Mamata Machinery, a leading manufacturer of packaging machinery, showcased its vertical and horizontal filling and sealing solutions at AnugaTec 2024 in Mumbai.
“On the vertical form fill and seal machine, we run one of the most challenging products – potato wafers. Handling wafers is difficult due to their very low bulk density and their tendency to float in the air as they fall because of their shape. The machine operates at 120 cycles per minute, which is exceptionally fast. Most importantly, we are using a fully recyclable PP film structure, so we are demonstrating both speed and the ability to run recyclable film simultaneously,” said Apurva Kane, senior vice president at Mamata Machinery.
Kane said the typical packaging speed for wafers in India is around 70-75 packs per minute. “We have managed to increase this to 120 packs per minute, which is a significant jump,” he added.
The horizontal form fill and seal machine on display used a roll of film to form stand-up pouches. “This machine has gained immense popularity in India’s namkeen industry, which has been our focus. Every major player in the namkeen (Indian snacks) industry, including Balaji Wafers, Haldiram Nagpur, Haldiram Delhi, and Bikaji, is now a Mamata customer, with multiple machines in operation,” Kane said.
Discussing packaging trends in the snacks and namkeen industry, Kane highlighted that machine manufacturers are striving to increase packaging line speeds to match the processing lines.
“Processing lines used to have an output of around 500 kg per hour, but now the standard has risen to 1,500 kg per hour. While the output of processing lines has increased, the packaging machines have not kept pace. This is what Mamata aims to change, making the process more seamless,” he explained.
