Already a success in the still water filling, capping and handling sectors, Sacmi technology has proved to be equally effective for the automated filling of all types of detergent

Solid, flexible, designed to handle a broad variety of container sizes and products of varying viscosity and composition. This, in short, is Sacmi ALF, the innovative monobloc that combines filling, liquid nitrogen dosing and capping all in one system. 

Supplied to a key player in Mexico, this application has been designed to maximise both productivity and flexibility of use. With a centre-to- centre of 226 mm, the Sacmi monobloc is equipped with 40 filling valves that operate in ‘contactless’ mode. The 5 capping heads and the special neck grippers allow easy control of formats from 2 to 9 litres, giving an overall system productivity range of 2,700 - 7,200 bottles/hour depending on the format. 

Suitable for all types of liquid detergent – washing liquids, softeners, multi-surface detergents – the Sacmi ALF monobloc operates independently of viscosity, which can vary enormously (the product range provides for a broad viscosity range, from detergents with Newtonian viscosity to others with typically non-Newtonian viscosity); the ALF also tolerates the high corrosiveness of certain formulas; that’s why all parts that come into direct contact with the product are made of AISI 316L stainless steel. 

Alongside the weight-based filling system with “intelligent” load cells (which maximises precision and ensures continuous, accurate control of container weight), the Sacmi ALF design features eliminate the risk of dripping after filling (which is always executed via ‘contactless’ valves). 

Sacmi, which had already successfully developed and marketed this type of plant engineering technology for still water filling, has thus broadened its business horizon by offering an application that maximises plant productivity and provides a real-time response to a wide range of market needs (frequent product and/or size changeovers). In a word, flexibility: one of the most pressing needs of the international domestic and industrial hygiene sector.

The modular Digital Galaxie generation III brings high added value to finishing solutions

Lier, Belgium, March 21, 2017 – Visitors to the innovative Xeikon Café Packaging Innovations 2017 (www.xeikoncafe.com) set for 28 to 31 March have the opportunity to meet SMAG, the French manufacturer of converting solutions for high-end label and flexible package printing. SMAG’s Digital Galaxie generation III will complement other digital label production equipment presented at the event in high-end digital finishing of wine, spirit & perfume applications.

Based on a close partner relationship with customers, proven with over 1,000 installations world-wide, SMAG creates highly innovative quality solutions that bring advantages in productivity, and thus greater value to the end product. At the Xeikon Café, SMAG will present its Digital Galaxie generation III module with slitting and rewinding processes as well as versatile finishing options of UV flexo, laminating, high- speed flatbed hot foil/embossing, flatbed silkscreen printing, and semi-rotary die cutting. As a major player in the wine, spirit & perfume markets, SMAG will show how the Digital Galaxie completely adapts to the requirements of these high-end added value markets and applications.

“As Xeikon is one of the leaders in the digital world, it is a great honour for SMAG to participate at this event as an added-value finishing solution provider,” comments Stéphane Rateau, Managing Director of SMAG. “Our goal at the Xeikon Café is to educate market players of the important role of label and packaging finishing when purchasing a digital machine.”

Convert differently

SMAG developed the 350mm wide Digital Galaxie on the Classic Galaxie platform (more than 300 lines installed), specifically adapting to the formats and printing processes of digital printing. The machine has the same advantages of flatbed screen technology (low price screens, ink density and opacity, chemical resistance and special effects) but also offers new functionalities of a high-speed screen station SP (up to 30m/min), hot stamping with foil saver (up to 40m/min) and a die cutting station (speeds up to 40m/min).

With a focus on innovation to keep pace with the latest in post-digital printing technology, SMAG relies on state-of- the-art automation to make its label converting and finishing equipment more flexible. The Digital Galaxie machine modules are all equipped with B&R's latest servo drive technology and linked via POWERLINK to each other and to a B&R Power Panel that serves as the central controller.

With its modular technology, SMAG machines bring high added value to labels and packaging with best-in- class technology equipment and strong efficiency.

• Hygienically designed solutions for improved product safety
• From low- to high-speed filling in different hygienic levels to match production needs
• Solutions for change-over and cup format flexibility

Düsseldorf, Germany – Bosch Packaging Technology will showcase its latest developments at interpack 2017 for producers of dairy products and other pumpable food looking for improved product safety and efficient production. Two solutions will be on display: the Osgood rotary filling and sealing machine for pre-made cups and the latest Ampack FCL aseptic linear filling and sealing machine for pre-made cups. With over 50 years of experience in clean, ultra-clean and aseptic filling technologies, Bosch developed these new solutions to address the key market requirements for dairy producers, such as hygienic operation, from low to high output, compact spaces, and ease of use.

“The two filling technologies – rotary and linear – complement our existing portfolio for the whole output range and help us respond to various production needs. Our goal at interpack is also to present the extended capacity of our services after adding Osgood to the Bosch family,” explained Markus Schlumberger, managing director sales at Ampack GmbH, Germany.

Filling the world with confidence

At interpack, Bosch will debut Ampack’s new FCL 3080 A aseptic linear filling and sealing machine for dairy, baby food and clinical nutrition, which enhances product safety. It features a smaller aseptic chamber, which improves product control, thus minimizing the risk of food contamination. Additionally, the machine chain is kept outside of the aseptic chamber, limiting bacterial build-up and maintenance needs. In terms of flexibility, the eight-lane linear filler handles two different cup formats – ranging from 75 to 95 millimeter in diameter – at speeds of up to 20,000 cups per hour. The machine fills a broad range of products with particles up to 22 millimeter in diameter. Offering two different hygienic executions (ultra-clean or aseptic), it is an ideal solution for products requiring a longer shelf life outside the cooling chain – from 4 to 6 weeks or up to 12 months, the highest level available on the market.

For increased output, the machine is equipped with a new drive-concept increasing the filling speed. The improved product transport system and optional anti-spilling functionality lead to an extended lifetime of components by preventing contamination and shortening cleaning time. Low energy consumption and reduced maintenance costs further enhance production efficiency. An additional benefit of short delivery times stems from its modular and standardized design including the new HMI 4.0, a true gateway to the connected factory.

Alternative hygienic execution for compact spaces

For dairy and other food applications (including hummus or potato salads), Bosch presents an upgraded version of its existing Osgood rotary series. Handling smaller cups at speeds of up to 9,600 products an hour on four lanes, it is a good alternative for producers with limited space with regards to their production capacity. Available in both clean and ultra-clean execution, the machine can fill a range of different pack styles depending on the final application – for example, round and square cups with trays, seals with pre-die cut foils or roll stock film. The rotary filler is also equipped with a new harmonized pump design, developed by experts from Bosch’s food business unit, which provides higher filling accuracy and easier interchangeability between different machines.

The rotary filler ensures easier and faster changeovers (in less than 15 minutes) thanks to new servo motors, enabling quick and easy adjustments to the set-up. Finally, the Osgood machine is equipped with the latest HMI 4.0, which automatically leads operators through each of the production steps for easy operation. The Osgood rotary filler can be equipped with three different machine controls (Bosch Rexroth, Rockwell or Siemens), allowing customers an easy integration of the machine in their existing production lines.

To learn more about dairy and cup filling solutions, visit Bosch at interpack in Düsseldorf, Germany, from May 4th to 10th, 2017, Hall 6, C58. Click here to learn more about our booth at interpack 2017.

Cosmetics Worldwide

According to the American agency Allied Marketing Research, the global cosmetics market should reap 430 billion dollars between 2016 and 2022. The domineering position is in Europe, even though the fastest growth will be seen in Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and the Pacific States of Asia, thanks to growing urbanization, to higher salaries and to e-commerce.

