Trade press release

GEA PowerHeat: New Matrix Heating Systems for recyclable packaging as a milestone in sustainable packaging

16 May 2022

GEA is presenting the new PowerHeat heating systems for its PowerPak thermoforming packaging machines at IFFA in Frankfurt, Germany (Hall 8, Stand G20).

GEA PowerHeat M – The new matrix heating system placed in the GEA PowerPak thermoformer Source: GEA

GEA PowerHeat M – The new matrix heating system placed in the GEA PowerPak thermoformer Source: GEA

Monomaterials that can be 100 percent recycled place special demands on the heating systems required for the thermoforming process. GEA PowerHeat makes using these materials easier and safer without sacrificing performance. In terms of sustainability, the new system also impresses with energy-saving heating, without compromising on the high standard of packaging quality and product safety. The new matrix heating system in the GEA Thermoformer was developed in close cooperation with technology partner Watttron and tested for market launch with the Wolf Group, a food manufacturer and pilot customer of GEA.

GEA PowerPak PLUS thermforming packaging machine with new matrix heating system GEA PowerHeat M Source: GEA

GEA PowerPak PLUS thermforming packaging machine with new matrix heating system GEA PowerHeat M Source: GEA

Zone heating system

Mono-materials place special demands on heating systems. The GEA PowerHeat Z zone heating system evenly regulates the temperature in different zones of the heating plates independently of each other, ensuring that each individual package is evenly formed – right up to the edges. The benefits of energy-efficient heating really come to the fore when using mono-packaging materials such as mono PP or mono PE.

A cold cut packaging made of resource-saving mono-materials from the Wolf group of companies  Source: Wolf

A cold cut packaging made of resource-saving mono-materials from the Wolf group of companies Source: Wolf

Matrix heating system

The GEA PowerHeat M matrix heating system can be used to set customized package-specific temperature profiles. It is a solution that proves particularly effective when using multilayer films as well as mono-materials. This is because the film thickness of the packaging materials can be significantly reduced without negatively impacting packaging functionalities such as residual film thickness and barrier properties. In addition, energy costs are considerably reduced since long heating times are eliminated and operating temperatures are rapidly reached. Extremely fast control processes and precise adjustment of temperature fields avoid the temperature overshoots of traditional heating systems, which are detrimental to many packaging materials. The new heating systems can also significantly increase packaging output and capacity.

Nicole Meierotto

CONTACT

Phone: 49 211 9136 1503

Media Relations

GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft

Peter-Müller-Str. 12


40468

Düsseldorf


Germany

+49 211 9136-0

About GEA

GEA is one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. The international technology group, founded in 1881, focuses on machinery and plants, as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services.

With more than 18,000 employees, the group generated revenues of about EUR 5.4 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2023 fiscal year. GEA plants, processes, components and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of customer’s production. They contribute significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, plastic usage and food waste. In doing so, GEA makes a key contribution toward a sustainable future, in line with the company’s purpose: ”Engineering for a better world“. GEA is listed on the German MDAX the European STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is among the companies comprising the DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability as well as Dow Jones Sustainability World and Dow Jones Sustainability Europe Indices.
 
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