The machine will package transwraps, stand-up, block-bottom bags and quadro-sealed pouches in combination with an existing multi-head filler at its factory in Poortvliet, The Netherlands.
Packs loose items faster
Peter Nieuwkerk, managing director, Budelpack Poortvliet, told FoodProductionDaily vffs has more advantages than a horizontal form fill and seal machine because it can be combined with existing equipment and pack loose items faster at speeds of 10 to 25 million pouches a year.
“This machine will complement our existing line of Bosch technology but as before where we could only manufacture pillow bags, this will make those, as well as stand up pouches at a faster rate,” he said.
“The technology aligns with our customers who have the same format of machine so in the event of a shortage of internal packaging capacity we can act as an external back-up.
“If our customers run a specific type of foil we must apply the same foil on our machines and because of this we can provide an immediate back-up, otherwise, if you have a different brand of packaging you have to create artwork and order new foils which is time consuming and costs money.
“By using the same machine and foil as the manufacturers, Budelpack can immediately solve any problems, plus vffs makes gas flushing easier.”
Gas flushing for extended shelf life
Gas flushing extends the shelf-life of sealing products without the need for preservatives or freezing. It consists of an inert gas such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or exotic gases such as argon or helium which is injected and frequently removed multiple times to eliminate oxygen from the package otherwise known as MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging).
“This results in vertically formed packaging with a minimal residual oxygen level that prolongs a product’s shelf life. A low residual oxygen level is harder to achieve with a horizontal machine due to the open filling process,” added Nieuwkerk.
He added the company will now expand its orders and has just completed an investment programme for 2015 to invest further in its automation on its packaging lines with faster equipment.
“We need to invest in machines which have a faster changeover time because production runs are getting shorter and variety is increasing in flavours and sizes of packs,” he said.
“We plan to invest in two divisions; €750k in our food sector and €350k in our fresh food division.”