Tetra Pak pioneers ice cream extrusion line for precision cutting

18 Sep 2017 --- Tetra Pak has created patented technology in its latest ice cream innovation that is tipped as an industry first that ensures speedy and precise cutting. The multinational food packaging and processing sub-company of Tetra Laval, has launched an ice cream extrusion line that promises unparalleled product quality and volume flexibility for medium-capacity producers.

The new line uses an independently controlled horizontal cutter to slice the ice cream as it emerges from the extruder. This patented technology means that the cutting speed stays consistently fast, irrespective of the line speed, ensuring a precise, clean cut even at low rates of production.

By programming the cutter to operate at different speeds and movements, ice cream producers can also switch between multiple products on the same line, be they sticks, sandwiches, cones, wafer cups, candy bars or cakes, while maintaining the highest possible quality, says the company. 

With a capacity range of 5,000 to 18,000 products per hour, the line offers much-needed volume flexibility to medium-sized producers, allowing them to increase or decrease output without compromising efficiency.

“A surge in competition in the global ice cream market has increased pressure on medium-sized producers. They must be more agile in responding to consumer needs, producing greater varieties of products at smaller volumes, while maintaining a high-quality standard and low production costs. This line has been designed to meet exactly these requirements,” says Elsebeth Baungaard, Product Manager, Tetra Pak.

“In addition, customers of the new medium capacity extrusion line will have access to our Product Development Centre in Denmark. Here they can experiment with recipes, seek advice from food technician experts and access training. They will also receive 24/7 technical support to ensure any issues are resolved with minimal downtime.”