IFFA 2022: GEA showcases improved Smartpacker CX400 for Teflon-free sealing

24 May 2022 --- German packaging machine giant GEA presented its Smartpacker CX400 at Frankfurt, Germany’s, IFFA 2022 trade fair. The machine can process and package products from candy or cheese to meat or vegetables and boasts fast changeover times and other functionalities like labeling and printing.

While the Smartpacker CX400 has been on the market for many years, GEA was looking to reemphasize its credentials and highlight some new features at the show. PackagingInsights speaks to the company’s application specialist Jacques Timmermans, who details some of the machine’s more nuanced design elements. 

“Right now, we are running PE film through the machine, and right here is the slicing table – we can slice the film with tape, and it is a hygienic design with no vacuum.”

“We have some new features, including the new display where we can do short training for operators by playing videos and so on.”

GEA SmartPacker CX400 handles a wide range of distinctive packaging types, such as pillow, gusset, block bottom, envelope, easy doy, quatro seal and doy-style, at up to 5 kg per bag. 

The new Teflon free sealing mechanism.Replacing Teflon 
One of the major changes made in the smart packer has been the replacement of Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) in the sealing process for different types of bags. 

“We are also not using Teflon anymore. With standard seal bars, you have to replace Teflon tape every shift, depending on what products you are running. We have a solution that produces almost no wear on the system at all,” says Timmermans. 

“Now, instead, we use aluminum strips with a special coating, and the heat is coming from two sides. This means we have less time and energy to create the seal, and the seal pressure is much higher than in a standard system.”

“These strips will run more than one million bags before we change them.”

Teflon is among the many chemicals under threat by legislation proposals that could see packaging producers banned from using substances that are thought to pose a risk to human and environmental health.

Recently, the EU declared a “political commitment” to phase out and ultimately outlaw all such chemicals (including PFAS, Bisphenols and PVC) by 2030. Proponents of such commitments are now readying themselves for fierce industry resistance. 

Avoiding bacteria growth 
Timmermans also explains that GEA has replaced the stainless steel used in the machine. GEA application specialist Jacques Timmermans.

“Usually, we use 304 stainless steel, but here the machine is completely executed with 316 stainless steel and treated to avoid bacteria growth,” he says. 

While 304 is generally more popular, 316 boasts superior corrosion resistance to chlorides and acids, making it highly popular among F&B producers who want easier cleaning. 

IFFA showcasing 
The Smartpacker CX400 was one among many applications and line systems on display from GEA at IFFA 2022. 

The company’s booth also highlighted a user-oriented control interface called GEA SmartControl HMI (Human Machine Interface), a machine condition remote monitoring tool called GEA PerfomancePlus, and a digital line control platform called GEA LineControl for automatizing production processes. 

Last year, we spoke to an expert from GEA about catering to the booming vegan dairy market and what specialized machine technologies are available for filling and packaging products like oat milk. 

By Louis Gore-Langton