Roberts PolyPro, the US-based provider of packaging and converting solutions, has launched a Beverage Carrier Assembly Machine (BCAM) capable of forming open basket beverage carriers by combining virgin Kraft board and post-consumer recycled pressed board.
Roberts PolyPros claims that the BCAM promises to revolutionise the bottle carrier industry by assembling a dual material carrier that is stronger, lighter, quicker to produce and offers significant cost savings when compared to traditional one-piece carriers.
Roberts PolyPro partnered with A&R Carton, a European supplier of folding cartons, to develop the BCAM. Hilger Scheelcke of A&R commented:"Traditionally everything in the six-pack carrier market has been made from a single piece of board, but A&R realised the bottle divider could be made from recycled paperboard, thus saving money." Scheelcke recognised the need for a new carton design, and significantly, the need for a machine that would make that design practical. Enter Roberts Polypro with another innovative solution for the paperboard packaging industry.
The BCAM allows for the marriage of both virgin Kraft board and the less expensive recycled pressed board at high speeds. This process forms what the company terms as "the most secure six-pack open basket carrier on the market" and is also said to run faster than traditional one-piece assemble machines.
Comprised of 40 per cent recycled pressed board, the two-piece open basket carrier is lighter, stronger, less expensive and quicker to produce, write the two companies. While all merchandising surfaces are built from a virgin Kraft board, the dividers are made from the recycled paper. In addition, the handle is reinforced by extra ply from recycled material.
Roberts PolyPro produces a modular line of converting machinery, as well as a comprehensive line of handles, spouts and other value-added components.