PACK EXPO International allows attendees to see the latest packaging and processing equipment and technologies up close and in person. But the show also provides an opportunity to take a broader look at the challenges and trends impacting the industry.

With that in mind, Processing asked PACK EXPO International 2026 exhibitors about the products and technologies they will have on display at the event, along with the biggest processing or operational challenges their customers are facing today. We’ll be publishing their responses leading up to the show, which takes place October 18-21 at McCormick Place in Chicago. In this installment, we hear from Calle Danielsson, sales engineer at Unibloc Hygienic Technologies.

Q: What products, technologies, or live demonstrations will visitors be able to see at your booth during PACK EXPO International 2026, and which applications or manufacturing challenges do they address?

A: In booth LU-7937, Unibloc Hygienic Technologies (UHT) will demonstrate tear downs of its hygienic lobe and air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pumps, made for fast cleaning and maintenance. UHT products are designed especially for applications where sanitary conditions are critical, and where minutes matter on the production floor. The patented Unibloc QuickStrip and Flotronic One-Nut designs slash manual cleaning and maintenance cycles from 2 hours to 15-20 minutes.

Also, attendees can see a demonstration of the completely redesigned Unibloc QuickStrip FoodFirst PD200 Series lobe pump, which is being introduced at PACK EXPO. It allows seal changes in a few minutes, unlike other small pumps used for artisanal small-batch runs and portion-controlled filling of product into packaging.

Lobe pumps are a good choice for filling and metering applications where high temperatures or product integrity concerns preclude the use of a gear pump. Until now, small lobe pumps have made it time-consuming to access seals for maintenance. The redesigned PD200 pump allows immediate access to seals without the need for tools.

The new pump design also dramatically improves pump efficiency, enabling the pump to be used across a wide mix of product viscosities and head pressures within a relatively narrow RPM range. This means consistent performance across an extended service life.

Adding to its flexibility is that it is the only small lobe pump capable of both Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Clean-out-of-Place (COP) sanitation. For manual cleaning, the patented QuickStrip design minimizes parts and eliminates rotor bolts. For CIP, the patented FlushCap bearing stabilizes rotors while allowing cleaning fluid to penetrate.

For a good return on investment, processors need equipment that maintains performance, reduces maintenance, and provides long service. At PACK EXPO, attendees can see pump designs that are proven to deliver.

Q: What are the biggest processing or operational challenges your customers are facing today, and how are your latest solutions helping manufacturers improve efficiency, product quality, flexibility, safety, or sustainability?

A: It has long been difficult to find and retain qualified maintenance and sanitation workers. In some cases, food processors have had to scale back production. Operators can fight back by selecting pumps that simplify and speed maintenance, enabling plants to maintain production levels with fewer workers. In most applications, such pumps pay for themselves quickly in labor savings and boosted productivity.

Q: What technology or industry trends are having the greatest impact on processing equipment design and investment decisions today?

The risk of product recalls is top of mind for many food and beverage processors, as high-profile cases are in the news. Any pump that simplifies sanitation helps operators to manage that risk. Pumps are available that are designed for manual cleaning. They feature fewer parts, fewer small parts, bolt-free rotors, and fast-to-change seals. Because of their fast, tool-free disassembly and simple design, workers are unlikely to rush, make mistakes, or take shortcuts that could impact cleanliness.

Q: If a process engineer, operations manager, or plant executive visits your booth, what are one or two key insights, best practices, or innovations you hope they take away from the conversation?

A: PACK EXPO attendees may have never seen the unique design of the Flotronic AODD+ pump, which eliminates the extra pipework of traditional AODD pumps. It enables disassembly by removing one large nut.

Because of its special design, the AODD+ pump is the only AODD pump that can be manually cleaned in minutes. Also, with less pipework, the AODD+ pump has 60% less product holdup. The design shrinks the mess accompanying cleaning and reduces the cost of wasted product.

Another design feature is the ability to use reinforced diaphragms, which increase the pump’s inlet pressure capacity. As a result, it is the only AODD pump that can be cleaned in place using an external rig up to 7 bar (100 psi), a real time saver.

Like other AODD pumps, it is ideal for gentle product handling, passing large inclusions, and handling the full range of product viscosities. AODD pumps are also popular because they self-prime and can be deadheaded.