Smurfit Kappa speeds up TopClip cardboard multipack carrier production with KHS machines

24 Nov 2020 --- Smurfit Kappa is joining forces with KHS to roll out its corrugated cardboard recyclable TopClip multipack can carrier, a solution that can replace shrink wrap.

“In partnering with KHS, we can start developing a high-speed and extremely efficient automation solution to ensure we can accommodate the wider beverage market,” Arco Berkenbosch, vice president of innovation and development at Smurfit Kappa Europe, tells PackagingInsights.

“When TopClip launched last year, the packing automation was focused on medium-sized beverage companies,” he continues. The partnership now grants Smurfit Kappa access to KHS’ high-speed machine solutions that can run up to 90,000 cans per hour.

TopClip benefits
Since its launch last year, TopClip has secured itself a reputation for being “one of the best solutions on the market,” says Smurfit Kappa Europe CEO Saverio Mayer.

Moreover, Berkenbosch adds it further stands out from the competition by being made of corrugated cardboard and not requiring glue.

“Corrugated cardboard is a strong and robust packaging material, which can be easily adapted if required. Furthermore, TopClip is fully recyclable because no additional glues are used.”

TopClip also enhances the consumer experience through its easy-to-handle design and the easily removed single cans compared to cans bundled in carton wraps or sleeves.

The top flap further provides extra branding and printing space that simple plastic shrink wraps miss out on.

The collaboration aims to optimize packaging systems and save on materials and energy.Plastic-alternative innovation
Images of plastic beverage can bundles wasted in the oceans and suffocating marine wildlife have helped fuel massive anti-plastic consumer sentiment.

With an average 30 percent lower carbon footprint than plastic alternatives, according to Smurfit Kappa, the TopClip is 100 percent renewable, recyclable and biodegradable.

These sorts of environmental credentials have already attracted several beverage companies, such as Dutch beer brewer Grolsch and Czech beer brand Budweiser Budvar.

TopClip was part of a plastic-alternative family portfolio launch last November.

Smurfit Kappa then released GreenClip, a direct alternative for plastic rings traditionally used for bundling six-packs of canned beverages. Individual cans can easily be taken from the paper rings given the jigged-tooth rim holders around the cans’ closures.

Nor-Grip is an innovative corrugated solution that securely bundles bottles together into consumer units, eliminating the need for shrink film.

Other Smurfit Kappa innovations this year have included a sushi roll-inspired Rollor pack, aiming at crease-free e-commerce delivery of garments.

By Anni Schleicher

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