Page 29 - Packaging News Sep-Oct 2020

September-October 2020 | www.packagingnews.com.au | FOOD & BEVERAGE PACKAGING
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alike; the film material, sealing tech- nology, and required speed deter- mine whether the pack is sealed tightly or hermetically.
Oxygen causes oxidation and shortens the shelf life of a product. Modified atmosphere packaging technologies can be used to extend the shelf life of bars. This method uses gases that replace the oxygen in the packaging. Vacuum technology is a good option for products that can- not tolerate gas. A precise analysis of the product composition and distri- bution requirements determines the optimal method.
THE RIGHT CARTONING
Secondary and case packing is not just about product protection and transport efficiency. It also helps attract customers’ attention in retail outlets, regardless of their placement at the point of sale.
Manufacturers must offer different pack styles and packaging formats to meet retail requirements. Bar prod- ucts are often found at the checkout in drugstores, convenience shops and gyms, where consumers can take individual bars directly out of the display carton. But, on supermarket shelves, the bars are often sold in folding cartons containing a prede- termined number of products.
SUSTAINABILITY FRONT & CENTRE
The choice of packaging material is an important issue, as it has a direct impact on the brand image. This
decision is often up to marketing and design teams, who should consider the recyclability of packaging materials.
Ultimately, the consumer decides in-store which product will end up in their shopping cart. Today, envi- ronmentally friendly packaging plays an important role. The trend clearly moves towards sustainable and recyclable packaging material.
Films made of mono-material or paper with a protective barrier layer enhance sustainability in the health bar segment. Cardboard is mainly used for secondary and transport packaging.
GENTLE PROCESSING
Depending on the starting point, pro- duction volume and existing equip- ment, several automation systems are available for processing and packag- ing health bars.
Automation not only increases per- formance, but also improves food
LEFT: Granola bars are often unevenly shaped and vary in terms of width, length and height. The processing and packaging equipment needs to be able to handle product variability.
BELOW: The compact Sigpack FIT feeder transports fragile bars to the flow wrapping machine contact-free.
safety. It eliminates the need for man- ual processes, such as forming the bars and placing them on the con- veyor belt.
An automated product infeed into the packaging machine can enhance hygiene and product quality. Also, manufacturers reduce product break- ages and waste thanks to gentle han- dling of the delicate bars.
If higher output rates are required, additional packaging legs can be added to the installed system. In the high-performance range, linear motor technology improves product infeed into the packaging machine. It gently transports fragile bars into the flow wrapping machine contact- free and at a high speed. The wrapped bars are packed in folding cartons and cardboard case packs for trans- port. If required, a collaborative robot, or cobot, can be used in the last step to stack the cases on shipping pallets, making it a fully automated production line.
INDIVIDUAL PLANNING
In the world of bars, no two products are alike. And no two manufacturers have the same requirements. This is why the production and packaging of health bars stands and falls with the right packaging system for each man- ufacturer’s requirements. In finding a solution that fits, manufacturers can operate smooth and reliable pro- duction processes for high-quality products that satisfy consumers and retailers alike. ■
Filling
Rotary Turret
Heat Seal U
Cross seal
jaws and knife
Upper jaw sealing of zipper
Zipper sealed to both sides of pack
Film Web
Zipper Reel
Forming Shoul
Back Seale
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End Crushing Unit
Film Direction