Quality of Life finds expression in five dimensions – meaning, health, identity, simplicity and aesthetics – which at interpack serve as five shop logos. Together these shops – surrounding a central lecture space – make up the Innovationsparc Packaging stand.
This show has been developed in co-operation with the European Retail Institute, Pan-European Brand Design Association and Zukunftsinstitut (Institute of the Future); and individual shop designs are the result of co-operation with companies at different stages along the value chain.
The Metal Packaging Plaza is an eye-catching stand. This newly-established meeting place for the metal packaging sector is visually dominated by metal. A metal sculpture suspended from the ceiling illustrates the stand motto of ‘infinity’. Core subjects are sustainability, safety/security and convenience as well as innovations in metal packing. Some 40 companies are taking part. At the heart
of the Metal Packaging Plaza is an information platform with a forum, bar lounge and meeting point. This special show is supported by German Metal Packaging Association and Empac, the European body representing the interests of metal package manufacturers.
Visitors can also visit the Save Food pavilion between Halls 10 and 16. Here results of studies conducted by the UN’s Food & Agriculture Organisation on the subject of global food loss are to be presented. The area is flanked by contributions from Bosch Packaging, Multivac, Metro Cash & Carry, the German Engineering Federation and the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers, among others. Visitors can also take advantage of a sustainable catering strategy with a 150-metre-long table under canvas, directly adjoining the Save Food pavilion.
Ed’s note: Don’t miss the South African party aboard the MS Rhine Princess on Saturday evening, May 14. Contact Susi Moore (+27 082 5686729) for more information.
Tadbik’s labelling and packaging solutions
Leading provider of labelling and packaging solutions, the Tadbik group’s six subsidiaries are showing their wares at interpack (Hall 9, Stand C36).
Tadbik Pack (with plants in both Israel and South Africa) specialises in in-mould labels, shrink sleeves and monowebs, offering offset and gravure combination printing.
CLP (based in Israel) is recognised as a world leader in retort technology, and offers a full range of multilayer packaging materials, supplied as reelstock or as ready-made pouches, with multicolour printing using either flexo or gravure processes. Pouch designs include stand-up, gusseted pouches with an impressive array of value-added features such as zippers, laser scoring and spouts.
Two other subsidiaries, Tadbik Limited and Tadbik Systems (both located in Israel), specialise respectively in the manufacture of top-quality
pressure-sensitive labels and booklet labels, and the supply of shrink sleeve labelling equipment.
The Logotech subsidiary manufactures and distributes high-quality pressure-sensitive labels for the US market.
And finally, Tadbik Advanced Technologies (located in Israel) focuses on providing state-of-the-art solutions for smart packaging such as anti-counterfeit, anti-theft and product identification innovations. A recent addition to the line-up is RFID tags.
All of these products can be seen on the Tadbik group stand at interpack, where members of the local team look forward to meeting fellow South Africans. Heading up the delegation is Clinton Parsons, MD of both Tadbik Pack SA and CLP SA. Representing Tadbik Pack SA are Lome de Sousa (key accounts manager), Barrie van Wyk (technical manager), and Sharin Sweet (sales manager), while CLP SA is represented by general manager, Abrey Page.
Open Date’s coders offer value, accuracy
The centrepiece of Open Date’s stand (Hall 5, Stand G42) is the latest in high-quality thermal transfer printing. Developed specifically to meet demand for a versatile and easily programmable unit, the Thermocode iQ offers sustainable operation and low maintenance.
A major advance for thermal transfer printing (TTP) technology is the use of three stepper motors rather than compressed air used on conventional machines. These allow extremely fine pressure adjustments to be made, doubling the life of the print head in many applications. This gives the iQ advantages in both print accuracy and reduced running costs, claims the company.
Open Date also offers a highly-competitive series of thermal inkjet coders. The CleanCode range consists of models EVI and EV2, which are HP units and EV1 LX and EV2 LX, based on Lexmark technology.
