Energy efficiency keeps driving innovation for Multivac

Multivac continues to pursue energy efficient design for its processing equipment, with the launch of a thermoforming machine, which it claims uses 20% less energy than existing models.

The R095 is pitched at entry level small to medium-sized food speciality meat businesses, which Multivac says is a particularly energy intensive trade.

The thermoformer, which represents an addition to the company’s e-concept line of processing and packaging units, scraps the conventional need for compressed air and cooling water. This innovation makes it easier to position it on the factory floor, as it only needs access to a power supply to operate.

Low operating costs

"We have replaced all pneumatically-driven modules with electrical drive units, which have a very high degree of efficiency,” said Multivac marketing manager Valeska Haux. “One effect of this is the comparatively low operating costs for the customer.

“Another consequence is that the investment costs for putting the machine into service are significantly lower than with comparable models, where companies first have to invest in additional compressed air and water connections.”

The R095 is also Multivac’s smallest thermoformer model, with an overall length of just 2.3m, making it compact and easy to use for smaller firms with limited space.

Automatic slicer

It is equipped with an interface for installing an automatic slicer, which offers a wide variety of possible formats and placement positions for sliced product and can be removed to save space.

In addition, the machine provides an extensive range of options enabling operators to pre-select the number and thickness of meat slices.

Multivac said that it aimed to showcase the new thermoformer at the meat processing trade show IFFA 2013, which takes place in Frankfurt from May 4-9.

The business began launching its e-concept, energy efficient lines in 2010.