Page 22 - Food&Drink Magazine October 2018

DAIRY
✷
FILLING A GAP
dairy to adopt the Ecolean packaging system, comprising packaging materials and machinery in an end-to-end solution. Following the installation of additional filling and packing lines, it leads the way as the only milk processing facility in the southern hemisphere to use this cutting- edge technology.
Imported from Sweden, the Ecolean pouch has strong sustainability credentials and weighs around 50-60 per cent less than a conventional liquid food carton or bottle.
Suzanne Daubney says the sustainable profile of the packaging was a major factor in the company’s original decision. The benefits offered to the dairy product – such as a lower impact on the environment, and its long shelf life – were also positive features.
“Since adopting Ecolean packaging we’ve found there are space-saving benefits for our foodservice customers as well,” Daubney says.
“Ecolean is an excellent fit for
“ Ecolean is an excellent fit for our business and personal values as we focus on making ethical choices in everything we do... it stands out from all other packaging.”
SIMPLER SOLUTION
Packaging solutions company Ecolean recently simplified the design of its filling machine in order to help customers double their capacity.
The upgrade, which became available late last year, enables customers to produce more with less, according to Ecolean.
The EL2+ is a filling machine for chilled distribution portion-sized packages, and the machine aims to offer a clean, modern design that doubles capacity – all in the same footprint.
Christian Olsson, director of filling line operations, said the EL2+ increases the competitive edge of Ecolean’s packaging system in the chilled segment with “a further improved ratio between speed, flexibility and hygiene, while being easy to operate”.
The EL2+ features five fillers and a completely redesigned servo system that uses motors instead of pneumatic cylinders so as to double capacity by reducing cycle times nearly 40 per cent – from 2.4 seconds to 1.5 seconds.
Portion-sized packages are now produced up to 12,000 packages per hour.
“We optimised the design of the EL2+ to operate faster and with even more accuracy,” Olsson says.
“The EL2+ now uses the latest Omron control system that features a virtual master servo axis to enable optimisation of machine performance. The technology was previously only used on our ambient filling machines, but the proven control system design is now available for the chilled segment with the EL2+.”
The infeed is also improved with a mechanical cam system and servo motors that control the opening of the packages as well as package grippers, all by one single cam movement.
In addition, the EL2+ increases product safety and quality with a fully-automated cleaning system of the filling zone to ensure hygiene at the start of every production cycle. A steam system can be added to the valve cluster system to enables sterilisation of the entire filling system before each production.
our business and personal values as we focus on making ethical choices in everything we do.
“And in terms of shelf presence, it stands out from all other available packaging.”
Ecolean agrees, and says its stand-up pouches make it easier for dairy and beverage producers to increase visibility on store shelves.
LEANING IN
Ecolean was founded in 1996 in Helsingborg, Sweden, with the concept of minimising raw material use to produce a flexible, lightweight package, so reducing environmental impact and saving resources.
Marketing director Anna Annerås says Ecolean’s packaging solutions follow its
BELOW: The new diary facility is equipped with machinery for filling portion-sized Ecolean pouches.
LEFT: Suzanne Daubney of Bannister Downs and Jens Olofsson of Ecolean.
philosophy of “a lighter world”. “That goes for the
manufacturing of innovative packaging systems for the dairy and liquid food industry – including packaging material, packaging, and filling machines for both ambient and chilled distribution – but also in the way we conduct our business,” Annerås says.
“By using a minimal amount of raw material, we create a lightweight package with a low environmental impact. And by keeping an open mind towards everyone we meet, we strive to make our business relations as ‘light’ as possible
“Being an innovative company with a global outlook requires local presence,” she says. “The ANZ region is no exception. Since 2017, the office in Sydney covers the region, with sales manager Mark Easton leading the way.
Ecolean’s presence in Australia, of course, stretches back far earlier than 2017.
“Bannister Downs Dairy, one of Ecolean’s longest-standing partnerships, is a good example of the progressive brands eager to see the differentiation effects of their products with Ecolean’s lightweight, innovative, and modernpackages,”shesays. ✷
22 | Food&Drink business | October 2018 | www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au