Flexible packaging continues to make its mark and according to the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute, growth in form, fill and seal machinery and pouch making equipment in the US was up by 11% last year.
A really innovative pouch designed to be contained in an alternative drug delivery system has been developed by Ampac Flexibles. Flexi 6833 is a high barrier, very thin gauge material designed to be converted into a very small pouch (around 4cm square) and capable of accepting a small plastics fitment used by the device to dispense the drug (insulin would be a typical application).
Although the new drug delivery system in which the pouch would be locked is not yet available, Ampac's Robert Biddle believes that the pouch is a key element in being able to control the doses. The thin structure allows the pouch to fully collapse, which enables evacuation while preventing air from entering. The pouch gives pharmaceutical companies another drug delivery option for reusable devices.
The company is also responsible for a package designed specifically for the launch of a new sports drink – Gleukos. Founder of the company Mark Jenson, a former Nike employee and runner, wanted a distinct shape and a functional pack that was easy to hold. Ampac's answer is an hourglass shaped standup pouch, which also moulds to the body when placed in the athlete's pocket. It is 80% lighter and takes up to 50% less space than its rigid competitors.
It will also shortly be available with the Smart Spout fitment comprising base fitment with spout and a silicone valve topped off by Seaquist Closures' EZ Turn Cap. There were real challenges provided by the project, says Craig Rutman director of sales and marketing at Ampac Flexibles – Converted Products, Minneapolis.
The jointly patented shaped pouch not only had to provide organoleptic protection, but also the narrow top meant extra work on the positioning and sealing of the closure. The company modified its Henson Packaging Concepts (of Germany) spout inserter to work within a very tight insertion tolerance. The superb graphics were printed gravure on an eight colour Toshiba Sectional Drive press.
One of the benefits to come from Rollprint's recently announced joint-venture company in Singapore – Alliantz Flexible Packaging – is ClearForm thermoformable bottom web. Craig Livingston, Rollprint's vice president of business development, said: "The proprietary PE based copolymer blend will not only be suitable for medical applications but we also have a couple of applications in the frozen foods industry." It is said to offer outstanding toughness and exceptional clarity and as an alternative to traditional bottom webs such as EVA/Surlyn/EVA, Nylon coex and other blends it provides these benefits at reduced costs. "Based on feedback it is around 10% less. The first application is for a multi-national in the Far East," revealed Livingston
Sealed Air launched Instapak Quick RT, which enables customers to produce custom fitting protective foam packaging without using an additional warming system. Geared to small-to-medium volume packaging applications the system is activated in the mailroom or packing department, but users can produce protective foam cushions at any location, explained new business development manager at the Protective Packaging Division Tom Windisch, without the burden of capital equipment and installation requirements.
The system comprises a bag containing two liquid components. They are activated by manually pressing to break the seal that separates the two components. After patting both sides 15 to 20 times, the proper mix is achieved. Before the foam begins expanding the bag is placed into the shipping container where it forms a custom-fit protective cushion around the product. The pack is commercially available in the North American market now with a six month lag to a European launch. "Our UK company is itching to get hold of this," remarked Windisch. Five bag sizes are available.
Sigpack Systems, a Bosch Packaging Technology company, chose the USA to debut its compact WTI tray loader. Designed with a small footprint, said to save over 60% in operational space, it precisely places biscuits into trays at a claimed speed of 600products/min.
The integrated tray denester can load into the chain up to three trays in one step and is adjustable for different tray heights. Biscuits can be fed into the loader from either side either with a chain or a paddle belt. The tray loader is versatile, suitable for rectangular, round, oval, sandwich, coated, on pile, shingled or staggered shaped biscuits.
The Videojet 1310 ink jet printer is one of five launches from Videojet Technologies just one year on from the acquisitions of Willett, Lynx and others. Said to be a breakthrough in extending performance and increasing uptime for marking and coding operations, the unit is designed to start and stop without the need for cleaning, and its automated back flushing nozzle minimises downtime by automatically cleaning itself at start up and shutdown, even after idle periods.
This system prints seven types of barcodes, alphanumeric and expiry dates.
Printer for harsh environments
Combining 100W of laser power with the latest scanning technology, the new Videojet 3410 laser coder is designed to perform in harsh environments including heat, humidity and water. The laser prints high-quality graphics, characters and barcodes on a wide range of packaging materials, including certain rubbers and plastics that are traditionally difficult to mark. "Capable of letter-quality script at over 2,400ft/min, the 3410 is ideal for high-speed applications in the food, beverage, brewing and extrusion industries," says Jim Lorenz, laser product manager for Videojet Technologies.
"But this laser is equally productive on lines for personal care products, pharmaceuticals and industrial components." The unit features a mobile, IP65-rated stainless steel cabinet. The articulated arm adjusts to fit in hard-to-reach areas, and the compact marking head allows for coding in any orientation.
In the security pavilion Authentix caught the eye. With an estimated 7% of world trade in counterfeit goods the company's many services are likely to be increasingly in demand. "In the past three years Authentix has helped governments and brand owners recover over $3bn in lost sales and tax lost revenues in the consumer goods, petroleum and pharmaceuticals industries," said Phil Martin, vice-president consumer goods. "The solutions implemented provided a substantial return on investment for clients."
The company provides all types of solutions including overt, covert and forensic marking, authentication devices, analytical verification as well as supply chain surveillance and litigation support. By layering advanced technologies and services together with real time intelligence the company says its protection is virtually impossible for counterfeiters to defeat.
