What new interesting developments can one look forward to seeing at this year’s Interpack? While some exhibitors have released advance information on what will be on display, based on which we have written up a company-wise preview, most people are playing their cards very close to their chest. We predict that most new products or solutions on display will be related to the most acutely felt concerns and needs of brand-owners and consumers. Some of those worth looking out for are:
Environment Friendliness/Sustainability
– All kinds of energy saving processes and devices from control systems to energy-efficient equipment/devices and non-traditional energy sources
– Downgauging of materials, higher product:package ratio systems and better cube utilisation systems for all applications ranging from rigid systems (lightweight glass, lighter bottles/jars/cans) to flexible systems
– Processes and systems to reduce in-plant wastage (both start-up waste and process waste)
– Materials incorporating high recycled content or post-consumer waste
– Degradable and compostable materials
– Materials made from renewable sources like bio-polymers made from agricultural inputs like corn, starch and sugars
– Processes to recover/recycle post-consumer waste
– Processes that reduce emissions causing warming or other environmental pollution (VOC emissions, effluent treatment)
Productivity Enhancement
– Faster and higher output machines
– Integration of several processes into in-line solutions.
– More machine automation and robotics
– Process control solutions
– In-plant and post-packaging materials handling, product/package feeding systems
– Automated workflow management
Brand and Product Security
– Anti-counterfeiting systems
– Track-and-trace solutions
– Tamper-evident devices
Supply Chain Management
– Shelf-ready systems
– POP and display friendly systems
– Smart packages (tags/labels that show up temperature abuse, product or bacterial spoilage, exceeded use-before dates etc.)
Miscellaneous
– Systems for higher aesthetics and shelf impact
– On-the-go packages
– More convenience and safety features
– Child-resistant closures and systems that are geriatric-friendly or helpful for the physically challenged (e.g. Braille encryption)
– Convenient consumer multipacks (bundling, collation, six-packs etc.)
– Systems catering to on-demand small runs/speed-to-market, micro-segmentation, promotions, variable data and personalisation
We can also see a trend towards machinery manufacturers focussing on becoming customised end-to-end solution providers by integrating products from other sources into composite production lines for which they will undertake guarantees on performance.
There are several well-known Indian companies exhibiting at Interpack 2008. Most of them have booked stands themselves while some (like Windmoller & Holscher, Heidelberg and Precision Gears – IMA) will be part of the stands booked by their parent companies. We talked to a number of the prominent participants on their special plans for Interpack 2008. Summarised below is the information compiled by us.
Hall 7.2, Stand A1
Jindal Polyfilms
Jindal Poly Films (JPFL) are the largest exhibitors from India. We had an exclusive interview with Mr. Samir Banerjee, their Director – Marketing, about their plans and what they will focus on at Interpack. JPFL have a phenomenal track-record and have become a major international player in BOPET and BOPP films in just 6 years of existence (see the write-up in our November-December 2007 issue). Their film plant at Nashik is already the world’s largest single film producing facility. The key to their success has been their single-minded dedication to the business and policy of investing only in top-of-the-line high-output equipment that gives them the edge on both quality and costs. Their BOPP plants are just 3 years old and are the highest output lines of their kind anywhere. They are adding 2 new hi-tech Dornier BOPP lines this year and have already decided to install another 2 lines next year, each capable of turning out 45,000 MT per year. With these additions, their total BOPP capacity will become 270,000 MT per year and, in this process, they are likely to leapfrog Mobil-Exxon Films to become the world’s largest BOPP film producer. They are already the global leaders in premium segments like filmic labelstock substrates and release liners.
JPFL have also decided to substantially expand BOPET film capacity. They have just finalised a new Dornier line (8.7 meters, 450 meters/min.) that will be operational during the second half of 2009 and deliver 25,000 MT of slit film output per year. They are also in the process of finalising another similar Dornier line for commissioning during the second half of 2010. Orders are concurrently being placed for equivalent primary slitting capacity. With this 50,000 MT per annum expansion, their total BOPET film capacity will go up to 140,000 MT per annum, making them India’s largest manufacturer. This will also make them by far the world’s largest manufacturer of oriented films (BOPP + BOPET) with a name-plate capacity of 410,000 MT per annum.
At Interpack, JPFL will be displaying their full range of both BOPET and BOPP films but the emphasis will be on the latter. Some of the high added-value products they will exhibit:
– BOPP films coated with PVDC, acrylics and low-temperature sealants for applications like packaging of snack-foods, confectionery, bakery products, meat and tobacco overwraps.