Allied Marketing Research carried out a survey, which showed that the retail channel generated the highest income in 2015 of cosmetic products, which is around 89% of the overall turnover of all the sales methods on the market. However, e-commerce is set to grow even faster due to the huge number of internet users and because it is cheaper to buy the products online than from shops.

Cosmetics in Europe and Italy

According to Allied Marketing Research, 33% of worldwide sales were registered in Europe in 2015, which dominated the global cosmetic market and will continue to do so over the next few years.

Another recent survey carried out by the Italian Cosmetic Study Centre using Euromonitor statistics found that cosmetic consumptions in Europe will grow by 2.7% per year until 2020, thanks to the 500 million consumers. The survey states that Europe represents just 26% of the total number of worldwide consumers, in third place after Asia and the United States. For the individual countries of Europe, first place goes to Germany with 13.4 billion Euro spent on cosmetic products (2.9% more than 2015), followed by the United Kingdom with 12.5 billion and a record growth of 20.6% in second place, beating France, in third place.

Italy follows, registering a turnover in the cosmetic sector of more than 10.5 million Euro in 2016, announced by Fabio Rossello, President of Cosmetics Italy, at the presentation of the 2017 edition of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna. This trend will continue in 2017 thanks to the driving power of exporting made-in-Italy cosmetic products, worth 4.3 billion Euro, growing by 12%. ⇒

• PrintPromotion GmbH organizes specialized conferences in five Central American countries
• Leading German technology manufacturers configure the lecture programme of the conferences

Frankfurt, 21 March 2017 – This Tuesday, PrintPromotion GmbH starts a series of specialized conferences in Central America. During five one-day events taking place between 21 and 31 March, nine leading technology manufacturers will present technical and business potentials of modern printing technology. The stops of the conference tour are Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago as well as Costa Rica and Guatemala.

“Taken together, our industry always made annual sales in the double-digit million range in these five Caribbean markets during recent years,“ says Dr. Markus Heering, the Managing Director of PrintPromotion GmbH. Since 2013, sales rose from 10.8 million Euro to 19.5 million Euro in 2016.

A region with potential… Although these figures seem to be low considering the 4.28 billion Euro total export volume of the German printing and paper technology industry, the companies take business in this region seriously, not only because this is a domestic market with 42 million inhabitants, but also because these countries are engaged in brisk export trade to North and South America. Growing sales in industry, the food and the service sectors set the tone. According to the country-specific expert reports of Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), the growth potentials in this region are far from being fully exploited. Heering, too, sees chances in this region: “Important export products are food, tobacco and spirits,“ he explains, adding that in order to ensure that they can be marketed worldwide in future as well, an increase in innovative packaging solutions will be required. “Modern printing technology is indispensable because it upgrades theproducts through the look and feel of their packaging,“ says the PrintPromotion Managing Director.

During the five conferences, experts from the technology manufacturers BW Papersystems, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen, H.C. Moog, IST Metz, KAMA, Koenig & Bauer, Kolbus, Müller Martini and Polar Mohr will contribute to the programme. …

needs future-proof printing technology

“We will use the conferences in order to make automation and digitally networked printing processes known in this region,“ Heering explains. With that in mind, the participating technology manufacturers will present their digitization strategies and concrete solutions for gravure and offset printing as well as the postpress process chain. For companies in Central America, investments in German high-tech machines are often difficult to manage. “However, precisely because they do not have unlimited resources, we wish to encourage them locally to invest in future-proof technology. This would enable them to meet the quality standards of international markets and to lay the cornerstone for long-term success stories,” Heering stresses.

PrintPromotion has been present with conferences, courses for specialist teachers as well as joint pavilions at fairs and exhibitions in nearly all regions of the world for many years. This global presence also outside the top markets pays off. Business of the German printing and paper technology manufacturing industry has markedly stabilized recently despite the partly strongly declining demand in the four BRIC markets and despite all political tensions. ”Next to the big markets, also small and medium-sized markets such as the Caribbean play an important role,” says Heering. The present conference tour shall help ensure that the positive market development for German printing technology in Central America will continue.

The Sacmi Group, a solid presence in Iran for over 10 years, is determined to embrace all the exciting new market opportunities by taking part in the 24 th edition of the international fair in Tehran. We'll be showcasing great new products, such as the new heroPET system, designed to take the global beverage industry into the Industry 4.0 era

A 50% increase in exports in the first 8 month of 2016: this figure alone, which illustrates the increase in sales of packaging technologies by Italy and Germany to Iran, underlines the region's strategic importance for the industry's European players. In this setting, then, Sacmi is back as a leading protagonist at Iran Food + Bev Tec 2017 following a rewarding experience at the 2016 edition (the first after the lifting of international sanctions) which attracted more than 30,000 visitors and 1,421 exhibitors from 48 countries.

The 24 th edition is due to be held from 23 to 26 May 2017 in the capital city of Tehran (International Permanent Fairgrounds). Sacmi will be taking part with its own stand (Hall 38B, Italian area); here, it will showcase its very best technology and plant engineering proposals for the industry, with a strong focus on the many new developments within the solutions range. These include the revolutionary heroPET4.0 technology, the world's first system to provide true, total integration between preform production and the stretch blow moulding-bottling line.

Equipped with cutting-edge automated quality control systems and advanced line supervisors that allow real-time performance monitoring of all individual machines and the line as a whole, Sacmi's complete bottling lines are taking the beverage world into the Industry 4.0 era, opening up new scenarios and opportunities for manufacturers. The ultra-high productivity and flexibility of individual labelling solutions (from KUBE labellers - ever-more popular and acclaimed on the markets - to the ultra-clean filling systems being sold in increasing numbers to top international beverage industry players) go hand in hand with excellent Sacmi service thanks to the Group's far-reaching presence on all the main markets and its over 75 companies located in 30 countries.

More specifically, Sacmi has had a branch in Iran since 2006: Sacmi Iran, equipped to support all Group businesses and provide customers with close support right from the design stage. A fast, efficient spare parts service and across-the- range tele-assistance solutions complete the guarantees Sacmi is able to offer producers in Iran, the third biggest packaging technologies market in the entire Middle East.

22 March 2017, Dubai: India’s largest multinational flexible packaging materials and solution company Uflex Limited is all set to display myriad anti-counterfeiting and brand protection solutions at Gulf Print & Pack to be held at World Trade Centre Dubai from 26 through 29 March 2017.

Gulf Print & Pack is the leading event for commercial and package printers in the Middle East and North Africa.

On exhibit at Uflex’s stand will be a big assortment of Holographic Wide Web Films including soft embossing; Fresnel Lens & Sterling lens embossed, hard embossing; UV embossing; High Refractive Index (HRI) and Window De-metallized films. High refractive index film also known as zinc metalized film available in transparent variant will also be on display. This film is especially used for overlay / lamination on printed substrates. After lamination, both printed matter and the holographic effect are distinctly visible. This film finds wide use in promotional packaging, offering high degree of brand protection.

A significant highlight of Uflex’s display at the exhibition would be registered Fresnel lens film on cartons for that unique, exclusive asthetics associated with high end premium products. The effect produced by (F1 & F2) Fresnel Lens is pegged as one of the most advanced security features for carrier films offering authentic and secured packaging solutions. Various industries viz. automobiles, food, FMCG, Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc. are making the most of this feature for protecting their brand identity from the fake and the spurious. Uflex has robust capabilities of offering films embossed with various shapes and sizes of Fresnel lens. These films will be the cynosure of Uflex’s exhibit at Gulf Print & Pack 2017.

Holograms manufactured using various technologies like analog 2D/3D conventional; Dot matrix (up to 24,000 DPI); non-diffractive Litho (up to 1, 20,000 DPI) and E-Beam will also be seen at the stand. Holograms engineered using the expensive and highly sophisticated E-Beam technology are considered to be the most secured as per the international standards.

