Packing innovations protect aseptic cartons with screw caps

26-Jul-2009 - Last updated on 27-Jul-2009 at 11:30 GMT

As the number of aseptic cartons employing screw caps increases, one company has developed new packing features to protect products during palletization and maintain security throughout the supply chain.

Cermex said its innovations came after noting the challenges the rising use of screw caps brought when such cartons were stacked on pallets as it increased the risk of product distortion and reduced pallet stability.

Reinforcement

The company, which is part of the Sidel group, said that in order to compensate for the difference in height due to the carton cap, it now integrates a cardboard reinforcement insertion into its TSi high-speed shrink-wrapper. This pad, inserted between the product rows prior to collation, supports the weight of the cartons during palletization, thus making the pallet more rigid.

A Cermex spokesman told FoodProductionDaily.com: “This pad improves the resistance to vertical compression during palletization and maintains security throughout the supply chain. It also protects the caps as they no longer bear the complete weight of the cartons.”

The integration of a vertical feeder ensures reliable extraction via a belt system which individually separates the pads. The feeder is equipped with a photocell for perfect synchronization with the shrink-wrapper, explained Cermex

Benefits

A new shrink-wrapping procedure had also been developed in the form of high-speed TSi shrink-bundler in response to the reduction in size of sales units as well as the increase in production line speeds and layout constraints. The system, which does not have a sealing bar, is specially designed to handle small products – those maximum height of 220mm, said the France-based firm.

The improvements lead to a cost reduction and bolster the company’s green credentials, it said in a statement.

“This packaging, which is more economical than a wrap around case or high-sided tray, also makes it possible to load more packs per pallet, consequently reducing packaging costs, transport costs and environmental impact.”

Cermex also said the system acts as a marketing tool for the products as “the packaging sells what it protects”.

“The use of clear film improves the product visibility, whilst the use of printed film can offer an esthetic means of communication. Cermex guarantees the accurate positioning of the printed film thanks to sensors positioned at the film injection table infeed,” said the spokesman.