Drinktec 2022: KHS to exhibit new digital solutions as industry faces “immense challenges and radical change”

Filler/seamer block SmartCan by KHS/Ferrum.

13 Jul 2022 --- KHS is set to showcase its latest machine and packaging systems at Drinktec in Munich, Germany (September 12-16), including the filler/seamer block SmartCan, which provides hygiene, flexibility and simple operation benefits. 

According to the engineering company, the beverage and liquid food industry currently finds itself facing immense challenges and radical change. “The various global political tensions, our increasingly digital world and the effort to better protect our climate and environment, are what dominate our work,” says Dr. Johannes T. Grobe, CSO of the KHS Group.

“Flexibility and adaptability are the skills we need both now and in the future – for the latter even more so.” KHS has specified four main areas of focus: Line Efficiency, Circular Packaging, Smart Operations and Reliable Services.

With its new Loop Lite PET bottle concept, KHS is helping to optimize beverage packaging’s “eco-balance” and promoting closed recycling loops. Furthermore, at its booth in Hall B4, the turnkey supplier will exhibit a modular automation concept for PET lines and its full range of services that include both on-site assignments and remote digital solutions.

Space-saving filler/seamer block
The new filler/seamer block SmartCan by KHS/Ferrum gives operators greater line efficiency and maximum process reliability. Customers profit from a space-saving, flexible system that is convincing thanks to its simple operation and sets new standards with its optimized hygiene concept. At the same time, the joint development scores on simple and fast format changeovers when filling different products.KHS will be one of the main exhibitors at Drinktec 2022.

Closed loops with new rPET bottle
Moreover, for KHS, the issue of environmental protection is also a major focus at the trade show. “Consumers and beverage producers are actively calling for sustainable packaging that’s as climate-friendly and low on resources as possible,” stresses Grobe. “KHS is well aware of its responsibility here and helps customers by providing specific advice and developing and implementing recyclable systems.”

With its new KHS Loop Lite packaging concept, the systems provider is continuing to pursue this policy and now presents a very light 0.5 L PET bottle made entirely of recyclate. The specially-developed design for highly carbonated beverages allows up to 25% less material to be used compared to standard market CSD bottles and can be fed into the closed recycling loop.

Its thin interior coating of glass also ensures long-term product protection, with the tried-and-tested Nature MultiPack system from KHS providing optimum carrying convenience.

Flexibility with automated line changeovers
Besides environmentally-friendly packaging, more and more consumers want to be able to choose from a wide range of products, notes KHS. Bottlers frequently need to expand their portfolios, with the number of SKUs constantly on the rise as a result.

To keep line availability and efficiency at a high level, they require fast product changeovers. KHS caters to this demand with its new, modular automation concept for PET lines. With fast, reliable and reproducible changeovers, it significantly boosts the overall equipment effectiveness. In ideal conditions, format changeovers from one to another SKU can be performed in 30 minutes, including running the system empty and restarting it.

Meanwhile, up to 80% of all manual activities are rendered superfluous by the new KHS setup. The Dortmund systems supplier has created a lightweight 0.5 L rPET bottle.

Reliable consultancy with digital solutions
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how important digital services are for maintaining production systems. “Contact and travel restrictions meant that it was much more difficult than before to provide consultancy in person,” says Grobe.

“Our intelligent ReDiS and augmented reality remote diagnostics and remote maintenance services and our web-based Basic Line Monitoring system have proved to be of inestimable value in this respect.”

The significance of these solutions will continue to grow in the future. KHS will present its further developments in this field at Drinktec.

Grobe is delighted that Drinktec can actually take place live in 2022. “In the past couple of years, countless events have been canceled or staged in a purely virtual format. This was a difficult time for us all. Despite digital solutions, personal contact is essential. As one of the main exhibitors in Munich, we’re very pleased to be able to again welcome our customers and partners in person,” he says.

Edited by Joshua Poole

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