According to Open Date these coders are significantly less expensive than continuous inkjet (CIJ) and offer lower costs compared with CIJ or drop on demand machines.
Open Date is also showing examples of its hot-foil coding machines, said to enjoy an unrivalled reputation. A full raft of accessories is available, including printheads for all types of coders, ribbons, inks, type, cliches and dies.
Open Date’s local agent is Goldpack. Representing Goldpack at interpack are Bevan and Clyde Challenor, who will be on hand to provide full technical details of each machine and demonstrate cost savings and operating efficiencies achievable.
Domino’s intelligent technology lineup
On the Domino stand (Hall 15, Stand B04) visitors can see the new i-Tech (Intelligent Technology) product range, including a high-performance scribing laser and a cassette version of the V-Series thermal transfer over printer.
i-Tech products are designed to deliver maximum productivity and value, deploying an array of smart technologies, lowering maintenance costs and increasing production line efficiencies.
The D620i 60W scribing laser, débuting at interpack, is a high-performance addition to the D-Series i-Tech line-up. It offers a new high-speed option which allows users to achieve 20% greater throughput.
The addition of the V220i to the range of thermal transfer overprinters brings Domino’s patented ribbon economy to a wide range of potential applications for flexible packaging. Potential uptime increases thanks to its cassette mechanism that allows high capacity ribbons (1 040mm in length) to be exchanged in seconds.
This is the second product in the i-Tech V-Series range with the facility to handle complex coding information including linear and 2D barcodes and logos. Onboard intelligence permits management of codes via databases.
Another show highlight is the A320i continuous ink jet printer that, by incorporating i-Tech features, completely eliminates the need for planned servicing. The printer delivers tangible environmental benefits, using 90% less system ink and 50% less ink solvent than its predecessor. The A320i is also 40% lighter and incorporates energy-saving software.
The new A- D- and V-Series coders join a line-up that will showcase Domino’s coding and marking capabilities from product to pallet, with a portfolio incorporating wide-ranging technologies for primary, secondary and tertiary coding – all available in South Africa through WH Rosenmeyer Coding & Marking.
New benchmark for label application
Premier Labellers (locally represented by Pakmax) is introducing its latest innovation in label application technology.
Called Premier Label Centralisation Technology (LCT), it meets demand for a highly accurate and reliable labelling system, that compensates for variations in label placement when labelling non-round glass and plastic containers.
This software, developed for Premier Label’s Siemens S7-based PLC control system, actively calculates the centre point of each container that passes the product sensor. It then feeds each label, at the appropriate moment, to ensure each product is labelled absolutely centrally.
The encoder/motor combination has a 0,2mm resolution which provides an overall accuracy of +/- 0,4mm margin on label placement. It‘s also possible to utilise a higher resolution encoder/motor combination to provide even greater levels of sub-millimetre placement accuracy.
The LCT is being launched on Premier Labeller’s Premier P250 model in Hall 8A, Stand E20.
Evolution and innovation
Fuji Machinery Japan, locally represented by Goldpack, is a global supplier of horizontal vertical form-fill-seal (FFS) machines and a full range of ancillary equipment to meet any packaging requirement.
The evolution of the Fuji range of computerised, servo-controlled equipment is user-friendly, easy to operate, with quick changeover capability, easy to clean and runs at minimal cost.
Lower power consumption and the efficient use of raw materials and waste show Fuji Machinery’s commitment to the environment.
Systems on show (Hall 8B, Stand F58 & H57) include horizontal FFS machines for side-sealed bags, tubular bags from film sheets, reel-fed pre-made bags and tubular bags from sheets, rigid containers (blister), rigid containers (tray and similar), wrapping machines (fully wrapped) and packaging machines with special product preservation techniques such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP).
