Ecolean, a global supplier of lightweight packaging solutions for both ambient and chilled liquid food, has launched EL6 and EL3+ filling machines for aseptic portion- and family-sized packages.
Just as the company is committed to producing lighter, flexible packaging solutions that help food and beverage producers do more with less, Ecolean’s filling equipment is compact and efficient. The EL6 and EL3+ feature higher capacities, a reduced impact on the environment and competitive operational costs, all the while maintaining the same footprint, compared to previous versions.
“When launching these higher capacity machines for ambient distribution, we put a lot of effort into lowering the cost per pack for our customers,” said Christian Olsson, director – Filling Lines. “It makes a difference, not only on offering an even more competitive Total Cost of Ownership, but also on reducing the environmental impact further. We can now offer an easier machine to operate with higher capacity for our customers, all within the same footprint.”
EL6 increases filling capacity
The EL6 features six fillers to increase capacity to fill up to 18,000 portion-sized packages per hour. For use with Ecolean Air Aseptic 125 ml, 200 ml, 250 ml and 350 ml and Ecolean Air Aseptic Clear 200 ml and 250 ml packages, the EL6 uses up to 30% less air, water and energy during both production and cleaning.
To complete the EL6 filling line, optional equipment include a CIP unit, a straw applicator, a package buffer unit and a package conditioning unit as well as easy configuration to secondary packaging solutions.
EL3+ saves resources while improving capacity
The EL3+ replaces the EL3 machine and features a 25% increase in capacity to fill up to 7,500 family-sized packages per hour. For use with Ecolean Air Aseptic 500 ml, 750 ml and 1,000 ml packages, the EL3+ uses less air and energy during production and up to 50% less water during the cleaning cycle.
An updated control system with moveable HMI screen together with a simplified outfeed, placing packages directly on a downstream conveyor, enable capacity increase and improved machine performance. Other options for the EL3+ include a CIP unit, an integrated packer and a SnapQuick applicator, applying Ecolean’s unique and award-winning reclosure SnapQuick to the packages.
Making it easier for the customer
Like all aseptic Ecolean filling machines, an integrated cleaning-in-place and pre-production sterilization system as well as an HEPA filtered filling zone ensure the same high level of hygiene, before and under production. The ready-to-fill packages are sterilized using electron beam treatment, hermetically sealed and distributed on reels from Ecolean plants. Before opening, filling and sealing in the filling machine, the outer surfaces of the packages are re-sterilized using a system of 1% peroxide spray and UV light.
“It is important that Ecolean makes it easier for our customers. The reason for constantly improving our own performance, as well as the efficiency of the Ecolean filling machines, is to maximize results for our customers,” added Olsson. “With higher capacities within the same footprint, advanced technology yet easy operations, Ecolean offers a lighter solution.”
