Pro2Pac preview: Function and form in a pack
Visitors to Pro2Pac will discover a variety of packaging materials, equipment and services on display. From the latest developments in smart packaging, to new sustainable packs and packaging formats.
Highlights of the show will include SIG Combibloc, which will display its flexible carton packs for food. These now include a long-life food packaging option with the heat-resistant ‘Combisafe’ carton pack, which is used to flexibly fill food products such as beans, pulses and chopped tomatoes.
Combisafe offers manufacturers flexible and accurate filling options, using modular filling units, including multi-head weighers. This retortable carton packaging offers the option of fully rotational sterilisation during the autoclave process, which is claimed to deliver optimum temperature distribution inside the carton pack.
Showcasing
At the other end of the spectrum, linerless labelling specialist Ravenwood Packaging will showcase its 'complete package' of labelling technology. The company's flexible adhesive-backed labels are now regularly used as an eco-friendly replacement for traditional labels that carry waste-creating backing paper.
Ravenwood supplies the Comac 500 coating machine and a wide range of Nobac applicators capable of applying sleeves in all formats varying from c-wrap and full wraps, to packs for the chilled foods and convenience markets.
Its recently launched ‘slideable’ labels are also said to be attracting much interest. Made from thicker materials up to 300g/m2, they are unlike conventional linerless labels in that they slide on the pack allowing consumers to view the product inside. Also new is 'skin pack' labelling in which various products can be packed in fewer trays as they can be applied to fit to a standard tray incorporating large and smaller items.
Carbon friendly ready-meal tray supplier KCC Packaging, will show its compostable Riji trays as an alternative to crystalline polyethylene terephthalate (cPET) and aluminium foil trays. Riji is claimed to cook food faster at higher temperatures than cPet. The rigid trays are both ovenable and microwavable. Because they conduct heat slowly, they are cooler to touch and easier to handle.
Elsewhere, Riggs Autopack will demonstrate its volumetric depositors and filling machines, together with transfer pumps and automatic conveyor filling lines. And Rovema Packaging Machines, which offers project engineering service to the food sector, will show examples from its range of augers; vertical form, fill and seal machines; cartoning; and brick pack machines.
Bagging specialist Automated Packaging will exhibit a horizontal system, the FAS Sprint Revolution, featuring in-line printing and weighing. It is designed for packing fragile food as it offers hand-loading as well as being able to integrate with weighers for fast bag packing. Materials including printed polyethylene and stand up pouches are also available.
Thermoforming services will be outlined at the show both by Somerset-based Kingsmoor Packaging (KPL) and Gloucester-based Leeways Packaging Services.
Get a flavour of south America at IFE
This year’s IFE will have a distinctly international flavour, with new tastes and culinary delights from around the globe on show. In particular, visitors will be able to sample a wide range of diverse delicacies from across Central and South America from Brazilian Churrascaria to Peruvian delicacies such as ceviche.
“With increasing excitement around the tastes and flavours coming from countries in Central and South America, we are pleased that we have so many exhibitors at IFE this year,” says show director, Chris McCuin. “The exhibition will offer both exhibitors and visitors the perfect vantage point for understanding and following 2015 food trends.”