Visitors will also get to see increasingly popular products like Holographic Pouches, Holographic Strips, Holographic Scratch, Holographic Wads, Holographic Shrink Sleeves; Labeling solutions using foils, Fresnel lens and holographic effects {PrintedLabels, Tamper Evident Security Labels, Anti-counterfeit Labels, Bar-Code Labels, Scratch Labels, Thermal Transfer Labels, Serial Number Labels, Holographic Labels}; Hot and Cold Stamping Foils at Uflex’s pavilion.

Catering to the varied needs of high-fashion garment houses, Uflex happens to be the only manufacturer in India offering OEKO-TEXT CERTIFIED Textile Value Addition Products {Sequins Film, Hot Melt Film, Holographic Glitter Films}. Sequin films are extensively used for computerized and hand embroidery processes. Besides catering to the Indian market, the company also exports large quantities of PVC free sequin film with more than 400 shades and design options. It is next to impossible to counterfeit the exclusive and innovative designs. Uflex is equipped with world class in-house manufacturing facilities to develop best-in- class quality sequin films. For computerised embroidery, sequin films in 90-150 micron range while for hand embroidery, films of 130-250 micron thickness shall be on display at the exhibition.

Pressure-sensitive labels by Uflex including High-Durability Prime Labels, Drum Labels, Performance Labels, Security/Tamper Evident Labels and Promotional Labels are likely to evoke a lot of interest among visitors from across industries at the event.

Holographic Thermal Lamination Films also called hot lamination or thermal films will also be a major attraction at Uflex pavilion. This film has extrusion coated surface with low temperature melting resin enabling the lamination of film to paper board by heat andpressure thereby eliminating the use of any adhesive. These films are available in PET and BOPP variants and tremendously boost the shelf appeal simultaneously combating counterfeiting.

Talking about company’s upcoming participation at Gulf Print and Pack, Mr. Pankaj Bhasin, Executive Vice President, Holography Business, Uflex Limited said, “Much like DRUPA 2016, we will lead the fight against counterfeiting and piracy during Gulf Print & Pack 2017 too. We have the most contemporary technology and skilled manpower by our side for offering anti-counterfeiting and brand protection solutions to a varied cross-section of industries globally. More importantly, all the wide ranging solutions are available in-house.”

Speaking about the growing global demand for anti-counterfeiting and brand protection solutions, Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi, Chairman & Managing Director, Uflex Limited said, “If organizations like us have access to advanced technology, so do the nefarious elements operating from dingy basements across the globe have. There is a dark underbelly of counterfeiting that costs more than 2% of the global economic output i.e. around $1.8 trillion a year. Uflex remains steadfast and committed to come up with the most advanced and bespoke solutions to thwart any and every attempt of counterfeiting that looms over its clients globally. The time has come to hold up the mirror to counterfeiters and show them the real prowess of impregnable brand protection solutions.

I would particularly like to highlight that the kind of technology, machinery and expertise that Uflex has, poses an invincible barrier for the counterfeiters. I strongly believe that while dealing with a despicable lot like counterfeiters, one has to think faster than they can imagine and engineer and launch brand protection solutions much before the clients are harmed in anyway. Innovation to create value added differentiation at Uflex remains the guiding principle for coming up with top of the line anti-counterfeiting solutions while our global sales and marketing / distribution network ensures the much needed speed to market reach to outpace counterfeiters.”

Huhtamaki Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania today introduced AdtoneTM, a single-use paper cup with digitalized connection. The Adtone cup comes with a heat activated thermochromic label and a QR code with programmed link to customer’s website.

The new digitalized connection makes the single-use paper cup a perfect media for smart device centered promotional campaigns. Consumers interact with a coffee cup for several minutes at a time and pay attention on what is printed on it. Adtone cup delivers the message effectively while enhancing the customer experience with fun and relevant digital content.

The unique and dynamic QR codes are controlled with special digital data management software turning the coffee cup into truly smart packaging. Thermosensitive printing keeps the code hidden until usage, safeguarding the promotional content for the customer until purchase of the beverage. When a hot drink is poured into the Adtone cup, the heat activates the thermochromic printing on the label, revealing the unique QR code. By scanning the code with a mobile device, customer can access promotional website and the associated digital content.

The smart code management software ensures that each promotion code can only be used once and dynamically changes the digital content after use. Huhtamaki AdtoneTM enables cafes and restaurants to run variety of campaigns from loyalty rewards to prize winning promotions. It is also a great tool for joint promotions and makes the cup a perfect companion to digitalized media content. Please visit our Adtone website at www.huhtamaki.com/adtone

Starring role to be played by KUBE labelling technology, renowned and appreciated by leading Italian wineries. Also on show will be a complete, integrated range for the wine sector, with which Sacmi, following its takeover of Defranceschi Italia, aims to provide “turnkey winery” solutions

Sacmi wine-making solutions will play a pivotal role at Enolitech 2017, the international wine and food oil technology fair being held in Verona from 9 th to 12 th April. Following a series of strategic takeovers that has resulted in the Group's full-blown entry into the wine world, Sacmi will soon be heading to Italy's biggest wine industry fair to present the new Wine&Spirits Division.

Playing a central role on the stand will be the KUBE modular labellers. Designed by Sacmi Verona, they aim to provide the market with a versatile, efficient solution that can be applied across multiple labelling technologies and systems: just perfect for the wine industry where there is a for both total process quality and frequent label and/or size changeovers.

Visitors to the Group stand (20 m 2 , hall F, VIC N7) will have the opportunity to get a close look at the solution which, thanks to modular labelling units placed outside the carousel (plug&play technology), allows different applications to be managed in parallel (hot glue, cold glue, self-adhesive); the universal screw feeder, instead, powered by the brushless motor, can convey all the usual commercially available bottle types, from a minimum of 60 to a maximum of 120 mm in diameter. Completing the picture is the advanced control software and the possibility of equipping the labeller with the advanced LVS 360 vision system, produced by the Sacmi Automation&Inspection Division.

Already installed by leading Italian wineries, KUBE labelling solutions are merely the jewel in the crown of a system which, following Sacmi's takeover of Defranceschi Italia (completed in 2016), now includes every type of technology upstream from labelling. Sacmi, in fact, alongside ultra-clean fillers and solutions designed to handle bag-in- box packaging (aided by cutting- edge robotized systems for fully automatic bottling line management), now provides a comprehensive range of grape processing and wine-making solutions, already a part of the Defranceschi portfolio, which boasts key customers worldwide.

The nearly 40,000 visitors expected at Enolitech (according to figures from the previous edition at least 20% will be from abroad) will have a great opportunity to see Sacmi solutions up close. These solutions allow for the design of true “turnkey wineries” characterised by both technological and architectural quality, with minimum dimensions that prove to be efficient even on just a few hectares of vineyard. “Analysis of the wine industry demonstrates that, especially in the middle of the price range", underlines Sacmi-Defranceschi sales manager Laurent Guillemain, "there is plenty of scope for raising both product quality and improving the way it is presented. We know that these goals can largely be achieved by redesigning the winery and/or building it from scratch”.

Thanks also to teamwork with top-notch wine labs (such as Enosis Meraviglia, managed by Donato Lanati) and world-famous architects, Sacmi is also taking on the challenge posed by small, quality wineries, “not just as wine-making facilities but also - and above all - as complete, experiential places where customers can really get to know the winery's identity, land and family/company history”. Solutions with high added value that Sacmi W&S completes with advanced quality control systems for use directly in the vineyard (NIR solutions) and downstream from the line, with integrated solutions for storage logistics and management.