R&D for confectionery
Sollich (Hall 3, Stand B07/C08) is exhibiting a range of equipment that highlights its intensive research and development activities. Locally represented by Pakmatic, Sollich’s new TurboTemper tempering machines together with the automatic Tempergraph, suitable for measuring the degree of temper in chocolate, offer maximised tempering technology. In combination with this a variety of sieving, mixing and aroma dosing systems are being presented.
Different chocolate enrobing machines with working widths between 320 and 1 300mm, and a caramel enrober – Caramat 1050 – are also on show.
All models can be used with auxiliary equipment such as decorators, sprinklers and truffle rolling devices.
From the family of enrobers a newly developed mini-enrobing machine, the MiniCoaterTTS 420, together with two MiniTemper machines are on show, as is the Sollcotop machine, suitable for almost all fluid enrobing materials such as chocolate, compound or hot and cold icings.
Maximum flexibility, reliability and efficiency
Innovation and integration combined with flexibility, reliability, efficiency and simplicity in machine management is the focus on the Marchesini Group’s stand (Hall 8A, Stand F05).
On show are six complete lines – two of which are integrated – while 12 stand-alone machines feature most of the technological solutions offered by Marchesini, locally represented by Pakmatic.
On show is a complete blister packaging line for solids MB460 FAST (from thermoforming to palletisation) that’s Marchesini’s fastest line, processing 720 blisters/min.Integra200, a robotic blister packaging line that integrates the two thermoforming and carton packaging operations in one unit, is also being exhibited.
For the liquids market, there are two lines – one for packaging pre-filled syringes, from assembly through to bundle packaging and another for packaging vials in a sterile environment. This consists of an in-line filler Steril 400 with a depyrogenation tunnel Depyr600.
Also worth seeing is Marchesini’s robotic syringe packaging line, Unica, that integrates a deep draw forming and carton packaging operations in one unit. This incorporates a wireless controller, developed by Marchesini, to simplify and speed-up size changing and line control and management processes.
Also on show is a stickpack line for packaging powder products, a line for packaging cosmetics in plastic vials, a syringe filler, a machine for filling and closing ampoules, an electronic tablet counter, a machine that fills tubes with cream, a strip packaging machine, a vertical cartoner with alternating motion, a machine for filling vials with liquid cosmetics and a tea bag packer produced by the group’s partner, Teamac.
Market-leading sieving, ultrasonics and filtration
Russell Finex (locally represented by Pakmax) is showcasing market-leading sieving, ultrasonics and filtration equipment (Hall 3, Stand 3B21).
Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Russell Finex serves customers from a variety of industries around the world. A specialist team of Russell Finex representatives and engineers will complement a display of working machines that reveal just how successful the company’s equipment is at improving production efficiencies.
On display are a family of compact sieves in different unit sizes; and a new hygiene filler, alongside a functioning model of Russel Finex’s horizontal Eco Filter 502. Installed on the filters is a working filter management system, as well as a new retrofittable vertical end cap support. In addition, the revolutionary Finex separator, in operation with the Vibrasonic deblinding system and new sieve braking system, the Russell Vibrastop, are being shown.
Further exhibits include the Blow Thru Sieve, specially designed for positive pressure pneumatic conveying of dry powders, the award winning Compact Airlock, the Compact 3-in-1 Sieve and the Liquid Solid Separator, an advanced version of traditional liquid separators.
Six-axis parallel-link robot . . .
Cermex, locally represented by WH Rosenmeyer, is showcasing the first end-of-line packaging machine to integrate Fanuc’s six-axis parallel-link (delta) robot (Hall 13, Stand C47/D48).
The combined SD/P5 case packing and palletising unit is configured in a new stand-up pouch application with innovative performance in terms of both movement and payload capacities.
With successful robot integration, Cermex illustrates its ability to supply cutting-edge automated packaging solutions.
With two additional axes, this robot closely resembles the movement capacity of a human hand and is capable of setting products upright or laying them down depending on how they are fed into the machine and how they are to be arranged in the case.
