SCA PACKAGING is a leading corrugated packaging solutions provider with more than 260 locations in some 30 countries. It produces around 35 million boxes and trays on corrugated board every day.
The industrial division of SCA Packaging has developed a new range of bulk produce palletainers designed for the storage and movement of fresh produce. The company has been supplying bulk handling solutions to the food industry for the last 25 years. Its latest palletainers are designed to fit onto a standard 1,200mm x 1,000mm pallet with the depth being varied to suit individual requirements. The units are available from stock, with a depth of 1,600mm.
Mark Furman, market manager responsible for the produce pack, says: "The unit has been developed to offer a cost-effective, high performance and safe method of storage and transport for fresh produce. This offers the user the ability to pack netted, bagged or loose product much more efficiently than just onto a pallet. With the pack incorporating the SCA Easypack drop front, it's easy to load and unload which reduces packing time. Also, if required circular ventilation holes can be added to ensure a constant airflow over the contents, which reduces the risk of product spoiling."
The standard-sized stock pack is available off the shelf for either collection or delivery and can be purchased in multiples of 65, or they can be designed to suit individual requirements.
Furman says: "Manufacturing the packs in heavy duty board gives a high performance that reduces product damage and prevents the pack deforming too much when filled. In addition the palletainers are designed to maximise trailer utilisation, this greatly reduces transport costs, which is often the most expensive process in the supply chain. The packs are designed for a single trip making them ideal for export requirements or any application where it isn't cost effective to use returnable containers."
The company has also developed the SCA Value Improvement Programme (VIP) which has been designed to identify areas for development in packaging resources. This analytical tool assesses all aspects of influence throughout the packaging and distribution process creating a clear picture of where savings can be achieved.
ETNA ERUPTS
ULMA Packaging has become a key player in the production of packaging equipment and services, with more than 40 years industry experience and with a team of around 400 people the company can offer a wide range of innovative solutions.
Ulma is targeting the produce market with one its latest designs. The Etna machine is a recent addition to the company's extensive product offer. It is a vertical form fill and seal machine which is achieving success in both the UK and continental marketplaces.
The Etna is ideal for handling products such as potatoes, carrots, florets and salads as well as other fresh produce, the machine offers a number of benefits. It is capable of producing 80 packs a minute.
Ulma can offer the complete packaging line, from the basic system including product handling, through to a single weigh cell, right through to a high specification, high volume system utilising linear or rotary multi-weigh heads.
Ulma's managing director Derek Patterson says: "The Etna is a reliable and highly versatile machine equally at home operating as a stand alone or as part of a fully integrated line."
The Etna's compact footprint, strong frame and mechanical reliability, is matched with an easy to access and easy to maintain system.
Patterson adds: "The company is keen to continue to build on this success, and is confident that the machine offers value for money combined with versatility."
EFSIS GUARANTEE
ACCORDING to EFSIS its standard for food packaging materials is the only credible way for packaging companies to guarantee the best standards to food industry buyers.
EFSIS was founded in 1989 when Campden and Chorleywood Research Association joined forces to create a food inspection company.
It has a client base of more than 4,500 food manufacturers and 20,000 farmers across 17 different sections of the food industry including fresh produce, and operates in more than 70 countries worldwide.
"Packaging is a vital piece in the jigsaw of assurance within the UK food industry," says Paul Ruocco, marketing and international operations director of EFSIS. "Packaging companies which can say they conform to this standard are showing their clients they are getting state-of-the-art thinking on all aspects of food packaging production.”
EFSIS aims to cover the food industry as fully as possible. Ruocco says: "The company aims to cover all the inspection and certification needs of the food industry across the spectrum, from feed and farm assurance to the EFSIS/British Retail Consortium (BRC) standard for food manufacturers, the foodservice industry, as well as organic inspection to the organic farmers and growers standard. We aim to be the all-round food industry specialists."
EFSIS packaging experts were heavily involved in the original development of the standard in conjunction with the BRC and the Institute of Packaging. EFSIS put together a team of trained inspectors, all with a food technology background, to specialise in packaging. All of the inspectors are EFSIS accredited by UKAS to EN45011 to evaluate and certify against the standard.
Ruocco says: "Our clients can be confident that the inspector is someone who fully understands the packaging industry, and the particular technology in question at each audit. Retailers and food manufacturers face more and more regulation and consumers insist on ever more exacting standards. The standard for food packaging materials, certified by EFSIS, shows the world you're hitting the mark."
SHARP AS A PACK
SHARP Interpack has had a successful year so far increasing its capacity for fresh produce packaging solutions and delivering innovative solutions to leading supermarkets.
The company has designed a bespoke line of lids for the Tesco Finest range. The dome-shaped lids fit existing black EPS punnets for the packing of stonefruit. The base of the packs were originally flow wrapped but Tesco wanted a more upmarket image and a clear brand identity. Sharp designed a bespoke lid from PVC to fit the base with a tight fit on the corners.
Following the launch, the new lids received the Tesco First award, an award which recognises innovation. It has since extended the lid to cover peaches, nectarines, plums, clementines, oranges and kiwi fruit. A completely new Tesco Finest grape pack has also been introduced with a new shaped base and lid. Tesco is currently approving more packs and extending the range further.
Sharp Interpack has also won a new contract to produce pre-printed lids for Sainsbury's strawberry business.
Following the expansion of its fresh produce business Sharp has internally restructured its sales team to appoint a dedicated fresh produce manager - Ruth Price. "Our fresh produce packaging business is booming. We have had to significantly increase our capacity to meet demand," she says. "We are continuing to innovate and are constantly developing new solutions which extend freshness of produce. Our commitment to our biodegradable range remains as strong as ever and we will be looking to bring new solutions to the marketplace."
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