• Exhibitor registrations at a record level
• Parallel event components also booked out
• Support programme with SAVE FOOD innovationparc and conference as well as VDMA special topic Industry 4.0

interpack 2017 is recording the highest demand among exhibitors in its history of over 55 years. By the official closing date of this outstanding international event for the packaging industry and related processing industries, exhibitors had booked about 20 per cent more space than was available at the exhibition centre with its 262,400 square metres in 19 halls. Around 2,700 exhibitors can therefore be expected again from 4 to 10 May 2017, coming from about 60 different countries. As before, another trade fair will be running in parallel, entitled components, special trade fair by interpack. It will feature products from supplier industries of the packaging sector. This event, too, is now fully booked, yet it will occupy more than twice as much space as in 2014, at its première.

Special topic: Industry 4.0 – in partnership with VDMA

Where size and internationalism are concerned, interpack is a unique platform for businesses offering products and solutions in packaging technology and related processes as well as packaging media and materials for the various segments of this industry: food, beverages, confectionery and baked goods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, non-food consumer goods and industrial goods. The products and services presented here will be supplemented by several innovative specialist areas. Working together with the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), Interpack 2017 will put the focus on Industry 4.0, in particular. The special show will take the form of a Technology Lounge at the VDMA stand, featuring examples of solutions in packaging machinery and process engineering and opening up new opportunities for applications in security, traceability, copying and counterfeit protection as well as in customised packaging.

SAVE FOOD innovationparc

As before, SAVE FOOD will play a role at interpack 2017. A special show called innovationparc (Innovation Park) will be held, with packaging ideas and solutions designed to reduce food losses and waste. They will include the winners of the international competitions for the SAVE FOOD Packaging Awards, held by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO). The prizes were awarded prior to interpack, and the winners are now set to compete with one other for the WorldStar Awards at the trade fair. The innovationparc will include a presentation forum which can be used by companies to showcase their ideas and solutions. As before, the innovationparc will be held in a high-quality marquee, situated between Halls 2 and 3.

The first day of the trade fair will also feature the third international SAVE FOOD convention, held in partnership with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

components trade fair now entirely in tandem with interpack

Following the première of components, special trade fair by interpack, in 2014, the general idea of this trade fair has been substantially revised for 2017. Visitors will now find it at a central location within the exhibition centre, in Hall 18, a temporary lightweight hall, approximately 5,000 square metres in size. It is situated between Halls 10 and 16, complementing interpack for its entire duration. Hundreds of companies from the supplier industries will each have their own stands, offering products in drive, control and censor technology, industrial image processing, material handling technology and other (machine) components. components will be freely accessible to all interpack visitors and exhibitors. Further details are available at www.packaging-components.com.

Online services for trade fair visitors

www.interpack.com contains useful resources to help visitors prepare and plan each day at the trade fair efficiently. These resources include an exhibitors’ database with the option of compiling a personalised hall plan as well as a “matchmaking” function to contact exhibitors and to receivenews of companies represented at the trade fair. The site has a responsive interface which also adjusts itself to a small display on a mobile device.

In addition, a visitors’ app is available for iPhone and Android users. Its functions include the exhibitors’ and event database, updated on a daily basis, graphically optimised hall plans and exhibitors’ details, including contact details and product information, an appointment form and the option of adding customised notes to exhibitors’ entries. The user’s settings and notes are available on all platforms, regardless of the device where they were originally created. The interpack website also has a hotel booking function and numerous tips on Düsseldorf’s cultural highlights, so that visitors can plan their stay. A full list of event preparation services can be found at www.interpack.com/tradefairplanner.

However, www.interpack.com offers more than direct preparation for the trade fair. The interpack magazine, which is issued at regular intervals, has numerous interesting articles on trends in the industry. It also has some worthwhile infographics and interviews with industry experts.

Opening hours and prices

interpack is open daily, from 4 to 10 May 2017, 10:00 to 18:00 hrs. E- tickets are available from December 2016. A day ticket can be purchased online in advance at www.interpack.com and costs €52.00 (€65.00 at the box office). The box office price for students and trainees is €15.00. A three-day ticket can be bought online, in advance, for €105.00 (box office: €130.00). Any tickets that have been obtained online can be printed out directly from a computer. An interpack 2017 entrance ticket or exhibitor’s pass entitles the holder to travel to and from the exhibition centre for free, using the local transport company VRR. This covers all the towns and cities within the catchment area of the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre.

Presented at the last edition of the international K fair in Düsseldorf, this latest solution is winning over the market thanks to unique versatility and a capacity to ensure total quality control of the preform, directly on the line and at very high speed.

Performance, flexibility and, what's more, equipped on request with the automatic centrifugal positioning unit which makes it ideal, in terms of compactness and efficiency, for the downstream installation of any injection press, new or existent. This is the innovative PVS-3 preform vision system, developed by Sacmi's Automation & Inspection Systems Division and given its first market showing at the last edition of the international K fair in Düsseldorf.

Ten such machines have been installed and sold worldwide in just three months, from Spain to Vietnam; this demonstrates the market has been quick to respond to a solution that offers outstanding inspection rates of up to 72,000 preforms an hour and which can easily be installed both in-line with the press and offline. With regard to in-line operation, the upstream automatic centrifugal positioner is of particular interest; it enhances efficiency and is nicely compact, making investment decisions regarding existing lines easier. For offline installation the traditional roller positioner is also available, while the in-line solution can be equipped downstream with the innovative “soft drop” system that delicately sets down preforms exiting the vision system in octabins.

At the heart of the solution, beyond the flexibility and high output rate, lie – as is the Sacmi tradition – the outstanding inspection potential of the PVS-3: this spans from standard checks such as inspection of the preform mouth to the finish (especially the thread), the body and the bottom. Optional features include the exclusive, patented Sacmi “grille” method to intercept defects that can only be detected with polarised light, such as on-material stress, surface irregularities and watermarks etc.

As regards software, the PVS-3 installs the latest CVS 3000 64-bit version, developed entirely by Sacmi and shared by all the vision systems in the range; this ensures maximum interoperability between machines and, therefore, a fully integrated approach that Sacmi calls total quality control. In other words, a fully interconnected system capable of providing precious additional information on line efficiency and extending monitoring, also remotely, to every stage of production. Thanks to the flexibility of the software platform, it's also possible to equip the Sacmi PVS-3 with both black and white video cameras and ultra-high resolution colour acquisition devices; the latter are designed for thorough inspection of preform colour.

Adding yet further value is Sacmi's capacity to include all-round solutions, personalised according to the individual customer's manufacturing requirements and the target market. Solutions that range from complete plant engineering design (injection presses, stretch-blow moulding and filling lines, robotized handling systems and Sacmi-built end-of- line systems) to a fast, efficient spare parts and after-sales service that is guaranteed by the Sacmi Global Network (the latter consists of over 80 manufacturing and service companies in 30 countries worldwide).

•  BEKUM focuses on strategies to increase added value and quality at the Interpack 2017
• EPET processing: the newly developed, fully transparent EPET IV material is recommended for attractive handle containers
• Reducing the cost of materials by using calcium carbonate (chalk) and PCR
• Significantly more performance due to high-tech spiral distributor blow heads

Berlin (Germany), 12 March 2017: BEKUM will be focusing on the latest trends and production processes for extrusion-blown packaging at the Interpack 2017. Of crucial importance are the current machine and system solutions for the economic andecological production of bottles, containers, cans, drums and IBCs made of plastic. On the material side, we focus on three aspects: the newly developed EPET IV materials, the processing of calcium carbonate (chalk) and the resource-saving recycling of materials. A further highlight of our exhibition at the trade fair will be on the importance of spiral distributor blow head technology to increase performance.