The integration of the six-axis parallel-link robot accommodates payloads up to 6kg, which widens the spectrum of applications for this combined unit.
It is also possible to install a Fanuc vision system to the robot instead of using tradition mechanical infeed systems.
Also on show is the SD/P5 Combi, a new-generation case packing and palletising unit combining an SD58 top-loading module with a P5 palletising module.
For case loading, the combined unit retains the advantages of the ‘ready to pack’ range in terms of handling the packaging throughout each phase. Integrating a range of loading arms increases its versatility. Case format changeovers are automatic thanks to motorised adjustment points.
When it comes to palletisation, the module forms part of the ultra-compact four-axis palletisers combining performance, production control and operator safety. A gantry principle broadens layout possibilities; and gripping/transfer tooling includes the rotation function necessary to build required pallet patterns.
. . . and shrink-wrapping for end-of-line automation
Cermex is also presenting the VersaFilm range of shrink-wrappers without sealing bar. Divided into three functions – product infeed, selection and lapping, and film shrinking in a heat tunnel – its modular architecture considers each function separately, increasing overall added value.
With regard to ergonomics, streamlined kinematics and improved machine’s clutter-free concept facilitate the operator’s work while a suspended, articulated, ultra-thin control panel is more accessible and less cumbersome. The fully-transparent clean-design safety guards include ergonomic sliding doors.
The Cermex Dual Injection System enables the machine to run continuously while reel changeover is carried out by an injection system with independent dual heads. This eliminates both machine stoppage and the need for an operator’s presence during permutation. With changeover time reduced, equipment managing the accumulation upstream from the shrink-wrapper is optimised.
The VersaFilm’s size range accommodates product formats ranging from 55 to 124mm and 250ml to three litres. A cassette reduces the format change over time to less than a minute, with a quick return to nominal speed.
By redesigning the insulation and air circulation a 10% saving in power consumption has been generated. This considerable improvement is a contribution from the GreenUP eco-behaviour and sustainable development program.
Acepak looks for trumps at interpack
Proudly flying the South African flag at interpack is Cape Town’s end-of-line packaging specialist, Acepak.
Acepak is a home-grown packaging success story – with hundreds of its machines abetting productivity at all the best FMCG addresses – and intends using interpack as a launching pad to tell the world more about its expertise, technology and capabilities.
‘Interpack is the world’s premier packaging show; and if you want to get noticed on the world stage then there’s no better place to be,’ comments Dave Grobler, Acepak’s ever-ebullient MD. ‘We’re at a point in our history where we need to broaden our business outlook and expand our export markets; and we know we have the right technology to do so. We’re up there with the biggest names in the business when it comes to technology, quality and reliability, but at very competitive prices, even with the strong rand.’
Today, Acepak is a R100-million/year enterprise and enjoys about 85% market share in South Africa for end-of-line solutions: shrink-wrappers, case-packers and palletisers. Exports, while notable, are still a small proportion of turnover and Dave believes huge opportunity beckons beyond the traditional export markets of Africa and the Middle East.
He hopes to impress streams of interpack visitors, would-be customers and agents with Acepak’s winning design philosophy: compact and ergonomic design; simple and reliable mechanics; and cutting-edge control technology.
A big UK export order, in fact, will create the focal point of Acepak’s interpack stand, namely its latest generation OS40 high-speed overwrapper. This machine is en route to Woodcock Dairy in the British midlands and is one of six lines in a R16-million contract that Acepak has signed with this successful family business, which will be fully commissioned by the end of 2011.
‘We think this machine really showcases our capabilities – it’s la crème de la crème overwrapping engineering, with speeds from 30 to 100 packs,’ enthuses Dave.
He stresses that Acepak will not just be part of some principal‘s exhibit, but has its own stand’
(Hall 13, Stand E47). ‘This is a substantial investment in marketing, brand-building travelling and time but it’s important that we “strut our stuff” and make a big impression. Much of our success rests on good, old-fashioned customer service and solid relationships – and there’s no better venue to create and cement these than at the world’s greatest packaging event,’ he concludes.
