Advanced thermoforming for food packs

Founded in 1961, Plastopil manufactures an array of flexible barrier films and packaging materials to optimise the shelf-life and presentation of chilled foods, and has earned a worldwide reputation for quality, integrity and service.   

Its Multiform thermoforming films are distinguished by excellent formability in deep-draw applications. Developed by using technologically-advanced polymers, these downgauged forming films provide an equivalent performance to thicker films, including thick corners and minimum thermal memory.  

‘Produced using Aquafrost technology, a water-quenched downward blown film coextrusion process, Multiform films have impressive clarity and gloss, consistent gauge interlayer thickness and high puncture resistance,’ Amotz explains. ‘Most importantly, they display excellent thermoforming ability, post-thermoforming shrink properties and impact strength, and provide aroma, flavour and UV protection. Easy peel is available, if required.’  

Films are sold in thicknesses from 75µm to 275µm, to suit various drawing depths and oxygen transmission rates, including medium- and high-barrier variations for meat, cheese and poultry packaging, case-ready packaging and other food applications. They retain their strength at temperatures down to -40°C and withstand pasteurisation up to 95°C.  

‘We’ve represented Plastopil since 2005, with excellent results,’ Amotz remarks. ‘R&D forms the core of Plastopil’s operation and I’d say its current film formulations are 30-years ahead of anything else currently available in South Africa.’   

Durable and versatile

According to Amotz, there are some 70 Ilpra food packing machines, large and small, in operation in South Africa.

‘In terms of tray sealing and thermoforming, Ilpra is renowned for providing reliable and versatile standard and custom-built machines. In business for 57 years, it has achieved international recognition for easy-to-operate and durable designs,’ Amotz maintains.

The Speedy is the first automatic model in Ilpra’s Foodpack range of tray sealers. Designed to meet high production standards, it’s fitted with user-friendly software, and can be customised with a number of production accessories.

Progas technology, standard on Foodpack machines, reduces gas consumption by 40%, compared to traditional mechanical solutions. Further options include automatic tray destacking units, coding systems for expiry/production date, printed top web system for correct placement of printed film on the tray, a dosing system and an automatic snap-on lid device.

The Speedy 2, with IP65 class protection, is an in-line machine suitable for working in wet and/or aggressive environments. This system matches the operational features of the Speedy, with the addition of a mould and modification kit for three or four trays/cycle and a motorised ejection conveyor with five free steps for placing denesting systems and fillers.

The latest in-line forming machines from Ilpra include the Formpack F0 and F1 made of AISI 304 stainless steel and anodised aluminium with IP 65 class protection.

These high-speed, precision-forming machines offer quick changeover and are ideal for medium-size enterprises in the food, industrial and medical fields.

Both systems can operate with flexible and rigid materials and are available in two versions – N for sealing only and VG for vacuum packaging, vacuum/gas and skin packaging.

The aluminium design allows for easy washing and installation in damp environments. Customised accessories include printed top web, coding units, dosing systems, slicers, and an in-line flexographic printer.

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