As a pioneer in the industry, BEKUM has intensively devoted itself for years to the material aspects of extrusion blow moulding. This has been in order to meet the requirements of the target group. The packaging industry continuously tries to keep the costs on the material side under control, as fluctuations in the prices of materials can greatly affect unit costing. Likewise, functionally convincing packaging, which has been developed in a resource-saving manner, provides scope for sustainability, added value and setting itself apart from the competition through product differentiation. Michael Mehnert, CEO of BEKUM Maschinenfabriken Traismauer GesmbH: “As a pioneer and technology leader in blow moulding, the requirements and desires of the packaging industry are of crucial importance to us. It is well known that the cost of materials has a decisive influence on the calculations of manufacturers. Our energy-efficient, flexible, high-performance machine and extrusion solutions of the latest generation grant manufacturers the opportunity of improving their added value through the intelligent and resource-saving use of materials, increasing the quality of their articles and, at the same time, achieving the ambitious sustainability targets.”

Fully transparent EPET packaging with handle function

A key concept in the packaging industry is product differentiation. Accordingly, suppliers are constantly looking for innovative or recyclable materials for new product ideas. The fully transparent, newly introduced EPET class IV material, capable of being extrusion blowmoulded, is an interesting candidate. This material has sufficient stability for extrusion blow moulding. The parameters of the improved class IV are higher than the 1.0 PET recycling stream launched on the market. The typical challenges of PET blow moulding are exceptionally well mastered by the high-quality EPET class IV materials. EPET IV has a comparatively high resistance to wear. The material can be completely melted in the extrusion unit without causing excessive wear. In respect of the machine, special requirements must be met to provide a robust, reliable, fully automatic production in a 3- layer operation. Blow-moulding machines from BEKUM, such as the HYBLOW 407 D, have been specially designed for high performance in these demanding EPET applications. The HYBLOW 407 D allows the reliable production of EPET bottles with flash removal and directed bottle transfer integrated into the machine. The current 07 series of machines with the C-frame clamping unit, patented by BEKUM, is perfect for EPET processing due to the high closing force per cavity, uniform force distribution and extremely quick force generation. Michael Mehnert: “BEKUM has numerous references in extrusion blow moulding of the most demanding PET and co-polyester materials. Customers accordingly have access to a comprehensive knowledge base on blow moulding PET materials. This is particularly true in respect of attractive handle containers made of transparent EPET IV for innovative new product ideas for our global customers.”

Two options for reducing the cost of materials

In order to reduce the cost of materials, two methods are available to the packaging manufacturer. The use of calcium carbonate (CaCO3 = chalk) and recycled material as a substitute in the middle layer. The proven multilayer co-extrusion technology from BEKUM provides the flexibility required and also offers advantages in the processing of both material strategies. Even the combined introduction of chalk and PCR material as a multilayer system is possible and has already been successfully implemented by BEKUM.

Calcium carbonate for effectively cutting costs

The use of calcium carbonate (chalk) displays excellent barrier properties. The improved UV protection function is also attractive for packaging manufacturers. However, it is in respect of its extremely high cost effectiveness that the use of calcium carbonate (chalk) is decisive. Michael Mehnert: “With a 20 l canister for the packaging of cooking oil, 24% of the HDPE, based on a total weight of only 900 g, could be replaced by chalk at a far lower price. The cost difference between HDPE and chalk in this specific case was about USD 1,000 per tonne. At a machine output of 210 items per hour and 6,000 production hours per year, this results in possible savings of more than USD 270,000 per year. These are very exciting prospects for a packaging manufacturer.”

Substitution by recycled material

The use of recycled materials (PCR = post consumer recycled) as a substitute in the middle layer is the other ideal route. The tri-extrusion technology from BEKUM is the right solution for the smooth and efficient production of multilayer systems. It provides the opportunity of including inexpensive, but varied, recycled polymers (old plastics) and their different rheology in the processing between the material layers of the new material. This option was presented to professionals in the industry as part of the launch of the new electric blow-moulding machine EBLOW 37 at the K 2016. A three-layer 20 l canister with a combined material layer distribution made of chalk and PCR was shown. The production parameters in figures: an output of 240 20 l canisters/h (918 g net weight, 1,188 g gross weight) has a flash waste of 23%. The potential savings for packaging manufacturers are enormous. The flash waste generated during the production process is 100% reused in the production and processing. In addition, 20% of the HDPE new material can be replaced bythe less expensive combination with chalk. There are also advantages when adding colour. The 2% proportion of colour pigments in a single-layer design can be reduced to 0.5%. The more expensive colour pigments (master batches) only need to be applied to the outer layers. The hidden core no longer needs to be coloured.

High extrusion quality with high-tech spiral distributor blow heads

At the Interpack 2017, the focus of our exhibition will once again be on the spiral distributor blow head technology from BEKUM. The unique spiral distributor blow heads are characterised by an excellent, uniform wall thickness distribution in the parison and in the end product. This results in a significant potential for packaging manufacturers to optimise the single-layer parison quality. However, the spiral distributor blow heads from BEKUM are even more impressive in respect of items with a multilayer structure. In this regard, manufacturers of packaging products do not need to dispense with user friendliness. The heads can be easily adjusted by the operator from the front of the machine. In addition, the head design enables faster colour changing times than conventional designs. The consequent significant increase in machine productivity is of enormous interest to packaging manufacturers in regard to flexibility and profitability. The consumption of change material for cleaning can also be reduced to a minimum by means of spiral distributor blow head technology. The compact design of the spiral distribution blow heads is a further advantage. Their smaller surfaces mean considerably less energy is required to heat them. All in all, the high-tech spiral distributor blow heads from BEKUM provide packaging manufacturers with interesting options to increase the quality of the items, save time and costs during production and a general improvement in adding value.

At Essen (Germany) the company will present the latest technological developments for crown caps and aluminium caps plus integrated solutions for the manufacture of Maxi-P and twist off caps with PVC-free liners. Also on show will be the extensive range of Quality Control vision systems for the entire production process, from painted, lithographed sheet to final product.

Increasingly high-performance products, built using comprehensive integrated technological solutions that provide all the quality and safety that modern industrial standards demand. This, then, is what Sacmi aims to present at Metpack 2017 [hall 1. 1E12], the international metal packaging fair being held in Essen, Germany, from 2 nd to 6 th May 2017: a broad range of metal cap manufacturing machines and Quality Control Vision Systems.

Several solutions will be showcased at this three-yearly German fair, where more than 7,100 visitors from over 100 countries will have a great opportunity to see all the latest from Sacmi on a dedicated stand. Taking centre-stage will be the PTC 600, the latest technological gem for crown caps, a sector in which Sacmi has led the world for over 50 years. Launched in 2016, the PTC 600 provides, compared to its successful predecessor, 30% more productivity (6,000 caps per minute compared to the 4,500 attainable with the previous version). Not also that, thanks to integration with the vision system, correct centering of the decoration is guaranteed (margin of error, ≤0.04 mm).

Equipped with an intermittent brushless motor drive, the machine operates in line with the new PMC 600, the liner application solution redesigned by Sacmi to match the increased productivity of the PTC: it also offers improved process quality thanks to better, more linear cap handling inside the machine. Completing the crown cap range is the CCD, the cap embossing machine equipped to handle both decorated caps (with CVS Vision System to time embossing with decoration) and non-decorated caps.

