The Mistral BB ZIP Servo can also be used for products that can be placed in shallow trays singularly or as a multi-pack, as the re-closure system guarantees freshness and preservation of the product, PFM Packaging Machinery claims. "The Mistral represents a major technical breakthrough for the UK flow packing industry and is specifically aimed at the food industry," the company claimed. The machine offers an open and re-close ZIP application system The horizontal machine produces airtight packs with three seals starting from a standard reel of heat-sealable packaging material and is capable of producing 80 standard sized packs per minute, including the application of the zipper. The machine can also be supplied with Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP) functions. "MAP ensures that food retains its texture and its appearance and is preserved whilst the MAP process ensures that the product retains its vitamin and fat content, keeping the product looking fresh and appetising and tasting great," the company claimed. Like other Mistral models, the new ZIP machine has a long dwell system to help produce airtight seals and high wrapping speeds. The Mistral has a cantilevered stainless steel structure that can be cleaned and its format rapidly changed.
