Empack 2021: Packaging machinery innovations focus on customization, speed and reusability

09 Sep 2021 --- After nearly 18 months of a pandemic-induced exhibition hiatus, PackagingInsights returns to the physical trade show floor at Empack to spotlight some of the latest advances in packaging innovation. 

Packaging machinery was the focus at this year’s show based in Den Bosch, the Netherlands, hosted September 8-9 with customization, speed and user-friendliness standing out as three key customer demands.

Amid several event highlights, PackagingInsights spoke with Koenig & Bauer about its new coding machinery and Multivac about reusing machines. 

Fuji Packaging Benelux put forward why Dutch retailer Albert Heijn (AH) is rethinking minced meat trays and AmbaFlex pinpointed the space-saving benefits of its spiral conveyor solutions.

No “out with the old”
Tapping into the trade show’s central sustainability theme was food packaging specialist Multivac, presenting its machines and parts.

The company reconditions used machines with original parts, which responds to customer demand for machines delivered quickly as well as customers with smaller budgets who still want responsible packaging.

Multivac showcases its “skeleton” machines that are taken apart and can be reused.“The nice thing is that you save on raw materials that you use for the machine, but you can provide it to the customer at a lower price,” Saskia Cooman, business development manager at Multivac Netherlands, explains. 

“[Customers] can always resell us the machines they used and then we revise it for them. Or they can exchange it for a new one.”

This range of used machines includes thermoforming machines, tray sealers, quality control and labeling equipment as well as vacuum chamber machines. 

Additionally, Multivac offers rental options on its stock of used, reconditioned or new Multivac packaging and processing machines to reduce industrial waste.

While some machines are technically specific and can have high standards, Cooman affirms Multivac custom-makes solutions. “Everything is possible,” she muses.

The “clever wizards” of AR & AI
Coding and labeling company Koenig & Bauer chose Empack to debut its alphaJET5X machine. It pays “special attention to user friendliness” via the “clever wizards” of augmented reality and virtual reality.

“Our new machine has a whole new human-machine interface (HMI). It has the touch and feel of a smartphone but it’s still a production machine, so that’s really special,” says Frank Valkenburg, Koenig & Bauer sales manager.

Koenig & Bauer’s AlphaJETx5 was exhibited at Empack for the first time.The AlphaJET5X operates with cloud-based systems and extensive connectivity to facilitate services management and predictive maintenance in production.

“For preventive maintenance, employees don’t have to come to the customer site but can do it digitally. We’ve received very good feedback,” Valkenburg declares. 

Plastic reduction up to 70%
Fuji Packaging Benelux showcased its flowpack machine specially designed for minced meat. “At the moment, AH is introducing minced meat packaging in a flow pack instead of a tray,” says Frank Kwantes, Fuji sales manager.

According to AH data, the switch results in 60 to 70 percent plastic reductions, amounting to 500,000 kg of plastic saved annually. 

A tray can range between 200-300 mcg in thickness, but a flow pack can be as thin as 45 mcg. “Four to five flow packs can amount to the same weight as one tray,” Kwantes notes.

“We can seal the pack gas-tight at 120 packs a minute with mono-plastic,” he continues. Recyclable mono-materials can be more difficult to seal – but Fuji solves this with its osmosis system.

Fuji highlights how flowpacks can reduce plastic usage by up to 70%.Furthermore, the flowpack machine is made of stainless steel to offer more stability on the machines and make them easier to clean. “In the future, we can use this kind of machine for other products like hamburgers and cheese,” Kwantes points out. 

In terms of further addressing consumers’ growing anti-plastic sentiment, Fuji is also researching using paper and mono-plastic alternatives, Kwantes adds. 

Thinking vertically
Breaking away from conventional horizontal machines and conveyor belts is AmbaFlex, which exhibited its Portal-One spiral configuration. 

It consists of two spirals with an integrated conveyor, which enables an uninterrupted and interference-free passage for small and unstable packages.

“[Portal-One] is a compact solution to elevate products within a small footprint,” details Peter Kok, area sales manager Benelux and Switzerland. 

“If you need to elevate products, you need an inclined belt and you need space, but you can’t incline with a steep angle.”

The Portal-One spiral configuration targets applications where a steep incline isn’t possible for space reasons.AmbaFlex mainly targets packaging, logistics, and the beer and beverage industry with Portal-One. 

“You need to look at the products, from small cans to bigger boxes, which have different stability and time requirements,” Kok explains. 

What’s next?
While a definite headcount for the first day is still unconfirmed, Patrick Drenthen, PR and communication at Empack, says event exhibitors were content with the turnout. 

Several university students have been in attendance, demonstrating how younger audiences are increasingly interested in machinery innovation, while even more visitors are expected on the second day of Empack.

Stay tuned for PackagingInsights’ continued coverage of the event tomorrow, diving into labeling and coding innovations.

By Anni Schleicher, reporting from Empack 2021 in Den Bosch, the Netherlands