C'est la folie: The Südpack packaging group at interpack 2011 in Düsseldorf

Multipeel Flow Wrap, a new kind of resealable closing system for flow wrap packs, co-extruded flexible and rigid films and cheese maturing bags: a whole bunch of topics is the main focus of the appearance of Südpack Verpackungen GmbH & Co. KG at interpack 2011 in Düsseldorf. From 12th to 18th May, at stand C22 in hall 10, the German film manufacturer from Ochsenhausen (Baden-Württemberg) will also be presenting heat-resistant films for use with microwaves and as an alternative to preserves. Südpack Medica, which specialises on the production of sterile medical packaging, will be informing about production in clean-room conditions, among other topics.

“One stop shop” – that's the motto of the Südpack packaging group. “We offer our customers the complete spectrum of plastic packaging starting with co-extruded flexible films in various versions through to co-extruded rigid films and finally printed laminated films and ready-made bags”, explains Johannes Remmele, Managing Director at Südpack, during the run-up to interpack 2011. “Every three years, interpack, being one of the most important trade fairs for the packaging industry, gives us the opportunity of presenting this all-round competence to the international specialist public.”

Resealable packaging – an unbroken trend
Südpack is one of the leading suppliers of resealable films in the thermoforming sector. As one of the highlights, the company will be showing a further development of these films in Düsseldorf: Multipeel Flow Wrap, a resealable tubular bag that doesn't need any aids such as stick-on labels or zips. Multipeel Flow Wrap runs on all common tubular bag machines – packers must merely change the film but not the machine. The sealing film developed by Südpack runs extremely well on the machine thanks to its good sliding friction coefficients. In addition, it seals at temperatures as low as 90 degrees – that saves energy and also means that the throughput of the machine can be increased without damaging the resealable properties.

Co-extruded films for different applications
Along with this, Südpack – Europe's number one in the field of co-extrusion – presents trade fair visitors with their latest developments for co-extruded flexible and rigid films. In Ochsenhausen, the Südpack group employs the blown film as well as the cast film process to produce multi-layer composite films that can be perfectly adapted to the individual requirements of different products by combining the most different materials. When producing these films, the packaging specialists use all common plastics and also laminate the film with paper and aluminium. “Südpack is the most pioneering company in terms of co-extrusion development,” emphasises Remmele. “We are one of the market leaders throughout Europe and invest continually in the latest technologies, come up with new solutions and continue to develop existing products.”

Convenience solutions for microwaves
The company has numerous solutions in its repertoire in the field of heat-resistant co-extrusion films as well, some of which will be exhibited in Düsseldorf. For example the SteamSolution and EcoVent packaging systems: SteamSolution is a film-based steam cooking system for microwaves that greatly reduces cooking times compared with conventional cooking systems thanks to the valves integrated in the film, thereby allowing vitamins and minerals to be retained. With EcoVent on the other hand, microwave ovens become an alternative for conventional ovens: the packaging, with its combination of metal-coated cardboard (susceptor) and film, increases the temperature during heating. This means that ready meals are especially crisp. And the SafePeel Hot high-barrier film that seals PP trays is also ideally suitable for preparing ready meals in microwaves.

Heat-resistant multi-layer films as alternative containers for preserves
But heat-resistant high-barrier films are also suitable for other uses, not just with microwaves. For example, the Barriere Lid and Ecoterm SAV multi-layer plastic films, which Südpack will also be showing at interpack, can be sterilised and thus present serious competition for classical glass and tin packaging. The films combine the advantages of conventional solutions for preserves with the benefits offered by modern plastic packaging.

Uniform cheese ripening in a bag
As a specialist for film-based cheese ripening systems with experience going back decades, the Südpack packaging group also has an overview of the advantages of ripening cheese in a bag. The exceptionally high resistance to penetration of the films used here makes them very convincing. “The big plus factor for our cheese maturing bags, however, is the consistent film thickness which can be precisely defined,” emphasises Remmele. “It guarantees a regular exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, resulting in uniform ripening and allowing storage of up to twelve months.”

Medica: highest levels of purity and security
Südpack Medica, a subsidiary of the Südpack group, will also be presenting its wide range of medical films and sterile packaging at interpack. The company produces exclusively in highly modern, ISO-certified clean rooms which guarantee the highest levels of hygiene and security. “As well as our standard range of products, we also offer our customers tailor-made products that are individually customised to suit their requirements,” says Ingo Schnellenbach, Managing Director of SÜDPACK Medica explaining the principles of Südpack Medica. “That's why in-depth preliminary talks with our customers and the practice of jointly producing a requirements specification have proved their value. In this way, together with the customer, we determine which primary and secondary packaging is best suited for their needs.”

Source: Südpack Verpackungen GmbH & Co.