Interpack live: Amcor and IMA Ilapak master monomaterial flow wrapping on “breakthrough” machine

05 May 2023 --- Amcor and IMA Ilapak are currently displaying the “world’s first” variable geometry flow wrapper machine, branded Delta OF-360 X, at the Interpack trade show in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The partnering companies refer to the flow wrapper machine as a “breakthrough” that can run any packaging material, from paper-based to complex laminates and recyclable monopolymer films.

On the show floor, we received a live demonstration of the geometry flow wrapper machine from Dimitri Ghinis, horizontal form fill seal (HFFS) division – technical sales support at IMA Ilapak. 

“The collaboration with Amcor enabled us to find the correct settings and the best performance for using Amcor’s monomaterial film,” he tells us. “Multilayer materials can be easily treated on conventional machines. However, monomaterial presents new challenges. With Amcor, we found the correct recyclable material to run on our machine.” 

One of the first innovations to run on the Delta OF-360 X is Amcor’s AmPrima film, a recycle-ready packaging solution for dairy products.

PackagingInsights is reporting live from Interpack at booth B83 in Hall 8A.Amcor’s monomaterial plastic film on the Delta OF-360 X at Interpack.

Flexibility and energy savings
The HFFS machine addresses the need for manufacturers and packers to switch easily between different substrates when the future of more environmentally sustainable packaging is fluid and uncertain, say the companies.

The “OF” in the machine’s name stands for Open Frame in recognition of how users can see inside the machine easily and clearly. “Usually, the machine aspect is different, but this open solution lets the operator see everything about the product path on the machine from all positions, including the film track,” says Ghinis.

“The other part of the name – ‘360 X’ – stands for flexibility. The machine was designed and implemented to run all materials available today.”

He continues by elaborating that previously used material, like multilayer material, has different types of material on each layer. “New material is monomaterial, material made of one component, such as recycled plastic or paper and each material has its own way to be treated and worked with.”

“Normally, if we want to work with a different material on one machine, we have to modify the machine heavily. With this solution, we just attach the material to the machine and the machine automatically sets itself.”

Ghinis highlights that an important aspect of the Delta OF-360 X is that it is fully electric, enabling energy cost savings of 27-30% compared to conventional flow wrapper machines. Dimitri Ghinis, HFFS division – technical sales support at IMA Ilapak, presents cheese packaged in Amcor’s AmPrima monomaterial film.

Carbon-cut cheese packaging
Amcor’s AmPrima monomaterial PE or PP films are lightweight, flexible and suitable for dairy products, with elevated barrier properties for freshness and quality. Designed to be “recycle-ready today,” the solution is certified by cyclos-HTP Institute for recyclability in most European countries where PE or PP recycling streams are in place.

With AmPrima, dairy brands can lower the environmental impact of their packaging, explains Amcor. Compared to standard, non-recyclable dairy packaging, AmPrima can reduce non-renewable energy use, lower packaging’s carbon footprint and reduce water consumption. 

By switching to AmPrima, the company says one of its dairy customers was able to lower its packaging’s carbon footprint by 41% and water consumption by 11%. Furthermore, the AmPrima packaging range adheres to CEFLEX design for circularity guidelines for PE recycling streams.

“With the Delta OF-360 X machine, we can wrap everything. First, we have to choose the correct type of film for the product customers want to pack, followed by wrapping speed and sealing requirements,” concludes Ghinis.

By Natalie Schwertheim, with live reporting from Joshua Poole