Alongside highly automated systems, sustainability seems to be top of the agenda with the all-important goal of reducing the environmental impact of their packaging and operations. Be it the implementation of bio-degradable packaging materials or reducing waste throughout the packaging process, it is all influencing the roadmap towards a cleaner, greener future.

In recent years, technology and features of VFFS packaging equipment have therefore evolved to meet this demand. For example, packaging systems incorporating single serration jaws, successfully help manufacturers reduce film consumption by reducing the film length required per bag. Providing major film savings due to their smaller seal area, the single serration jaw allows an increase in bag volume while maintaining the same bag length. In addition, the jaws have a smaller profile meaning they require less jaw heat and produce a faster seal time; thus, leading to increased throughput and enhanced performance. The innovation has helped numerous snack manufacturers successfully reduce the consumption of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, which while recyclable, is non-biodegradable.

“In today’s environmentally-concerned climate, equipment must combine efficiency gains and energy savings – and that includes conveyors. Arguably one of the most crucial pieces for equipment on the production line, conveyors are responsible for transporting the product from one end of the production line to the other – connecting the different processes in a smooth, continuous flow. Energy efficient conveying systems are therefore critical to any operation when it comes to ensuring greater productivity and efficiencies,” says Anurag Mitra – Product Marketing manager, tna. “The tna’s roflo® transfer and distribution series possesses a host of sustainability features that make it environmentally conscious and cost-effective. Featuring an efficient and sustainable design that is underpinned by an absolute minimal use of moving parts, such as gear boxes, timing belts and couplings for a longer lifecycle, manufacturers can benefit from reduced maintenance requirements and the associated costs. Fewer modules required to transfer product and a natural frequency also means reduced energy costs and minimal detrimental impact on the environment. On standard tna roflo® 3 modules, compressed air – an inefficient energy source – has been eliminated, while the series also utilizes an auto-stand-by feature when no product is present, to reduce utility costs further and make the operations more sustainable,” he adds.

Plenty of options

As the inventor of the world’s first rotary, continuous motion, high-speed VFFS system, tna’s robag® 3 series is founded on three key principals: performance, flexibility and simplicity. And this is true for every one of their product developments. With a focus on performance, tna says they can help our customers deliver increased packaging speeds, reduced waste, greater efficiency, reliability and productivity. Meanwhile, their principal of simplicity ensures that all equipment is designed with ease of use in mind – from intuitive programming and operation to simplified film systems for effortless film threading and stainless-steel construction for ease of cleaning.

Finally, flexibility is a key attribute – particularly in the packaging arena. The ability to switch between different packaging types and formats quickly and easily is imperative for brand owners to be able to meet changing consumer demand while ensuring minimum downtime between production runs.

“The consumer backlash against plastic is a driving force for the industry in looking for fit-for-purpose alternatives. While reducing waste is currently top of the agenda, various brands have already started innovating alternatives. In some markets, for instance, mushroom packaging has been developed as an alternative to Styrofoam, and seaweed packaging is being praised as an alternative to film. Though neither of these materials are yet in use on a broad scale, it is certainly something of which the industry needs to be aware, particularly packaging equipment solution manufacturers, since VFFS systems should have the ability to run these alternative materials to meet brand owners’ requirements,” Mitra adds.

You can read the rest of this article in your complimentary March-April Issue of Potato Processing International magazine, which you can access by clicking here.