The 3M-Matic Wrapper FL360 applies tape to boxes that normally would be banded with plastic or metal straps. According to the company, this machine is the first of its kind to use tape to secure cartons.
Green machine
Jennifer Pengra, representative of 3M’s Industrial Adhesives and Tapes, told FoodProductionDaily.com that the machine offers helps improve the eco-friendliness of secondary packaging.
“Using tape is more sustainable than the strapping,” she said. “It creates less waste and weighs less than plastic or metal alternatives.”
Additionally, Pengra told FPD, the tape is gentler on cartons than strapping. Using plastic or metal straps can crush cartons, whereas the tape doesn’t, which reportedly is better for delicate food items.
Carton security
The wrapper uses the company’s Scotch box sealing tape or filament tape to securely and neatly close up corrugated cartons, handling up to nine boxes per minute. The wrapper is said to improve packaging throughput, box security and ease of handling compared to machines that use plastic or metal strapping.
The FL360 is suited for meat processors, food manufacturers, or other operations which require cartons to be secured for protection but cannot be crushed. The unit also reportedly helps increase productivity and reduces manual labor.