Yet it is at product level that Sacmi is really pushing back the barriers in the industry. Updated market data on the diffusion of tall aluminium caps in the wine sector – which broke through the 4 billion cap sales barrier some time ago – have driven the company to transfer the technology for moulding PVC-free doses directly from the pellet to a special machine for such caps (PMH): compared to traditional cut-from- sheet discs, this offers enormous advantages in terms of raw material consumption optimisation. Like all SACMI solutions, this machine integrates a vision system from the CVS range that carries out quality control of not just the moulded liner but also - thanks to the CVS360 module - the decoration on the side wall and inner/outer bottom. The first company in the world to implement this technology in the wine industry, Sacmi successfully launched this solution 3 years ago, with high customer satisfaction ratings.

Meanwhile, as experts continue to debate the health risks caused by PVC in liners, Sacmi has moved on to deal with what is already a reality in many companies and which might soon be the subject of a specific standard. The Sacmi Group is, in fact, putting forward a PMA for the manufacture of twist-off caps. In this case too, the key innovation consists of developing liners with a defined annular profile by moulding a PVC-free dose directly from the pellet inside the cap, a food industry revolution that is still only in its infancy.

Moreover, systems for the manufacture of modern Maxi-P standard caps (with a practical tab to open the bottle) have been highly successful. In this field, Sacmi proposes the PMV machine for application of the liner and the RCM to mould and apply the plastic ring with the tab directly on the shell: a solution that combines practicality with great design.

Lastly, Sacmi will be showcasing the market's most complete range of Metal Packaging Vision Systems, developed by the Group's Automation & Inspection Systems Division. For example, the Sacmi stand will be exhibiting the all-new ULYSSE, the name given to the innovative MVS 200A “all- in-one” system. This differs from previous systems in that the calculation unit is inserted directly in the image capture unit, eliminating the electrical control panel and the relative wiring. The technological heart of ULISSE is the patented Chrometriq illumination unit, proposed in several configurations. The basic set-up is for the inspection of can lids and can ends. A second configuration is suitable for the quality control of twist-off caps (this uses RGB and infrared light) while a third version (using RGB and ultraviolet light) is designed to inspect the outer side of easy-open lids: this also provides effective control of post-repair varnish.

This easy-to- install Sacmi-designed solution - which retains the machine's full calculation power, the characteristics of the illumination unit and the resolution of the image capture devices (up to 5 MP) - is flanked by a second solution, the iCan-70. The latter is designed to inspect beverage and aerosol lids with a diameter of up to 70 mm and is a more compact version that allows operation on two or more parallel lines. This solution allows manufacturers to identify any mineral oil residues, inspect the dimple and also inspect the rivet (thanks to a single ultra-HD video camera instead of the two that are needed with traditional systems).

Another all-new machine that will be on show at the fair is the DECOCAP 360-3D, the new inspection system for twist-off lid exteriors that employs 5 video cameras: one camera inspects the decoration from above and the other 4 examine the side walls. In this case too, Sacmi illumination unit and software allow perfect 2D reconstruction of the 3D object, eliminating any distortion that might stem from perspective, the shape of the lid or surface reflectiveness.

Completing the available solution set is ECLIPSIM, the metal sheet inspection system that allows inspection of lithographed and/or varnished sheets with a precision in the order of 0.1 mm. The patented Chrometriq illumination system is also used to inspect varnished sheets, thus minimising false rejects or false acceptances. With ECLIPSIM, Sacmi has extended the quality control concept across the entire can/cap component forming process, making us the perfect all-round partner for the metal graphics industry.

Walki has developed a new fibre-based soil mulching solution that is completely biodegradable. This organic mulch type, which is used for weed control and to optimise soil conditions and crop yield, is the first of its kind on the market.

Walki, a leading global producer of technical laminates and protective packaging materials, has developed the first-ever organic mulching solution that is based on natural biodegradable fibres instead of plastic. Mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of an area of soil. It is designed to conserve moisture, improve the fertility and health of the soil and control weed growth. Soil mulching also reduces the need for pesticides, fertilisers and irrigation.

Traditionally, soil mulching materials have been made from plastic, and, most typically, from polyethylene film. While effective, plastic mulch is not biodegradable and eventually becomes waste material that has to be removed from the field and dumped or recycled at a high cost.

It is estimated that more than a million tonnes of plastic films are used for mulching every year around the world. In addition to having to be collected from the fields, the mulch often leaves behind plastic residues, which pollute the soil and reduce its future growth potential. Yields from polluted soil are typically up to 20 per cent lower than those from non-polluted soil.

“Walki’s Agripap solution is the only organic mulch type on the market that is made from paper instead of plastic. It is entirely biodegradable, does not contribute to plastic pollution and, instead, simply dissolves into the soil. It also reduces the need for the chemicals used to control weed growth,” says Walki’s Vice President Technical Products, Sales & Marketing, Arno Wolff.

Walki®Agripap is made from kraft paper that is coated with a biodegradable coating layer, which slows down the degradation of the paper. Without the coating, the paper would degrade in the soil within a few weeks.

Walki’s new organic mulching solution has been the subject of extensive field-testing in Finland. The tests, which were carried out in 2016 by independent research institute Luke Piikkiö, compared the performance of different biodegradable mulches for growing iceberg lettuce and seedling onions. The tests demonstrated that Walki’s Agripap was easy to lay on the fields and delivered excellent weed control. The results in terms of yield and durability were also good.

“Having seen the kind of environmental impact that plastic film can have on the soil, Walki has understood that there is a need for a more sustainable mulching solution. Walki®Agripap is the perfect alternative for the farmers who care about our environment,” says Peter Martin, Technical Service & Development Director, Industrial Packaging.

Following the successful testing and approval of Agripap in Finland and Sweden, the next step will be to complete testing in Europe’s main mulching markets: Spain, France and Italy. Farmers and equipment manufacturers wishing to participate in testing Walki’s new organic mulching solution are encouraged to get in touch with Arno Wolff.

Months of close collaboration between the Sidel packaging team and Yili’s Liquid Milk Division has seen the creation of a PET bottle for the company’s new Changyi brand. The new range of yoghurt drinks has been rolled out throughout China.

Largest dairy producer in China

China has recently enjoyed a period of sustained economic growth. As consumer income levels and spending power increase, the beverage market has seen a shift to more natural, 'healthier' beverages, a category in which innovation is key to succeeding and PET packaging is likely to be instrumental over the coming years.

The Yili Group is the largest dairy producer in China and one of the fastest growing companies in the country. A privately owned business, Yili Group is engaged in processing and manufacturing of milk products, including ice cream, powdered milk, sterilised milk and fresh milk, to name but a few. The new range of yogurt drinks is intended to attract active, health-conscious consumers with growing expendable income. This demographic is particularly relevant among young Chinese people who, typically, have fast and busy lifestyles but do not want to compromise in terms of the convenience and the design of the products they choose.

Excellent technical support from Sidel

When Yili’s Liquid Milk Division contacted Sidel to discuss the design of the PET bottle for the new Changyi yoghurt drinks, it was an exciting opportunity for the packaging team.

Seizing the opportunity, the Sidel team had put together an initial design proposal within just two weeks. “Our packaging experts delivered a wide selection of creative proposals, producing various conceptual bottles based on different design directions, to give the client several alternatives to differentiate its yoghurt brand from the competition,” said Steven Xie, Packaging Design and Development Manager at Sidel.

The customer’s marketing department undertook analysis on the various designs and returned with a shortlist of four preferred choices. Collaborative work continued as Sidel made small adjustments to the different designs that were being consumer-tested. These elements included the shape of the bottle’s base, as the customer was searching for longer shelf-life and improved rigidity to avoid deformation during transportation, without compromising on distinctive design.

The right team working closely together

“Leveraging our global expertise in PET packaging design and production, we ran multiple tests to assess the performance of the bottle and finally we found the best solution,” says Steven. “The project was a real team effort and we succeeded in creating a container able to combine both the customer’s technical requirements as well as their aesthetic wishes.”

