, and customer service solutions. We expect high attendance at our booth, and we can’t wait to welcome our customers, suppliers, and also our competitors.
What are some of the key themes and trends that you think will be discussed and highlighted at ACHEMA 2024?
The pharma sector is looking for new technologies with respect to sustainability and digital solutions. When it comes to sustainability, our attention to the environment also involves the optimisation of manufacturing processes.
In fact, there have been significant developments in our containment technology for capsule filling, reducing the use of disposables - often in plastic - and of water, thus generating significant energy savings and economic benefits. Regarding secondary packaging, another development is the completely paper-based solution for parenteral and very fragile products on paper trays inside a carton, an eco-friendly alternative to plastic trays, always guaranteeing excellent product protection.
With regards to digital solutions, IMA offers a wide range of digital tools and virtual applications, starting with connected machines powered by artificial intelligence as well as devices for advanced maintenance and training. ACHEMA will be an opportunity to show all these services live.
And how does IMA’s ‘All-In-One Pharma’ campaign fit into these themes and trends, and could you also introduce this campaign to our readers?
The pharmaceutical world has never been as demanding as it is today. Pharma customers are looking not only for new technologies with respect to sustainability and digitalization as mentioned above, but also for a constant need of innovation as well as reliable and tailor-made, completely integrated processing and packaging lines.
In many ways, the All-In-One approach starts by closing the gaps. IMA has gone from being a machine supplier to a unique solution provider, offering a huge portfolio of products, technologies and services that cover the most diverse requirements and needs in the market.
All-In-One Pharma, the claim of our communication campaign, is a promise of efficiency: one investment, one contract, one project management, one relationship based on trust that ensures the customer benefits from the real value IMA offers as a long-term partner to the world’s pharmaceutical industry.
Could you talk us through some of the key innovations that IMA will be showcasing at the event?
With its almost 1,400 square meters booth, the IMA Pharma Divisions will welcome visitors with its widest and most innovative production range for pharmaceuticals, highlighting its consolidated presence on the market. Just to give a preview, IMA Active – a specialist in solid dose solutions – will showcase AQUARIA, the new all-in-one parts washer of different sizes and volume in completely automatic mode, ensuring greater efficiency and respect for the environment.
IMA Life, which is specialized in aseptic processing and freeze-drying solutions, will be presenting INJECTA36, which raises the bar for the high-speed processing of Ready-To-Use components exploiting the enhanced performance of advanced robotics; you will be able to discover also Tile-X, ground-breaking innovation in the field of fill-finish processing for small batch production.
IMA Safe, an expert in primary and secondary packaging, will show an integrated blister and cartoner line, redefining the parameters in terms of flexibility, speed and compactness: the GIANT5-A96, a turning point for the industry. The GIANT5-A96 demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability by being capable of processing recyclable plastics, highlighting IMA Safe’s dedication to environmental responsibility.
We look forward to seeing you at Hall 3.0, Booth F49.
For more information, please visit our website www.ima.it/pharma.
