Interpack 2023: Syntegon to present Industry 4.0 coffee packaging solutions for resource conservation

02 Mar 2023 --- Syntegon is addressing two “hot topics” in packaging at this year’s Interpack (May 4-10) in Düsseldorf, Germany. With its end-to-end system for the primary and secondary packaging of coffee beans, the company is showcasing solutions for resource conservation and digital technologies.

Its packaging line PMX – a coffee handling system – provides flexibility while meeting environmental sustainability and digitalization demands. The PMX is shown as a single-tube variant at Interpack, packaging 340 g of coffee beans each at a speed of 65 bags per minute.

“At the booth, visitors will be able to experience the possibilities offered by the Industry 4.0 solution for better support of operators. These include, for example, detailed instructions using augmented reality, autonomous condition monitoring or a simplified integration of secondary machines,” the company shares.

Syntegon’s booth visitors can also witness its Elematic 3001 WAH case packer.

“The multifunctional technology is a decisive advantage of the product handling system,” explains Bernhard Vaihinger, product manager for case packers at Syntegon.

“State-of-the-art control technology allows adjustments to the handling process without time-consuming format changes – operators can configure different formats at the push of a button.”Syntegon showcases an end-to-end solution for packaging coffee beans.

Smart sustainability solutions
According to the company, the flexible PMX packaging machine for ground coffee and whole beans employs fast format changeovers and full-corner-sealing, covering a wide range of packaging formats.

“The machine meets the highest requirements for sustainability and digitalization: it processes recyclable packaging materials and aroma protection valves made from monomaterials,” Syntegon details.

The packaging line also features Synexio Empower – a smart machine I4.0 solution that monitors energy and resource consumption through real-time condition monitoring, data acquisition and visualization.

“In this way, Synexio Empower realizes the intelligent self-optimization of the PMX machine. Thanks to detailed OEE analytics and predictive maintenance, manufacturers can also improve their plant efficiency and reduce costs,” the company adds.

It asserts that the combination of flexibility and multifunctionality makes the product handling system an “all-round talent.” It also reduces the number of machines and components needed in the packaging process.

The Syntegon packaging machine creates sustainable coffee packaging with fast format changeovers and sealing options.Compact yet multifunctional
Once the coffee beans have been packaged, the product handling system removes the bags from two infeed lines, merges them, and transports them to the downstream Elematic 3001 WAH case packer.

The fully mobile and individually programable movers glide through the process without touching other machine parts owing to a newly developed electromagnetic levitation technology – thereby minimizing the wear of the components.

“During the feeding process, the product handling system fulfills several functions in a compact design – it mixes, turns, weighs and places products depending on configuration and controls them in the process,” Syntegon shares.

“The combination of flexibility and multifunctionality not only makes the product handling system an all-round talent – it also reduces the number of machines and components needed in the packaging process.”

The Elematic 3001 WAH wraparound case packer can place eight or ten coffee bags in one of two formats into a case. It also processes corrugated cardboard from recycled or alternative fiber such as grass, coconut or cup plants.

The machine furthermore uses resources sparingly, as Vaihinger explains: “The Elematic 3001 WAH applies adhesive only where it is needed. Compared to conventional application methods, this saves up to 40% of glue with the same case stability.”

Visitors and exhibitors can learn more about Syntegon’s coffee packaging technologies and digital services at booths A31 to B31 in Hall 6 at Interpack 2023.

PackagingInsights will be exhibiting at the trade show at booth B83 in Hall 8A and reporting live from the event.

By Radhika Sikaria