Sustainable strapping technology
Mosca’s focus at interpack (Hall 16, Stand E38) is on efficient manufacturing while doing business responsibly. This strapping technology leader (locally represented by Goldpack) is showing the new KCK 131-26 pallet packing press that offers speeds up to 200 pallets/hour, while offering outstanding environmental performance.
Also on show to mark Mosca’s 45th anniversary is the 100 000th machine built by the company – a corrosion-free SoniXs TR-P-VA and successor to the popular automatic strapping machine RO-M. Developed for the food processing industry, it requires the very highest standards of hygienic cleaning. By dispensing entirely with oxidisation-susceptible cast iron and steel parts, the machine is completely corrosion free.
Based on the successful RO-M format, Mosca is also presenting the next generation of automatic strapping machines. They’re easy to use and particularly suited to bundling smaller quantities of goods that need to be individually packaged.
In addition, Mosca is showing a new strapping band made of polylactic acid that represents a further development towards conserving resources. The company’s aim is to make its own processes more sustainable, and also those of its customers.
Inkjet solutions for packaging
Heidelberg is presenting a comprehensive range of products and solutions for packaging printing at interpack (Hall 11, Stand E31 and Hall 7, Stand 7AB11/C30).
Taking centre stage is the Linoprint digital inkjet printing system that offers brand-name manufacturers, packaging producers and filling companies solutions where customised decoration and labelling play a key role in flexible substrate printing.
Heidelberg’s focus at interpack is on applications for the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and manufacturing industries. For pharmaceutical applications, it’s showing the Linoprint Driveline B to demonstrate the options available for printing on aluminium foil and label material.
‘Inkjet printing is rapidly gaining importance for the packaging industry,’ explains Stephan Plenz, a member of the Heidelberg management board.
‘The Linoprint makes it possible to integrate digital printing into packaging lines,’ continues Daniel Dreyer, head of Linoprint at Heidelberg. ‘When integrating inkjet systems we factor in both the existing production environment and inks and substrates to be used in our systems,’ Daniel concludes.
At Innovationparc Packaging (see page 41), Heidelberg is represented in the Health/Wellbeing category, as a technology partner in several joint projects, to demonstrate how cold foils can be used effectively and sustainably to finish and further process design packaging for OTC products, pharmacy cosmetics, and (a new category) ‘cosmeceuticals’.
Packaging print innovations for pharmaceuticals
The Atlantic Zeiser Group (Hall 13, Stand C12) is showcasing its new Omega 20/25 printing module and air-cooled LED curing technology. The printer and curing system package can be used for horizontal and vertical printing, and is designed for the special requirements of the pharmaceutical industry.
It features a compact design, and offers powerful inline integration components for marking, coding and serialising in late-stage customisation, as well as product track & trace and anti-counterfeiting. The spot colour DoD (drop-on-demand) inkjet printer covers printing widths between 20mm and 25mm, the maximum printing width required for adding markings and variable product and production information to pharmaceutical packaging.
Such information includes contents, expiry dates, warning notices, usage and consumption notes, as well as volume information in text and in different languages.
It also offers machine-readable coding of packaging materials with corresponding information such as barcodes or 2D data matrix. In this process, check codes are printed and can be used for product tracing. The check codes can also be used to tackle the growing grey market in the pharmaceutical sector.
Demand for lower printing widths of 20mm to 25mm is based on the installation options available on existing packaging lines at pharmaceutical producers. As these are generally large-scale systems, there’s little space for marking and coding integration modules. This means a compact design is crucial – and Atlantic Zeiser has responded accordingly.
To ensure requisite quality, the company has developed an air-cooled LED curing solution that hardens the printing ink at speeds of up to 60m/min. The curing system does not require any additional cooling units or coolants, and features a design as compact as the Omega 20/25 printer.