Multivac develops egg pack full wrap labeling for enhanced hygiene and shelf appeal
22 Jun 2021 --- Multivac is unveiling an efficient labeling solution for egg packs using its L 310 full wrap labeler, boosting product shelf appeal and providing a secure label.
Typical packs of four, six or ten eggs are practical and generally made of a recycled, paper fiber-based material or transparent plastic.
Conventionally, branding and marking are achieved by pre-printing on the box, or with either a cardboard sleeve or pre-printed adhesive label on the top of the pack.
With its L 310 conveyor belt labeler, Multivac now offers an efficient solution for labeling cardboard or plastic egg packs.
The L 310, which has patented, servo-driven press-on brushes, makes automated C labeling and D labeling (and traditional top labeling) of packs possible at an output of up to 120 packs per minute.
The maximum label width is up to 500 mm. It is possible to run packs with a base width of up to 250 mm and a height of 140 mm.
The labeler can be equipped with a zero downtime function for increased efficiency and an integrated printer and label/print monitoring at the highest throughput.
Hygienic labeling
While the L 310 is used for complete wrap-around labeling, the full wrap label automatically seals the egg box.
For retailers and consumers, this means the products cannot be exchanged or contaminated with viruses and bacteria, and the packs cannot be used to hide stolen products.
Multivac says its solution offers superior shelf appeal to conventional top labeling or pre-printing, with a larger surface area for product promotion.
The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened consumer hygiene concerns, giving rise to touch-free packaging designs and antimicrobial technologies.
According to Innova Market Insights, 59 percent of global consumers believe packaging’s protective function is more important since the virus outbreak.
Multivac’s solution is designed for aseptic or pasteurized eggs for the catering trade, hospitals and bakeries, or for infants and pregnant women.
Packs such as these have to be sealed to guarantee the highest level of safety, sterility and quality, the company affirms.
Versatility and shelf appeal
Multivac says its solution offers superior shelf appeal to conventional top labeling or pre-printing, boasting a larger surface area for product promotion.
Additionally, the full wrap label can be printed on different sides of the pack with variable data such as barcodes. It can also be applied automatically to the pack.
Moreover, the full wrap label is lighter and more cost-effective than a conventional sleeve.
Another benefit of full wrap labeling is its high level of flexibility since label shape, material type and printing can be individually tailored to the pack.
It is possible to run either film labels made of PP or PET as well as more environmentally sustainable materials made from paper or renewable sources.
A perforation feature can be integrated into the label if required for easy opening. It is also possible to have printing on the back of the label for additional consumer information.
Additionally, label and packaging material can be matched to each other, meaning the constituent parts of the pack can be separated for recycling.
Meanwhile, in the event of layout changes or faults in the pre-printed egg boxes, the complete stock of boxes must be destroyed, whereas with full wrap labeling, only the pre-printed labels must be replaced.
In other developments, Multivac recently introduced a spray system for slicing and packaging cheese, ham and vegan products that reduces plastic consumption by bypassing the requirement for conventional interleaving film between slices.
Also today, Huhtamaki unveiled fiber-based egg cartons for the Brazilian and US markets as plastic and foam-based alternatives.
Edited by Joshua Poole