– Plasma enhanced metallised films with copolyester coatings for better barrier and bonding to other substrates.
– Both BOPET and BOPP substrates for labelstock manufacture. These include opaque films as well as clear high-transparency films for the “no-label” look and substrates for silicone coating to produce high-end release liners.
Hall 7.2, Stand A46
Manish Packaging
Manish Packaging manufactures a variety of PVC films for packaging applications. It is a ISO 9001:2000 certified company that exports its films to over 35 countries worldwide. It first developed food grade PVC twist wrap films and its materials can run at speeds up to 2300 twists per minute. It has also recently developed cast PVC shrink films for shrink sleeves and labels. At Interpack, Manish will be displaying their full range of PVC films.
Hall 11, Stand B34
Makers Polyfilms
Makers Polyfilms produce a range of films for shrink wrapping and other industrial applications. At Interpack, they will be showcasing their whole range of products that include PVC and PET films for conventional shrink wrapping and shrink sleeves and labels with high shrink and transparency and low thickness variation.
Hall 5, Stand D07
Multipack Systems
Multipack Systems are a leading manufacturer of HFFS and flow pack machines and automatic product feeding and handling systems including fully servo driven wrappers and feeding systems. They have over 1600 installations in operation in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Their machines are used to pack all kinds of biscuits and cookies, chocolate bars, cereal, nutraceutical/snack bars, noodle cakes and other food products. Established customers include such well-known names and brands like Britannia, Cadbury, Danone, GSK, ITC, Kellogg’s, Kraft Foods, Nestle, Parle, Pepsi and Sara Lee. They have also adapted their standard machines to pack various kinds of non-food products as well.
According to Mr. Bharat Patel, Multipack, at Interpack they will be displaying their new high speed integrated chocolate wrapping machine with a row feeding system.
Hall 6, Stand C47
Nichrome India
Nichrome are one of India’s pioneers in the manufacture of VFFS machines for a variety of products. They have over 4,000 installations operating in 40 countries world-wide. They are certified under ISO 9000:2001 and ISO 22000 for food safety management systems which exceed the requirements of HACCP.
Hall 6, Stand D54
Pakona Engineers
Pakona Engineers are one of India’s leading manufacturers of packaging machinery and specialise in FFS machines. They have been regular exhibitors at Interpack and this year they will be exhibiting their new PK – 100 HFFS system which, according to their MD Mr. Ashok Kothari, is an improved version of their PK – 90 HFFS machine.
The PK – 100 series is specially designed for high speed, high versatility and easy change-over options. It incorporates movable sealing jaws, airshaft for roll mounting, splicing table for easy roll changes, an autoweb alignment system and a manifold rotary mechanism. It comes with various options to handle powders, liquids or solid products and can deliver both stand-up pouches and 3 or 4-side sealed pouches. It can also produce shaped pouches and can insert a zipper, straw or spout placed either at the centre or at a corner.
Hall 9, Stand F02
Parksons Packaging
Parksons are India’s leading manufacturers of folding cartons and the only Indian carton manufacturer to receive ISO 9000:2001 BRC/Iop certification for food packaging and PS 9000:2001 certification for pharmaceutical packaging. At Interpack, they will be showcasing their entire product range that includes the following:
– Folding cartons.
– Litho-laminated fluted cartons.
– Plastic cartons.
– Cartons made from non-absorbent substrates like foil/board, metallised paperboard and holographic board.
– Labels.
– Retail ready packs.
– Lined cartons.
Hall 11, Stand B19
Positive Packaging
Positive Packaging are a part of the Enpee Group and are leading players in flexible packaging with operations in India, Dubai and Nigeria. According to their Director Mr. Krishnamurthy, they will be showcasing their full range of products viz. flexible laminates, plasma metallised films, CPP films and rotogravure cylinders.
Enpee’s Acuprint Systems division have just commissioned India’s first direct laser engraving plant for rotogravure cylinders during February 2008. The announcement is going to be one of their major focus areas at Interpack. Earlier, they were offering only electromechanically engraved cylinders.
Hall 16, Stand D13
Precision Gears
Precision Gears is a well-known manufacturer of blister-packing and thermoforming machines. They started off in 1978 with technical collaboration with Hassia for manufacturing thermoforming machines, primarily blister-packing machines for pharmaceutical products. After establishing a name for themselves in the international market, they used their in-house R & D to further improve and modify their equipment. In June 1995, they became a subsidiary of the well-known I.M.A group of Italy. This tie-up saw them add cartoning systems to their product portfolio.
