The microsite offers a single point of contact to offer expertise in shelf appeal, flexibility in bag styles, gentle handling of products such as cookies and crackers and the benefits of Kliklok-Woodman technology for snacks, acquired by Bosch in 2015.
Gifting confectionery items
Robert van Mol, product manager vertical machines EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa), Bosch Packaging Technology, claims according to a report by Technavio, the global sugar confectionery market will rise by 3.76% annually up to 2020.
One of the key trends is gifting confectionery items to others on birthdays and anniversaries. Confectionery items are also purchased on impulse.
Van Mol says with 70% of consumer buying decisions taking place in-store, the importance of shelf appeal is high on the agenda.
He added manufacturers today have to address more preferences than ever before. For example, site managers are concerned about floor space, while the production department wants a single machine that can do it all, marketing focus on eye-catching designs and attractive packaging shapes, but procurement look at the cost of the material.
“All packaging equipment takes up floor space at your production site, but the less space the better, producing multiple bag and case styles on one system eliminates the need for two or more lines, maximizing productivity,” said Van Mol.
Talking about pack flexibility, Van Mol said manufacturers need to look at their brand and identify whether it’s going to be sold as an everyday healthy snack or an innovative, organic and unique treat.
“Whatever the choice, the pack should reflect that. Compact and flexible, pillow bags are seen as cost-effective and practical packaging for confectionery, ideal for snacking or party food,” he added.
Doy bags
“For more luxurious brands, the Doy bag pumps life into brands with its stand-up look, unique shape and glossy surface. It also has a full front and back print area for graphics to connect with the customer. Doy bags conquer more supermarket shelves globally each year.”
Leon van de Wiel, general manager, Bosch Packaging Technology (Netherlands) said the microsite will allow customers to navigate the complex world of packaging technology and there is an ‘Insights’ section with advice about common challenges faced by producers when selecting and running packaging equipment.
Challenges include: End-pack result; brand positioning; features such as recloseability; flexibility; production output and footprint.
“Choosing a complete system is far more complex than selecting an individual machine. Our goal is to make the process of finding the right technology as easy and clear as possible. The microsite allows manufacturers to review various bag, pack, carton and case styles, and to identify the optimum system for their specific needs,” he added.
"Think about a supermarket shelf, consumers are used to having a lot of choices and their decisions are often based on an impulse. To be competitive, food and non-food producers are constantly required to come up with new recipes and appealing pack styles. The range of pack styles has expanded significantly over the past years as well. At the same time, shipping distances have increased, demanding thorough product protection, while retailers favor shelf-ready or easy-to-handle cases.
"Overall, manufacturers have to decide on primary, secondary, tertiary or end-of-line packaging. They also have to marry marketing needs with production and business constraints, such as investment, output and footprint."
Kliklok-Woodman technology can produce up to 240 bags per minute for salted snacks, such as potato chips and tortillas and Bosch has created a system for gentle handling of products such as cookies and crackers, capable of packing up to 200 bags per minute and 150 cartons.
“Depending on bag sizes or convenience, you may need a single portion pack or family pack, what’s important is that the option is there. A single portion needs to be easy opening and a small size for snacking on the move,” added Van Mol.
“Larger packs for family use, for example, also require the contents to be kept so we can keep going back for more. There are multiple recloseable features, such as Tesa strip or a zipper. Doy Zip bags, for example, strengthen your brand with its stand-up design, the bags are perfect for displaying your marketing messages.”