SIG launches “world’s fastest” family-size carton filler and packs for busy lifestyles

08 Nov 2021 --- SIG is unveiling what it says is the world’s fastest filling machine for family-size carton packs, capable of producing 18,000 packs per hour. Branded SIG Neo, the machine operates with an automated robotic arm and user interface designed to improve efficiency and avoid human error.

At the same time, the company is launching its “next-generation” family-size aseptic carton packaging, called Combivita, enabling 100% pallet utilization and reducing secondary packaging and logistics costs. 

SIG Neo machinery boasts a 25% lower carbon footprint per filled pack against SIG’s current generation filling machines for family-size packs, says the aseptic solutions provider, due to low waste rates and reduced water consumption and other utilities.

“F&B producers have tight deadlines, demanding production and profitability goals, and [environmental] sustainability targets to meet,” comments Ian Wood, chief technology officer at SIG.

“To fulfill all their needs, we’ve built a world-class system that’s far more flexible and efficient than any other on the market. Driving down costs while reducing carbon footprint, our new filling technology is better for both business and the environment and an exceptional breakthrough for aseptic filling machines.” 

The new SIG Neo filling line.Automating filling lines 
SIG NEO will help SIG’s F&B customers optimize output while minimizing costs, says the company, by reducing the total cost of ownership through longer production runs, shorter cleaning times and increased technical efficiency. 

The machine also offers improved flexibility compared to previous designs, as customers can choose between 12,000, 16,000 or 18,000 packs per hour and different volume sizes up to 1 L. 

To complement the filling machine, SIG has developed SIG Pacer, a fully automated sleeve magazine powered by a robotic arm, and SIG Cruiser, a new user interface that operates the entire filling line end-to-end. 

“The pandemic has fuelled a paradigm shift in consumer habits, including working from home and buying products in advance,” says Ali Kaylan, SVP Innovation at SIG. 

“As a result, the demand for convenient family-size products and packaging formats has grown significantly. Our new Combivita carton pack makes life more simple, convenient, flexible and sustainable for both consumers and our customers.” 

Combivita packs 
The release of the Combivita packs, which are “tailored to busy consumers and the changing needs of the beverage industry,” is designed to offer on-shelf differentiation and flexibility in the filing process. 

Combivita is designed to stand out on store shelves and easier to handle for consumers, says SIG.SIG indicates the packs are based on extensive consumer-centric research, providing a competitive edge to beverage manufacturers. 

Available in three-volume sizes (500, 750 and 1,000 ml), Combivita has a slanted top and wider opening to ensure smooth and easy pouring with SIG’s new tethered, easy-open and resealable closure truTwist, which is 32.5 mm in its external diameter. 

Combivita’s organic curve on the back is also designed to stand out on-shelf and make it easier for consumers of all ages to handle the pack.

Automation hitting 
The use of automated machine hardware and software is fast becoming an industry norm, with manufacturers looking to lower costs and energy outputs amid increasing environmental pressures and COVID-19-induced labor shortages.

PackagingInsights recently discussed the benefits of automation with Nulogy, a Canadian supply chain specialist using a specialized robotic arm created by Southie Autonomy. 

The company’s CEO Jason Tham says automation and robotics can simplify human labor processes throughout the supply chain and will become increasingly essential to the packaging industry. 

Recently, Syntegon began investing in AI solutions like the Sigpack TTMD, a packaging machine with a camera-based vision control system that detects products on its in-feed belt. The company has highlighted the importance of automation during COVID-19 for labor shortages and accuracy in pharmaceutical packaging. 

Meanwhile, Schubert has enhanced the speed of its lightweight product packing with the launch of an AI-programmed pick-and-place cobot called tog.519. 

For more information on robots in packaging, we refer you to the Expert Views article, “Why you should consider using robots in your packaging operation,” by Jeremy Hadall, independent robotics and automation consultant.

By Louis Gore-Langton