Within three months, the bottle design was completely finalised and new moulds were manufactured for the two Yili production lines dedicated to the new yoghurt range.

Professional approach for product success

The drive of the Sidel design team - to exceed the customer’s needs in this project - paid off when the product design was commercialised and the first bottles rolled off the production line. Zhang Yibo, Yili’s manager for this project, says, “We’re very pleased with the final result and our partnership with Sidel during the design process. Their design capabilities, technical expertise and professional approach have played an important role in ensuring the product success.” The project has further strengthened the relationship between Yili and Sidel - and looks set to pave the way to exciting new projects in the Chinese dairy industry.

The company began selling bottles of the new Changyi yoghurt drinks in the first quarter of 2016, throughout the whole of China. Response towards the new container shape and the branding of Yili’s new product has been very favourable with both being well received by local consumers.

Two complete filling lines supplied to the Memco Group. The heart of this order consists of the innovative Sacmi stretch-blow moulders specifically designed for the efficient manufacture of small and medium formats. Downstream, all the filling, labelling and end- of-line solutions

Dual cavity, double the speed. And guaranteed competitiveness thanks to the production of sizes such as 330 and 600 ml (which account for no less than 90% of sales on the Saudi bottled water market). This, then, is the core advantage of Sacmi SBF (stretch blow forming) technology, one that Memco (Middle East Factory for Machine Company), a Saudi designer and manufacturer of complete water and juice filling lines, just had to have. The company, in fact, has now chosen this technology as part of a key investment decision for its subsidiary Zulal.

The exclusive area distributor of Sacmi’s water bottling systems, Memco asked Sacmi to provide two complete natural mineral water bottling lines to boost output capacity at the two currently operational Zulal plants, the most recent of which is dedicated to smaller-size bottles (330 and 600 ml). With output capacities of 95,200 bottles per hour in the 330 ml size and 60,000 bottles per hour in the 600 ml size respectively, both of these complete stretch blow moulding-filling- labelling mineral water lines are designed to provide the customer with maximum efficiency at every stage of the production process.

At the heart of the line is the SBF 614 HERO rotary stretch-blower, designed to operate – depending on bottle size – with a single or dual cavity (i.e. where bottles have a diameter of less than 70 mm). Lower maximum blowing pressure, together with the infra-red lighting system, ensures containment of air and energy consumption, while the actuation system, servo-assisted by brushless motors, boosts stretch-blowing speeds as high as 2000 mm/sec. It’s characteristics like these – not to mention efficient small-medium size management – that make SBF the ideal response to Zulal’s growth and development needs in the bottled water sector.

Another key part of the order is the AWS filling monobloc, Sacmi’s tried-and- tested PET container filling solution, especially suitable for handling water and other still products. The AWS Monobloc combines maximum filling precision with contactless filling (the filling valve never touches the container, thus preventing any contamination) and also features an advanced container handling system to ensure easy, efficient movement of any format type.

Downstream from the bottling line is Sacmi’s OPERA 400 RF 33T/SR 2/4/265 labeller, equipped with a roll-fed labelling module that allows heat-shrink sleeves to be applied directly from the film reel: in recent years this technology has seen Sacmi win over customers worldwide. The supplied solution has even been extended to end-of- line solutions; the order for Zulal, in fact, comes complete with a case packer and latest-generation palletizer robot (ARES model) designed by Sacmi Packaging.

The 200 m 2 Sacmi stand at Interpack 2017 will be showcasing the very best technology available to the industry, from modular labellers to new Sacmi Packaging robots. Pride of place on the stand will go to the new CCM application for the manufacture of coffee pods and confectionery packaging (the stand will be shared with C&M Holding)

The biggest European trade fair dedicated to packaging solutions, not only for the food&beverage industry but also the pharmaceutical, confectionery and cosmetics sectors, Interpack 2017 is set to take place from 4 th to 10 th May. The event will see Sacmi technology play a starring role on our stand of nearly 200 m 2 (hall 4, stand 4G20), which will be shared with C&M Holding, the long-standing Sacmi brand that produces and markets confectionery packaging solutions.

The displayed solutions will, most importantly, include a new compression technology application for coffee pods. Developed in the wake of an ambitious R&D project that saw the Group work alongside leading industry players, the Sacmi solution transfers all the advantages of this technology (in which the Group leads the world in the plastic cap manufacturing field) to the promising, dynamic coffee pods sector. The latter produces and sells over 30 billion plastic pods worldwide every year and is set to play a key role in the growth of the entire industry between now and 2020.

The application exhibited at the fair is a 32-cavity CCM press. This offers the shortest cycle times in the industry (2.4-3.2 seconds as opposed to 3.8-5 seconds with injection technology) while the special plastic extrusion process which, with compression, occurs at lower temperatures, gives energy savings that can top 30%. Moreover, there is a complete guarantee of process repeatability as it is possible to manage each cavity independently and incorporate the advanced vision systems produced by the Group's Automation&Service Division. Applicable to both “proprietary” systems and the manufacture of compatible pods, the system ensures the lowest running costs on the market. Moreover, further innovative applications have recently been developed for the production of eco-compatible and self-seal pods.

From coffee pods to labelling solutions, a sector where Sacmi is right on the cutting edge thanks to modular solutions that combine reliability and productivity with maximum flexibility. For example, the renowned KUBE range (Sacmi's new modular labellers) offer markets unique versatility and have won over a growing number of key bottling customers, especially in the wine sector. KUBE “plug&play” technology lets manufacturers work efficiently across multiple labelling technologies and systems - hot, cold, self-adhesive - with just one machine and with minimum label and/or format changeover times.

A key player when it comes to automated handling and end-line solutions, Sacmi will, at Düsseldorf, be exhibiting a 4-axis pick&place "spider" robot with an integrated vision system for the insertion of flexible packages (doypack, pouches, pillow bags etc.) in American RSC boxes. This is just one of many applications belonging to the extensive robotized solutions range developed and marketed by Sacmi Packaging. This is a great example of a Sacmi Packaging case packing system for flexible packaging, with pick systems that use up to 4 pick&place robots per line, giving speeds of around 300 packs/min and outstanding efficiency. With these ever-more advanced solutions, Sacmi is leading the way, in all its core businesses, towards the new frontier of integrated robotics.

Following the success of the last edition, the Group is now preparing for Chinaplas 2017. Taking centre-stage will be the Group's technological and plant engineering solutions for the industry, including those specifically designed for the strategic Chinese market where Sacmi has been a key player for over 30 years.

For Chinaplas - the international plastics-rubber fair, the last edition of which drew 148,000 visitors and 3,335 exhibitors from 39 countries - the figures look decidedly encouraging. Sacmi, following its successful participation in 2016, is now warming up for the event's 31 st edition (Guangzhou, China Import & Export Fair Complex, 16-19 May 2017) where the starring role will be played by a broad range of technology.

A stand measuring a good 240 m 2 [HALL 4.1 – C41], located inside the collective Italian area (run, as in previous years, by Assocomaplast, the Italian association of plastics&rubber machine manufacturers), will host the best the Group has to offer the Closures industry, such as the new CCM24CS compression press, being showcased for the first time on this market. Key improvements to mechanics, hydraulics and automation have given the new 24-head version of the press higher output (with a record cycle time for the industry of just 1.44 seconds), without penalising the cooling time; moreover, consumption has been reduced further and cap quality has been raised. The machine on show at Chinaplas will produce an HDPE single-piece 30 mm water bottle cap weighing 85 g, with an output of 800 caps/minute with just 24 heads (cycle time 1.8 seconds).

