Flow-wrapper combines MAP and vacuum packaging
cheaper packs with the same shelf life as thermoformed ones, its
manufacturer claims.
Ilapak Group says its Delta VacMap machine allows the bakery industry greater throughput at lower cost. The new flow-wrapper has the same shelf life as thermoformed packs, Ilapak stated.
The company claims that each VacMap machine can achieve up to 50 per cent greater throughputs than a typical thermoforming machine.
The Delta VacMap is being marketed as a 'three in one' product. The VacMap is a horizontal, form, fill and seal flow-wrapper combining vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) packaging.
The combination substantially reduces production costs, the company claimed in a press release.
The in-line vacuum system developed by Ilapak allows the Delta VacMap to extract trapped pockets of oxygen found inside the product itself, particularly spongy bakery products, to keep the product fresh for longer.
"This unique new process achieves a comparable shelf-life to thermoforming but represents a much more economical and efficient alternative," Ilapak stated. "Delta VacMap creates a traditional and attractive flow-wrap style pack and offers all the cost-saving and efficiency benefits of flow-wrapping - high throughputs, fast product size changes, ease of use, reduced material and labour costs, fully automatic feeding and high quality pack presentation."
Another benefit of combining vaccuum and MAP with flow-wrapping is the versatility it brings to production lines, the company stated. The combination allows manufacturers to switch from one format to another quicker. If production requirements change from, for example, an ambient product to a product requiring greater shelf life, then they can meet the demand immediately and maintain full capacity, Ilapak claimed.
Delta VacMap's electronic control features can also help cut costs. Automatic product feeding means higher throughput and reduced labour requirements, the company noted. Delta VacMap will also significantly reduce the cost of the packaging material required to wrap each product.
The machine's fully automated product feeding and handling system means high hygiene standards are mainted, as operator contact with the product is minimal.
VacMap also offers an important marketing advantage thanks to its high quality pack presentation, the company stated.
"Manufacturers can maintain a consistent brand image as all products can now be packed in either in a flow-wrap, MAP or VacMap format, all to the same pack style, using print registered film, printing fully on both sides of the pack for maximum shelf impact," the company stated.
The machine will be demonstrated at IBA, the international bakery exhibition, in Munich, held 3-9 October.
