GEA launches modular packaging system for fine powders and coarse granules

22 Oct 2021 --- Technology group GEA is launching a packaging line for powders and coarse granules called GEA SmartFil M1, targeting low-capacity applications in the food, dairy and pet food sectors. 

Companies operating in emerging markets, low-volume producers and pilot plants “need such a system,” according to GEA. The company offers a compact and flexible low-rate packing process to meet their special needs. 

Likewise, GEA adds that raw material producers with diverse portfolios need to be able to adapt their packaging solution in a versatile way.

Bag filling configuration
Bags are manually loaded onto the filling head and clamped in place using a footswitch operation. Pressing the footswitch starts the bag filling process until the target weight is reached. 

The lift conveyor removes the full bag from the filling head and conveys it to the closing station. At this point, a second bag can be loaded onto the filling head to restart the filling process. 

The operator then reforms the neck of the bag, ready for presentation to the sealing system. A footswitch operation is used to feed the bag into the sealer, where the bag is automatically sealed and presented to the downline. 

Customizable variations
With more than 100 possible variants, the GEA SmartFil M1 offers a nominal filling capacity of 120 bags per hour or three tons per hour at 25 kg product size.

Depending on the packaged product, the packaging system features configurable product metering options, including a vertical auger and horizontal vibratory feeder. Customers can choose to pack into open-mouth bags, boxes or drums of varying sizes, while closures are configurable, depending on the packaging type.

The built-in, height-adjustable conveyor system makes packaging changes fast and simple, while allowing the operator to work at an ergonomic height. Continuous heat sealing with glue reactivation or with sewing is available for open-mouth bags, while impulse sealing is offered for the hermetic sealing of plastic packaging.

GEA developments
In August, GEA debuted its FoodTray for packaging marinated meat. The FoodTray is a combined solution, comprising a cardboard tray lined with a plastic film, offering the advantages of cardboard and plastic while reducing the quantity of plastic by up to 80%. 

Earlier this year, the company unveiled a new version of its skin thermoforming packaging technology – the PowerPak Skin.50 – which can perform vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging packing on the same machine.

In January, GEA also added a paper-based packaging dimension to its PowerPak Plus thermoforming machine. The new packaging option is made from a moldable paper composite consisting of more than 80% paper and a residual amount of plastic for features delivering barrier properties.

Edited by Anni Schleicher