Present in China for over 30 years, Sacmi has had a local branch, Sacmi Nanhai, since 2007. This, in addition to providing after-sales assistance services, operates as a true labelling machine manufacturing facility.

One of Sacmi's key strengths is its ability to provide, alongside individual technological and plant engineering solutions, advanced quality control systems. All Sacmi vision systems (developed by the Group's Automation&Service Division) are designed to operate in line with the machines at ultra-high speeds: from the CVS 052, the cap vision system integrated downstream from the CCM, to the PVS002 Plus, capable of testing no less than 1100 preforms/hour; the latter also has optional weight and body control features.

Fully aware of the far-reaching changes affecting both the market and the manufacturing methods, Sacmi will also be taking part in the Industry 4.0 conference, an event linked to the fair itself. Here, Sacmi will give a talk on the Sacmi 4.0 and H.E.R.E. (Human Expertise for Reactive Engineering) projects. The latter is a solutions set that networks production processes, supervising and exchanging information with interconnected machines to provide production process advantages and sharpen smart factory growth strategies.

• Variable number of lanes allows for optimal productivity
• High dosing accuracy for greater efficiency and safety „
• Industry 4.0 solutions increase machine availability

Duesseldorf – Flat pouches are the trend among all ages. Whether it is coffee, sugar, toiletries or food supplements, nearly everything today can be packaged in small, convenient and easily portioned flat pouches. With the new Sigpack VPF (Vertical Platform Flat Pouch), Bosch introduces the first freely scalable flat pouch machine to the market. Frank Buehler, product manager at Bosch Packaging Technology says: “In 2016, we won the German Packaging Award with the prototype of the Sigpack VPF. We are pleased to present the unique advantages of the machine to manufacturers in the food and pharmaceutical industry, for the first time, at interpack 2017.” The Sigpack VPF offers the best performance per square meter of floor space by combining modular flexibility with high production speed at a low overall operating cost.

With highly flexible design equipped for future market requirements

The Sigpack VPF stands out with its unsurpassed flexibility enabling manufacturers to adjust quickly and economically to production volumes and product changes according to market needs. Thanks to the modularization of the dosing and cross-sealing units, the Sigpack VPF is freely scalable from two to up to twelve lanes. In addition, pouch sizes are easily adjustable. The new decentralized stock of product makes it possible to package different products, such as salt and pepper, at the same time on one machine. Frank Buehler explains: “The complete modularization of the dosing and sealing units allows for flexible lanes, making the new Sigpack VPF a future-proof investment for every manufacturer.”

Exact dosing and top sealing quality

Exact dosing, deep pouch filling and hermetically tight seams reduce product loss and waste in the packaging process. This has a positive impact on the manufacturer’s business success. For the pharmaceutical industry, these qualities contribute greatly to patient safety, as over- or under-dosing of powdered medication can be avoided. The machine produces hermetically tight packages, with its long sealing times at low temperatures. This ensures consistently high product quality. Thanks to the hygienic and ergonomic design, the Sigpack VPF is easily visible and accessible, ensuring a safe cleaning process. Short cleaning and changeover times contribute to high overall equipment effectiveness.

New Industry 4.0 solutions for improved transparency and higher machine availability

The Sigpack VPF can be fitted with the new Condition Monitoring Platform from Bosch. The software solutions provides real-time information about machines, systems or process status on site. It does so through continuous data acquisition, which makes it possible to indicate upcoming errors before downtime occurs. Based on pre-defined tolerance levels, for instance for temperature or cycle time, operators receive notifications of deviations via e-mail. This way, the Condition Monitoring Platform helps to prevent cost-intensive downtime and increase machine availability.

Customized services for all maintenance strategies

A comprehensive range of services to improve machine efficiency and productivity completes Bosch’s system competence. The focus is on solutions for preventive maintenance as well as services to eliminate unwanted machine conditions as quickly as possible. To this end, Bosch provides a worldwide service network with qualified field service technicians who offer regional support. Thanks to digital services such as Remote Service, which is now supported by a visualization and chat feature, or the mobile version of the E-Portal, which will be presented at interpack 2017, customers receive targeted support regardless of their location. Bosch will further showcase the versatile training portfolio of the Bosch Packaging Academy. Apart from new assistance solutions, Bosch will demonstrate virtual training concepts enabling manufacturers to acquire demand-oriented know-how for machine operation and maintenance. The company will also illustrate how Preventive Maintenance Parts Kits and tailor-made maintenance agreements help to proactively minimize unplanned downtime.

Visitors at interpack 2017 can experience the first freely scalable flat pouch packaging machine live at Bosch’s stand C30 in Hall 6.

Noida, 14 March 2017: In contemporary times Digital Printing is the name of the game given its ability to offer ultimate solutions for flexible packaging, labels and decorative printing segments. The converting industry for long has been grappling with restricted availability of the right type of substrate supporting direct digital printing without prior priming /coating or surface treatment for that matter.

The main objective of any surface treatment method is to increase the energy of film’s surface for improving wet-out and adhesion of coatings, inks and adhesives used in converting process. Surface treatment of films/substrates may involve several techniques like corona discharge; flame treatment; priming and chemical etching. This could be an expensive proposition besides increasing the lead time.

To alleviate this problem, India’s largest multinational flexible packaging materials and Solution Company Uflex Limited has launched a special polyester film, F-PDP with modified surface on one side while the other side remaining untreated. This film is digitally printable without any need for priming/ coating.

This film can be directly printed without requiring printing plates/ cylinders as in the case of conventional printing process. Additionally the film demonstrates good transparency; optical clarity; excellent machinability and dimensional stability besides offering excellent flatness and agile handling properties.

The polyester (PET) film F-PDP has been certified by Rochester Institute of Technology for digital printing by HP Indigo commercial and sheet fed presses.

There are a multitude of benefits associated with digitally printable PET films:

• Suitable for small run jobs particularly for new launch or re-launch of products;
• Minimizes lead time at the converter’s end because no primer/ coating is required;
• Gives excellent print results with high quality resolution for pictures and half-tone jobs using primary colors i.e. C,M,Y,K and White giving results at par with conventional printing even on transparent substrates;
• Option of special colors like Gold, Silver etc. can further impart depth in printing;

Mr. J.K. Sharma, AGM, Technical Service and New Product Development (Films), Uflex Limited talking about the benefits of Digitally Printable Polyester Film said, “Coating / priming or surface treatment of a film for enhancing its ink adhesion properties is a time consuming process needless to mention the additional costs that are involved. Our special F-PDP film is a perfect delight for convertors at a time when the entire world is moving towards Just in Time (JIT) deliveries minimising inventories. Polyester film suitable for direct digital printing has been a need gap. Other inherent advantages of Polyester film like the ability to render excellent print results; being tear- proof and crack resistant make it a suitable and preferred media for digital printing. Additionally Polyester is able to withstand high temperatures and remains stable and inert to many chemicals further enhancing its suitability for convertors.”

Talking further about this specialised polyester film, Mr. Pramod Sirsamkar, President – Technical & New Product Development (Films), Uflex Limited said, “Depending upon the requirements of the ensuing converting process, we can offer F-PDP film in various thicknesses ranging from 10-50 microns. The demand for this substrate is quite encouraging both in India as well as overseas as a result of which we are manufacturing it at all our plants i.e. India, UAE, Poland, Egypt, Mexico and USA.”

Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi, Chairman and Managing Director, Uflex Limited hailing the recent innovation said, “Digital Printing spells out immense convenience forconvertors in terms of economized costs; suitability for shorter print runs; less set up time compared to offset printing and unmatched print consistency among others. I am happy that Uflex has engineered a special polyester substrate that is perfectly receptive for digital printing without requiring any priming/ coating or special treatment.”