At Interpack, they will be housed in the I.M.A. stand, where they will be displaying their newly developed C 102 blister packing machines for deep-draw applications like packaging of injectibles. I.M.A. themselves will have over 20 machines of various kinds on display.
Hall 8a, Stand C21
Span Filling Systems
Span Filling Systems is a manufacturer of equipment for the filling of liquids into rigid containers. At Interpack, Span will be demonstrating their Spanpak Dualfil machines that employ a proprietary filling concept that uses a double-acting piston and a multi-way control valve that delivers an equal volume of product in both the forward and backward strokes of the piston. Filling can be accomplished using either a single-stroke or a multi-stroke operation. The piston is normally driven with an air cylinder which has a manual stroke limiter to control the filled volume. The machine employs a PLC with which the user can control the number of strokes which permits filling of containers of any size. Other control options include electrical or all pneumatic circuits as required for the filling of explosive products. All Dualfil machines come with a product tank.
A wide variety of nozzle designs and filling techniques are available to meet even the most demanding applications like drip-free, laminar flow, conventional top-fill, bottom-up and sub-surface filling. Products can range from thin to highly viscous liquids and from hot to cold. The filling cylinders and nozzles are completely removable for easy cleaning up.
The filling pumps are double-acting positive displacement piston units made from stainless steel with Teflon seals and gaskets. Pumps are held together with quick-release clamps for easy maintenance. Double-acting pumps allow product on both sides of the piston chamber, thus increasing the life of the product cylinder and seals and allow for higher fill speeds.
The present range of machines have from 2 to 8 nozzles depending on the filling speed required but higher configurations can be worked out if greater speeds are required. The machines are being used to fill a wide variety of liquids in sectors like paints, cosmetics, food and pharmaceuticals.
Hall 6, Stand E49
Subnil Packaging Machineries
Subnil are Asia’s leading manufacturers of machinery for filling of tubes together with in-line cartoning, bundling and case-packing with output ranging from 35 to 420 tubes per minute. They have manufacturing facilities located at Hyderabad and Pune. At Interpack, they will be displaying the LIMBUS 100 plastic tube filling line, which is their fastest single-head filling system.
Hall 9, Stand J24
Sunrise Packaging
Sunrise Packaging is a ISO 9001:2000 certified company that manufactures a variety of packaging products.
At Interpack, they will be displaying the following products:
– Thermal bags that keep cold items cold and hot items hot for several hours.
– Exclusive and fancy bags for candy, chocolates and bakery products.
– Extrusion laminated and solventless laminated structures,
– BOPP bags.
– Gift wrapping sheets.
Hall 11, Stand A75
Uflex
Uflex, formerly known as Flex, is India’s largest packaging group (Group sales of US$ 720 million) and the only really vertically integrated flexible packaging company that has in-house facilities for producing films, laminates, pouches and total solutions ranging from basic inputs like PET chips, inks and adhesives to plain and metallised oriented films, laminates, CPP films, bags & pouches, labels, holographic films, packaging and converting machinery and rotogravure cylinders. They have become a major international player with a large part of their output (US$ 120 million) being exported to over 70 countries worldwide including sophisticated markets like Western Europe, the USA and Latin America. They set up their first overseas plant at Dubai to produce BOPET films and this line achieved a utilisation of over 100 per cent in less than 2 years. Buoyed by this success, they commissioned a second 8.7 meter wide BOPET line in 2007, enhancing annual capacity to 45,000 MT per year. One more BOPP film line and one PET chips plant are also on the anvil for installation at Dubai.
They have also announced the setting up a new 8.7 meter 26,000 MT per year state-of-the-art BOPET plant in Mexico together with a high-barrier vacuum metallising plant. This facility will be operational by early 2009. At a later stage, they intend to add another BOPET line and metalliser here along with a thermal lamination machine.
We spoke to Mr. Pradeep Tyle, Senior President and CEO of their Films Division, and Mr. Amitava Ray, President and CEO of their Converted Products Division on their plans for Interpack.
While the Films Division will be showcasing their entire range of transparent and metallised BOPET/BOPP/CPP films, their major focus will be on their new Mexico facility and their recent innovations like heat sealable polyester films, direct embossable BOPET films, polyester films for liquid packaging (bag-in-box application, plain and metallised matt BOPET films, eco-friendly BOPET films using 25 to 30 per cent recycled post-consumer waste, BOPP films for thermal lamination and ultra-clear transparent and metallised BOPET films.
