It has seen an increase for its Allpax 2402 Multimode R&D Retorts from flavor and film companies, and university food and packaging labs.
Five agitation techniques
“Based on sales and feedback from customers, the pace of development for new formulations for shelf-stable food as well as for convenience packaging has dramatically accelerated,” said Greg Jacob, VP and GM, Allpax. “The versatility of our multimode retort makes it a much in demand tool for shelf-stable innovations.”
The 2402 sterilizer series can operate up to six commercially available processes, along with five agitation techniques currently used in production plants. The control software is designed by engineers and specialists in the field of thermal processing of low-acid foods in cans, pouches, jars and bowls.
The machine ensures customer’s products are processed to exact sterilization specifications and can determine process times, including Ball Formula, numerical methods and table-lookup method.
Erik Hassid, technical head, Savory, Givaudan Flavors, uses the Allpax 2402 Multimode R&D to test products in cans, pouches and cartons.
The company bought Spicetec Flavors & Seasonings from ConAgra Foods last year, which supplies flavors, spices and savory seasoning to customers in North America.
“When we go to a customer and say ‘we’ve tested hundreds of different products in our system and have narrowed it down to two or three recommendations,’ the customer can move faster and go to market sooner,” said Hassid.
“The 2402 shortens our development cycles as well as those of our customers.”
Bemis North America
Bemis North America was the first film supplier to incorporate the Shaka agitation process in one of its multimode R&D retorts.
Jim Lamb, senior research engineer, Bemis North America, said it can test trays and films under simulated production conditions before those materials reach customer packaging lines, saving significant amounts of time.
“Having these advanced R&D retorts enables us to partner with our customers to develop processes that bring products to market faster, ensure food product quality and improve overall throughput of customers’ packaging operations,” he added.
The retort machines are made to order with multimode options that can run saturated steam, steam air over pressure, water immersion, water spray, and water cascade processes in combination with seven agitation modes (still, end-over-end, swinging, Gentle Motion shaking (low-speed), The Shaka (high-speed), hydrostatic simulation, and axial rotation).
It can test cans, bottles, pouches, cups, trays, metals, glass, plastics, double seam film and foil closures.