Interpack 2020: KHS to unveil secondary packaging system for can shrink replacement

05 Mar 2020 --- A pioneer of technologies for primary and secondary packaging, KHS Group’s new can secondary packaging system will form the centerpiece of its interpack 2020 stand. The technology can replace shrink film used to package multi-packs of 12 to 24 beverage containers for transportation with more sustainable alternatives. The first stage in this new project has been successfully completed together with a “big, international beverage producer,” KHS indicates.

Other KHS innovations on show at interpack 2020 include extended service lives for old machines and a controlled palletizer, boasting high process reliability. With customer pressures on the packaging industry to foster more environmentally sustainable business practices, KHS is set to demonstrate to show attendees how companies can save more CO2 in the production process and the packaging itself.

With its further developed palletizer in-feed, the turnkey supplier will also be consistently continuing to provide greater sustainability, efficiency and process reliability in production.

KHS' can secondary packaging system replaces shrink film with more sustainable alternatives.“As a specialist for packaging equipment, we’re constantly further developing our systems and solutions to save on materials and provide operational efficiency. Here, we take all packaging materials into account – whether these be plastic, cardboard or paper,” says Dr. Johannes Grobe, Chief Scientific Officer at KHS.

The tried-and-tested KHS Nature MultiPack already constitutes an eco-friendly system with a carrying handle that ultimately does away with the need for shrink film by holding the containers firmly together with easy-to-remove dots of adhesive. Carlsberg’s previously tinkered with adhesive droplets for its six-packs of beer, which eliminates plastic rings and saves up to 76 percent in plastic.

New life for old machines
Electronic component discontinuation has radically shortened machine lifespan to just two years, according to the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association. Combating this, KHS has bolstered its capabilities in the service sector to replace or convert specific machinery parts, guaranteeing machines’ longer lifespans.

KHS’s intelligently controlled palletizer and its pressureless container can optimize time sequences and simplify work steps in production. Getting rid of railings has also helped facilitate and shorten format changeovers, which also increases line availability. The palletizer targets customers specialized in the palletizing of non-returnable packs and cartons with different formats and who often feed in packs alternately on one, two or three lanes. The machine can also be used for returnable containers, the company affirms.

Moreover, older KHS palletizers containing discontinued KUKA KRC2 control units fall subject to the company’s machine part replacement service and can be operated for several more years by converting them to new controllers.

Previously, PackagingInsights explored KHS’s InnoPET Blomax stretch blow molder and other next-generation filling solutions. Active in the beverage sector, KHS has been at the forefront of the digital “revolution” with networking and line optimization projects and also unveiled a 100 percent recycled PET juice bottle last year. Last October, KHS also published its sustainability report for 2017/2018, which focuses on saving company resources in its product and service concepts.

Edited by Anni Schleicher

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