Food Packaging Machines and Technology

Integrating new food packaging machines into your existing production lines can be a relatively seamless process if done correctly. We can take several different approaches (installation during weekends to minimize production interruptions, plug-and-play machine design, pre-installation operator training, etc.). Be sure to share your concerns about disrupting production up front, and we will find a solution together.

Investing in modern food packaging machines can yield significant cost savings and a promising return on investment (ROI) through a range of factors:

1. Improved Accuracy and Efficiency: Modern machines offer better filling and closing accuracy, resulting in reduced product wastage and enhanced Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). This translates to cost savings through optimal product utilization.

2. Reduced Downtime and Faster Changeover: Advanced machines feature quicker changeover processes and faster cleaning cycles, minimizing production downtime. This operational efficiency leads to increased output and lower opportunity costs.

3. Lower Maintenance Costs: Modern machines are designed for reliability and reduced maintenance needs. This translates to lower maintenance costs and fewer unplanned downtime occurrences.

4. Enhanced Uptime Efficiency: Equipment featuring new technologies often leads to enhanced uptime. Their simplified designs with fewer parts contribute to a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to older machines.

5. Product Giveaway Savings: Upgrading to modern equipment can substantially reduce product giveaway. For instance, shifting from a level filler to Net Weigh or Mass Flow fillers can significantly minimize product giveaway, resulting in substantial cost savings.

To ensure that selected food packaging machines comply with industry standards and regulations, it's best to share your required standards or machine certifications with your OEM up front. Depending on what your product is and where it's being manufactured, you may need a machine that is 3-A, CE, or FDA-certified. By selecting machines with these certifications, you can confidently ensure that your chosen food packaging equipment aligns with industry regulations, maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance.

When selecting a food packaging machine for a food processing facility, several key factors need to be considered including:

1. Product Characteristics: The type of product plays a pivotal role. Whether dealing with a pasta sauce or 2.5 gallons of edible oil (for liquid filling) or hard candy versus frozen food (IQF), the filling, closing and other packaging technology required varies significantly. Understanding the product's nature is the foremost step.

2. Throughput Requirements: Consider the desired volumes and production rates - products per minute (PPM) or products per hour (PPH). This factor affects the choice of machine, ensuring it can meet the production demands effectively.

3. Efficiency: Machine efficiency is a fundamental consideration. The packaging machine should be able to perform consistently and reliably to optimize production output.

4. Cleanability: Machine cleanability is paramount for maintaining food safety and hygiene standards. The ease with which the machine can be cleaned, both internally and externally, is crucial.

5. Parts and Service Availability: Ensuring that replacement parts are readily available and that the manufacturer offers reliable after-sales service and support is essential for minimizing downtime.

In summary, the process of selecting a food packaging machine involves a comprehensive analysis of the product, production requirements, product characteristics, cleaning needs, efficiency, cleanability, and long-term support options. These factors collectively determine the most suitable packaging solution for a food processing facility.