Packaging upgrade offers enhanced flexibility, improved speed, and greater safety - Food and Drink Technology

Posted: 15 October 2024

Related core topics: Equipment, Packaging

Related topics: baked goods, conveyor, shrink tunnel

Related organisations: Yorkshire Packaging Systems

Related people: Glyn Johnson

A food development company realised significant gains in usability and flexibility after upgrading its packaging line with Yorkshire Packaging Systems (YPS).

“The company’s previous line had been purchased from YPS some considerable time ago and has served them well, with extensive use,” explained YPS MD Glyn Johnson. “It had come time for the company to replace it and, as they’d appreciated the service and support we delivered last time, they returned to discuss their new requirements with us.”

The company produces bespoke baked goods, with a focus on ingredients with nutritional benefit. As their products are developed and created on behalf of other food companies, there is a wide variety in finished size of product. Packaging requirements such as collations required and materials used, including branded and non-branded films, are all defined by the onward customer to their own needs.

Full discussions of their requirements followed by demonstrations of the latest models led the company to opt for a Pratika MPE X2 fully-automatic l-sealer, plus a new shrink tunnel and conveyor.

Key to their decision was the ease of use of the new l sealer, especially the simple way to save recipes for different products. This feature of the new line makes for quick and easy changeovers, vital when their product range includes such differing items.

Additionally, the HMI is especially user friendly, with 180° movement so it can be positioned for the operator’s convenience. The HMI is paired with the compatible shrink tunnel for total control of the whole operation from the same spot. The low-level film holder, batwing doors and extended infeed conveyor make loading of film and products much safer and easier.

The versatility of the l sealer, including its height adjustable sealing jaw, has proved ideal for the variety in the producer’s range and is also significantly quicker than the previous line, delivering improvements in production speed.

To complete the package, YPS helped the customer to specify an appropriate film for optimal performance of the system. The film selected contains 30% recycled content and is ultra-thin for savings in plastic use.

“The customer is delighted with the equipment supplied, which delivers more benefit than they’d originally hoped for,” stated Johnson. “The included service contract also gives them peace of mind that they can get to grips with the new system with our support. It was a pleasure to work with them again and to find a solution that has helped to move their production forward.”