Food packaging minimises film use

The need for sustainable food packaging is growing, therefore packaging systems should not only need to be efficient, safe and flexible but also conserve energy and resources. GEA product experts demonstrated the technology group’s solutions for this segment at this year’s Packaging Days, staged at the Biedenkopf plant (Germany) in November. 

During the GEA Packaging Days at the Biedenkopf plant, customers informed themselves about solutions in the field of sustainable food packaging. (Photo GEA)

More than 220 participants were welcomed at the event, gathering information on equipment solutions that meet food producers’ various requirements regarding optimized packaging quality, safe and economical packaging processes as well as better recyclability coupled with reduced film usage. The event focused on the GEA PowerPak PLUS packaging machine as well as covering every step in the packaging line from feeding, through inserting, cutting and sealing, to labeling and separating. To ensure the highest packaging quality, all individual modules are tailored to each customer’s requirements.

GEA PowerPak PLUS and GEA DualSlicer

The lecture series kicked off with a presentation on the GEA PowerPak PLUS thermoforming machine and compatible GEA DualSlicer. Attendees were given proof positive of a packaging process that makes rapid film changes extremely simple while minimising film wastage. Characterized by its premium cut quality, low give-away and high yield, the slicer can be perfectly adapted to suit the relevant product. As tried-and-trusted solutions, both machines are reliable, easy to operate and ensure stable processes.

The FoodTray paperboard / film composite solution can be almost completely recycled and is versatile in use. (Photo GEA)

FoodTray: A sustainable packaging solution

An exploration of topics revolving around reduced film consumption and recycling subsequently highlighted FoodTray, a system solution for sustainable food packaging. The tray concept combines corrugated paperboard and plastic film to create a consumer-friendly packaging system for fresh foodstuffs. Automatically assembled on the GEA Thermoformer, the two materials can easily be separated after use for appropriate disposal.

Solutions for multi-layer packaging Increasingly, multi-layer or double-layer packaging is being used to facilitate the handling and presentation of fresh products. This is in keeping with the trend toward smaller package sizes at grocery retailers’ and discounters’ fresh foods counters. The upshot is lower film consumption. Due to the technical need for two loading systems, however, the thermoformer’s cycle speed is reduced. The long-term purchasing behaviour of the end customer will ultimately decide whether machine technology will prevail. The industry can always rely on GEA for the appropriate solutions. -- GEA