Their Converted Products division have just commissioned a new plant at Jammu in Northern India to supplement production of flexible packaging laminates (see our report elsewhere in this issue). While they will also be featuring their entire production range at Interpack, the major focus will be on their various new developments and innovations like Quad Seal Bags (for which they have won both the DuPont and AIMCAL awards), sleeve-in-pouch systems, laminated ulti-loom woven PP bags with several closure and reclosure options, recyclable weather-resistant pouches, primary packs for toothbrushes and shaving tackle, stand-up flexible “bottles” with reclosable spouts, single-use on-the-go etiquette cut pouches for toiletries and personal care products, high-barrier nano-clay filled nylon coextruded structures, flex-crack resistant laminates, downgauged foil laminates using 6.34 micron foil, patented diaphragm system for easy opening, easy-to-tear register laser scored BOPET film laminates, shrink sleeve labels, PVDC coated laminates, both side register printed laminates and printed laminates with a registered matte effect.
Hall 15, Stand C55/E42
Windmoller & Holscher
W & H are best known as the world’s leading manufacturers of flexographic printing presses and also a major supplier of top-of-the-line rotogravure presses. They also have in their portfolio a large variety of packaging machinery and some of the largest selling multilayer coextrusion blown film lines (VAREX), cast film lines (FILMEX) and converting equipment for woven film structures.
At Interpack, they will be displaying a number of FFS packaging machines as well as their new MIRAFLEX C central impression flexo printing press, on public show for the first time. According to Mr. Rakesh Shah, MD of W & H (India), this is a historic achievement because this is the first ever instance of a printing press being allowed to be displayed at any Interpack. What is more, they have also secured Messe’s permission to leave the MIRAFLEX installed and on display at the show premises till the end of drupa 2008 in May/June 2008.
The MIRAFLEX C is a central impression flexo press that is designed to cover the core segment of wide width flexo printing applications in terms of repeat length, printing width and output. It is easy to operate, offers extensive automation options and has a number of useful solutions like sleeve nip rolls and much lower weight doctor blade chambers. It comes with 8 to 10 colour decks in widths from 1000 mm. to 1450 mm. and is capable of high quality printing on substrates ranging from plastic films, paper and aluminium foils to laminates.
On display will also be the latest generation DIAMANT machines, a high-performance FFS bagging system for free-flowing products. This features an all-new drive technology as well as a newly developed weighing scale for high bagging speeds and equipped with a rotary filling section. The machine will be demonstrated in conjunction with an automatic roll change system for consistent continuous operation.
The OPAL machine, a bagging system designed for difficult to handle products like fine and dusty powders and sticky and heavy-flowing materials, will be making its debut on the international show scene. It features a patent pending closed system to keep air inclusion in the product to the very minimum. The OPAL now makes possible the handling of products which could not hitherto be run on FFS systems.
The TOPAS range of FFS machines are designed for a universal application range of free-flowing products in compact formats. Two versions will be on display – one featuring a handle die-cutter and edge sealing for bagging consumer products and the other in conjunction with an automatic slide plate palletiser for packaging of industrial goods.
The RUBIN is a newly developed machine for the bagging of free-flowing products for lower rates of output (400 sacks per hour).It is economically priced and is geared towards shifting from manual to automated bagging processes and to cater to small and medium production runs.
Hall 8b, Stand G64
Wraptech Machines
Wraptech is leading manufacturer of FFS machines. At Interpack, they will be displaying two new machines. The first is their Wraptech Thunder, which is a high-speed continuous motion bagging machine that operates at 120 to 140 bags per minute. The machine on display will be servo motor driven with an auger filling attachment. Other filling options include their 14 or 10 head weigher system or a volumetric cup filler. The machine can produce bags of up to 250 mm. width and 350 mm. height with fill weights going up to 2000 gms. Depending on the bulk density of the product.
The other machine on display will be their Model MB 150 SF 6T, a 6-track VFFS machine with a volumetric slide filler. This is designed for packing all free-flowing powders and granules and can take laminate inputs in widths up to 800 mm. It can also be offered as an 8-track model. It has output speeds of up to 50 strokes per minute per track. It produces schets of width 35 mm. to 50 mm. and can deliver fill weights from 0.5 gm. to 30 gms.
