Sealed Air adds resealable applicator to line up
system will help food processors make the add on to their
production lines without slowing down operations, its manufacturer
claims.
US-based Sealed Air said a new version of its Easy Open Reseal bags now includes a machine that can be added on to a processors' existing packaging operations without a slow down in production.
The Easy Open Reseal is a built-in recloseable feature using pressure sensitive tape as opposed to the zips used by competitor Zip-Pak.
Both companies are attempting to provide food processors with options in meeting the increasing consumer demand for convenience foods. The trend toward single lifestyles means consumers are alsoattracted by ability to reseal unused portions of multi-serving products in the same pack.
Colin Lovering, the company's UK-based group operations manager, told FoodProductionDaily.com that the new version provides a "one-stop" solution in the food market.
The company has made a machine applicator that adds on to the back of any horizontal or vertical flowpacking line, allowing the resealable feature to be used without a corresponding slowdown inproduction times, he said.
The applicator takes the place of the film unwind systems associated with either type of wrapper. Under normal conditions the applicator is compatible with any flow wrapping equipment, and wouldpossibly only require an extension to the infeed conveyor.
It also does not affect line-running speeds and can be used on gas-flushed packs.
"In the past there was a noticable slowdown in production times," Lovering said. "We are very competitive in solving a problem faced by the industry. What we do is providethe whole solution, the seal strip, the machine that adds the seal strip. It's a one-stop solution."
Sealed Air claims its adhesive product is easier to use than than zips. The company is targeting the fresh produce, bread, cheese and confectionery markets.
A built-in teartape along the length of the package is used for the initial opening, which reveals the resealable flaps. The pack simply presses back together. It can be re-opened many timeswithout compromising the adhesive's performance, the company claims.
The previous version of Easy Open is being used in the UK by Allied Bakeries, which now operates five of the Easy Open applicators for its flowpack lines that pack a wide variety of confectioneryproducts.
Easy Open Reseal can be used with any standard polypropylene film.
