Product category:
General packaging materials, equipment and services
News Release from: Sealed Air | Subject: Packaging equipment
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 23 February 2007
Fresh ideas make Sealed Air world
leaders
Premium quality brand and product presentation is the key to fresh produce packaging on a global scale.
That is according to one packaging equipment specialist serving the worldwide fruit and vegetable market that is probably in the best position to judge - Sealed Air The company believes that from its position as a single-source supplier of all shrink packaging needs, with a particular strength in the fresh produce arena over its 40-year history, it is at the leading edge of trends within the sector
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 4 Aug 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Wrapping machine can be changed in three minutes
Wrapping machine wrapper redefines traditional shrink packaging equipment having features like its plug-and-play in-feed modules, which can be changed over in as little as three minutes.
Case packing lines increase production by 40%
Eight case packing lines have increased production by up to 40% and reduced operating staff by 25% at a wallpaper factory and the payback period may be as little as two years.
It is consolidating that position even further as Sealed Air has just appointed its first fresh produce packaging specialist in the UK to be dedicated to the sector.
That development is the precursor of other similar positions that are imminently scheduled to be created throughout the European Union (EU).
Sealed Air's senior packaging applications specialist, Jim Konczal, who has focused on fresh produce markets for his 18 years with the company in the USA, has seen market developments pushed along by producers just as much as the major retailers.
Further reading
Packaging machine changed over in minutes
Each packaging machine model is offered with a range of novele 'plug-and-play' infeed modules, that can be changed to accommodate different products in minutes.
Taped resaleable packages are easier than zips
An innovative and revolutionary new form of resealable packaging has a built-in recloseable feature using pressure sensitive tape to create an easy-open, easy-close package.
Pallet de-stacking system reduces manual work
Pallet de-stacking system for the management of pallets has the aim of managing the storage and stacking of pallets, and removing manual work, such as dragging pallets here and there.
He believes that developments across the global industry are running in parallel, making Sealed Air's expertise even more relevant.
Konczal commented: "Fresh fruit and vegetable producers, processors and packers are matching the degree of development sought by retailers with their own proactive efforts".
"In the USA, the supermarkets are pushing for more Page one of four Special feature Sealed Air F6a continued: fresh produce to be packaged, as opposed to being sold loose".
"At the same time, the suppliers are forging ahead with technological developments, working directly with packaging equipment suppliers, such as Sealed Air, to keep ahead of trends." And he added: "The key objectives, and we believe this is echoed throughout the world, are threefold".
"Retailers want to project positive branding through high pack quality, whilst firmly establishing their product differentiation".
"At the same time, product protection is paramount as a premium brand image will be compromised if the produce doesn't reach the shelves in premium condition." A striking feature within the fresh produce market in the USA, and one which might migrate to Europe, is the trend to wrap single products in film as an effective moisture retainer to ensure condition quality.
Sealed Air systems operate on a significant number of potato packing lines - particularly larger potatoes for baking - where that is important.
Konczal said that Sealed Air meets produce suppliers' objectives with its quality, horizontal form fill and seal shrink packaging machines consisting of more than 50 models, including shrink wrappers, shrink tunnels and automated feeding systems.
Prominent amongst those are the company's Shanklin systems.
Since 1961, Shanklin shrink packaging equipment has been recognised for durability, design excellence and quality manufacturing.
More than 22,000 Shanklin shrink packaging machines have been delivered worldwide, providing packaging for a wide variety of applications, particularly in fresh produce.
Typical Shanklin applications today include whole potatoes, through to cut water melons and honeydew melons and squashes (whether halves or quarters) whole zucchini, cucumbers and cabbages, as well as broccoli florets and kiwi fruits.
Most popular amongst fresh produce suppliers are the semi-automatic versions of the machines, which guarantee high throughput.
The Shanklin wrappers include models with large capacities and adjustable height steel jaws for larger products, as well as heavy-duty discharge conveyors for much heavier goods than most other L-sealers can handle.
The machines are strong and reliable, easy to use and handle up to 15 loads a minute.
Page two of four Special feature Sealed Air F6a continued: Sealed Air's rounded expertise provides a fully-integrated package of machines, materials, customer support and technical consultancy to ensure each installation is finely tuned to precise requirements.
That approach is echoed in the company's comprehensive film range.
Sealed Air's Cryovac shrink-wrap film, for instance, has been developed to reduce sealing time, which increases productivity, whilst having a high resistance to tears and punctures.
Within the film range there are also products that allow shrink-wrapping at relatively low temperatures - requiring less energy, for greater cost-efficiency and cheaper maintenance.
Sealed Air's Cryovac, Opti and CorTuff shrink films are soon to be augmented by a new 45-gauge anti-fogging film in the USA, which the company sees as being particularly relevant to fresh produce where the natural moisture of items can cause film misting, which reduces the visual on-shelf appeal of the food.
Continued development work is also examining further film products with subtle changes that can benefit ease of film use and which will enhance manufacturing efficiency.
Fresh produce is a highly dynamic market experiencing rapid changes as consumers become increasingly aware of healthy eating.
Sealed Air sees its focused commitment in this area being central to produce suppliers fulfilling their potential. Request a free brochure from Sealed Air ...
As Jim Konczal explained: "Fortunately, at Sealed Air we can offer a wide range of equipment and materials to meet almost any need together with advice, technical support and the ability to respond quickly.".
• Sealed Air: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
