Sustainable packaging solutions with added value

From September 25 to 27, 2018, MULTIVAC will present a complete portfolio of solutions for packaging food and non-food products at FachPack 2018 in Nuremberg. A key focus of the exhibition is on presenting packaging concepts that meet the requirements for resource conservation and recyclability. MULTIVAC will demonstrate the processing of recyclable materials based on paper fibers on a thermoforming machine R 105 MF and a traysealer T 800, which is integrated into a fully automated line. In addition to other exhibits, the new generation of thermoforming machines, X-Line, will also be showcased, which, equipped with comprehensive sensors for digitized production and future technologies, sets new standards in the market.

MultiFreshTM PaperBoard Application on Tray Sealers

MULTIVAC will demonstrate the production of MultiFreshTM skin packs based on cardboard cutouts on a T 800 traysealer integrated into an automated line. Cardboard cutouts with different grammages and various sealing and barrier layers can be processed. The packaging can be designed so that the end consumer can sort the cardboard carrier from the plastic barrier layer and send it for paper recycling.

The tray sealer line is complemented by a multifunctional meat portioner GMS 520 singlecut from TVI, capable of processing all types of red meat and poultry with minimal personnel effort, in any consistency, for each portion, always optimized for weight and leftovers. The labeling of the packages is carried out by a conveyor belt labeler L 310, which applies a D-label to the packages. Additionally, an air pressure applicator for attaching promotional labels, increasingly used on packages in the fresh produce section, is integrated into the line.

MultiFresh™ PaperBoard Application on Thermoforming Machines

The production of MultiFresh™ paperboard packages on thermoforming machines is demonstrated using the R 105 MF. The solution is characterized by high cost-effectiveness. This is partly due to the processing of the material from rolls, which ensures higher material efficiency compared to processing cardboard cutouts. The range of forming options extends from flat package cavities to packages with deeper cavities, capable of accommodating products of different heights and shapes.

New standards in thermoforming: the X-line

The new generation of thermoforming machines, X-line, offers significant added value for customers through a variety of innovative features, including improved packaging quality, process reliability, output, and future readiness. The machine, which features a unique sensor system in the market, produces packages of excellent quality without start-up losses, as it is already optimally set during operation start by the Pack Pilot and self-parameters at the optimal operating point thanks to comprehensive sensors. This leads to significant savings in products, packaging materials, and production time — while also ensuring higher process safety and cycle performance, resulting in better output. The innovative tooling and intuitive user interface further contribute to high process reliability. The new Multi Sensor Control ensures continuous, optimized operation.

The continuously generated process data form the basis for the provision of MULTIVAC Smart Services, which enable even more efficient packaging processes. For advanced solutions such as Industry 4.0, preventive maintenance, condition monitoring, benchmarking, or comprehensive OEE analysis, the X-line is optimally equipped.

Cost-effective solution for manufacturing contour packages, even in small batches

The thermoforming machine R 145 with innovative shape and contour cutting BAS 20 allows the economical production of contour packages even in small batches. Thanks to short changeover times, it offers high flexibility regarding the format, packaging design, and processed packaging materials. The BAS 20 can be designed for waste-free cutting, significantly contributing to reduced packaging material consumption and lower packaging costs.

Labeling and inspection solutions

MULTIVAC demonstrates its comprehensive expertise in labeling and inspection solutions with three selected exhibits. The model series of labelers L 35x was specifically designed to seal the open edges of folded products, such as package inserts, outserts, or mailings, with labels. At FachPack, the model L 352 with a label dispenser will be showcased, which can seal package inserts and outserts with a label on the back side, as well as self-mailers with a label on the front edge of the product and another on the rear edge.

The L 352 can be connected to folding machines from various manufacturers and directly handles paper products. A central height adjustment on the frame allows quick adaptation to different working heights, while separate servo drives for the upper and lower belt transports enable adjustment to various product thicknesses and paper formats. Switching to other label widths and label positions is achieved via easily exchangeable dispensing edges in combination with special format plates for the push system. Depending on the folded product, this solution can achieve speeds of up to 12,000 pieces per hour.

From its portfolio of inspection solutions, MULTIVAC presents the optical inspection system I 410. Thanks to high-resolution, height-adjustable line cameras and powerful image processing, it ensures reliable quality and code verification from above and below. Its applications range from complete package integrity checks to presence and position verification of labels and print verification — including pattern and text recognition, text verification, readability, and barcode checks. The advanced image capture technology makes it possible to transmit and verify meaningful images at high speeds in the packaging process.

Additionally, a checkweigher with integrated metal detector of the I 211 type is among the exhibits. The used search coil operates with multi-simultaneous frequency, providing higher sensitivity and improved product compensation. This allows even the smallest metallic foreign objects to be reliably detected, even with high product effect.