Propac Industrial has released the new US type Ultrasonic Vertical Form Filler machine, which the company says increases productivity and speed, and reduces food waste due to the airtight seal delivered.
According to Foodbank, it is estimated that Australian households throw away 2.5 million tonnes of edible food each year, and this is a common crisis the world over.
The new Propac VFFS (vertical form fill seal) machine, which incorporates ultrasonic technology from German company Hermann, delivers extended shelf life for fresh produce thanks to the reduction in air contact and temperature changes for the packaged product.
Speaking to the increased demand by agribusinesses to automate, Craig Lindsell, national sales manager at Propac, says that many companies are looking to automation to help ramp up their productions.
“A VFFS is a fairly affordable and easy step to automation and will make a big difference to the overall output of an agribusiness,” explains Lindsell.
“It will help them to become more competitive and produce at a faster rate, while increasing quality and reducing waste.”
In selecting the right machine for this type of application, Lindsell says that Propac recommends continuous motion machines (US type - Ultrasonic).
“These machines utilised the same footprint as a slower intermittent motion heat jaw machine, while running at faster speeds – sometimes double the output,” adds Lindsell.
“The ultrasonic technology seals, despite a possible fresh product particle getting in the way, which means the waste reduction is enormous.
“These machines are suitable for applications in which seal laminate type films are used, such as retail salads and shredded cheese.”
Lindsell explains that one of the key benefits of the upgrade is undoubtedly the reduced food wastage.
“We are privy to wastage in the past when jaws misaligned, and gas could escape during the sealing process,” Lindsell says.
“A VFFS machine used to seal the bags will make sure a product looks more professional, is easier to open, and offers gas flushing for a higher quality, long-lasting product.”
Propac Industrial and sister company HMPS exhibited this new technology last month HortConnect. Both companies are members of the Austarlian Packaging & Processing Manufacturers Association.
