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tna launches latest teration of robag® 3 packaging series at SNAXPO20

tna will showcase its range of integrated, startto-finish food processing and packaging solutions for the snack industry at this year’s SNAXPO — including the newest addition to the tna robag® 3 packaging portfolio, the tna robag® 3e

Visitors are also invited to experience live demonstrations of the tna intelli-flav® OMS 5.1 on-machine seasoning system, the tna roflo® HM 3 horizontal motion and tna roflo® VM 3 vibratory motion conveyors — suitable for a range of snack applications, from potato chips and pellets, to french fries.

Advanced real-time communication

The new tna robag® 3e reportedly features fully integrated real-time communication software and smart diagnostics - the system takes control sophistication to an unprecedented level. “The food packaging industry is evolving at a rapid pace, with manufacturers finding themselves under everincreasing pressure to improve the operational efficiency of their packaging processes,” comments Steven Wolfe, General Manager at tna North America.

“In an industry where the real and virtual worlds are increasingly converging, digital control systems must become more sophisticated to deliver the levels of automation and performance expected — from a single piece of equipment to entire production lines.”

End-to-end snacking solutions

SNAXPO is an important show for tna to discuss its end-toend snack capabilities — from the latest flexible on-machine seasoning systems and

“The savoury snack market is growing worldwide, driven by a variety of consumer trends…”

conveyors to packaging solutions. “The savoury snack market is growing worldwide, driven by a variety of consumer trends including ‘health and well-being’ and ‘exotic flavour variations,’” adds Teri Johnson, Divisional Sales Manager, tna North America. “This presents an array of opportunities for brand owners to capitalise on the growing demand for savoury snacks. The challenge for producers, however, lies in the ability to switch efficiently between multiple product types, while keeping up production quotas.”

Booth 701, SNAXPO, North Carolina, US, 22-24 March 2020

Syntegon commits to CEFLEX flexible packaging initiative

Syntegon Technology, formerly known as Bosch Packaging Technology, is set to committing its vast packaging and processing expertise to the European initiative CEFLEX to foster a circular economy for flexible packaging

CEFLEX aims to establish a collecting, sorting and reprocessing infrastructure throughout Europe by 2025 and with the help of industry partners from all parts of the value chain, CEFLEX has developed dedicated ‘Designing for a Circular Economy Guidelines’ for flexible packaging.

After several rounds of input from the consortium, the open consultation on the guideline drafts is finished. They will be launched in spring 2020. “Sustainable packaging needs to be easily recyclable and processable at the same time,” says Matthias Klauser, Project Leader and Sustainability Expert at Syntegon Technology.

Circular economy

As opposed to linear economies where products are made and then disposed of, circular systems try to restore products, components, or materials by reusing, repairing or even recycling them. The concept has evolved ever since the mid-1960s in America, with the European Commission first issuing a circular economy manifesto in 2012, then successfully implementing a Circular Economy Action plan with 54 measures in 2018. The latter saw the adoption of ambitious initiatives, including a directive to reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment.

However, the transition to a circular economy not only requires policy makers to provide the framework. It also relies on the support of key industry players, from material producers to flexible packaging converters, packaging equipment manufacturers, brand owners and sorting and recycling companies.

Reconciling sustainability and efficiency

Together with some of CEFLEX’s more than 140 industry partners, Syntegon Technology is developing a design guideline for flexible packaging as part of a circular economy roadmap for the whole value chain.

Depending on the material, processes such as sealing might take longer, affecting output and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). “We see considerable potential for instance in mono-polyolefins and other mono-materials,” Klauser explains.

“At the same time, packaging and processing equipment providers will need to adapt their technologies to facilitate implementation of the guidelines. This includes making new materials processable on existing equipment, as well as developing new machine technologies that are suited for all kinds of materials today and in the future.”