Chewing gum wrap equipment supplier Loesch leverages sector growth
Innovation in product and packaging design is a major driver in the gum market in particular, claims the German supplier of packaging machinery for the confectionery and bakery sector.
Indeed, a recent report from Global Industry Analysts (GIA) forecasts the global gums market to reach $20.7bn by 2015, driven by a high level of product innovation in the category, efficient distribution networks, effective large-scale promotional campaigns, and new functional gums.
LoeschPack said its newly-developed high performing GW05 fold wrapping machine for chewing gum sticks will be exhibited at the Dusseldorf based show, along with its LRM DUO twin station two-stage fold wrapping machine for smaller multipacks of chewing gum tabs and sticks, chocolate Neapolitans or bars.
“In order to achieve this, a new machine concept on the basis of the GW04 high performance machine was developed and enhanced with new components,” said the supplier.
Wrapping material infeed, stick conveyance and the wrapping drum are based on the principle of the GW04 – but with many improvements.
“The basic prerequisite for maximum performance is a continuously operating machine. The version for processing chewing gum slabs features zero-accumulation feeding with a special servo-driven double feeder transport.
Cutting of the individual sticks then takes place via a newly developed separating device,” said the Altendorf based company.
LoeschPack said particular attention was paid by its engineering team to the hygiene, ergonomics and maintenance aspects of the GWO5 version of the line.
It is also configurable, said the German supplier, with a series of add-on modules for processing chewing gum slabs, inline production, and for different types of further packaging.
“In combination, for example, with the LRM-DUO and, where required, a downstream WKM cartoning machine, it forms a complete packaging line with top performance and efficiency,” said the manufacturer.
The company, which is also showing equipment for chocolate products at the German event, said its primary focus are manufacturers of chewing gum (strips, tab gum, sticks, pellets), chocolate (tablets, bars, small articles, assortments, pralines), and dry baked goods (biscuits, waffles, cookies, crackers).
