Trade press release

New line concepts from GEA for energy-saving and more sustainable production processes

05 May 2023

GEA's food processing & packaging range is one of the most comprehensive on the market. At Interpack, the world's leading trade fair for packaging technology and related processes in the food industry in Düsseldorf, the plant manufacturer will be presenting part of its new portfolio program to the general public for the first time on a 25-meter-long production line for portion-precise slicing and loading into the thermoformer.

GEA's new portfolio program and line concept for portion-precise slicing and loading of slices into the thermoformer. The focus is on maximum line efficiency with a small footprint and lower energy consumption. Source: GEA

GEA's new portfolio program and line concept for portion-precise slicing and loading of slices into the thermoformer. The focus is on maximum line efficiency with a small footprint and lower energy consumption. Source: GEA

Following Interpack, the new line concepts and the technological competence and expertise of the entire Slicing & Packaging business unit will henceforth be available to customers for extensive product testing in the newly opened Technology Center at the production site in Biedenkopf-Wallau.

The new modularity concept – the perfect symbiosis of high-tech machines, automation and digitization

 

GEA's aspiration for forward-looking line concepts is to ensure maximum plant effectiveness (OEE = Overall Equipment Effectiveness) through the best possible interaction of all line components. "Our systems are designed for the smallest possible footprints. This focus allows us to ensure more capacity per square meter with our future solutions, thereby minimizing energy consumption per production area. A consistent modularity concept, which runs through the complete and innovative automation program, allows us to design individual solutions according to exact customer requirements," explains Steffen Bamberger, Head of Product Management Automation at GEA.

The exhibited slicing and packaging line for sausage and cheese displays many new technology highlights. In the area of belt loading systems, thenew OptiLoader familyis being presented to the market for the first time. The OptiLoader stands for the best possible line integration and has the highest degree of modularity to ensure maximum output quantities while at the same time minimizing the footprint of a complete GEA slicer line.

GEA'snew robotics solution GEA OptiRobot 6000is in demand when it comes to the highest degree of automation combined with super-low labor costs and ample flexibility. The new robot enables differently shaped portions (stacked, shingled, overlapped, etc.) to be loaded into a packaging machine with any kind of laying pattern fully automatically.

Another world premiere is the unveiling ofGEA OptiBuffer. To ensure high line efficiency, it is imperative to avoid waiting times caused by components. In a slicing line, the reloading times of the slicer cause gaps in the product flow. However, a robot should run smoothly and continuously. "GEA solves this problem with a newly integrated, dynamic, and intelligent high-performance buffering system, with the help of which picking capacities of a robot system are effectively and exclusively used for inserting good portions into a packaging machine. This is currently unique on the market," explains Steffen Bamberger.

The presentation of the new automation program at Interpack is rounded off by the innovativeGEA PowerSort 6000separating and sorting system, which can be configured exactly to customer requirements from the same modular system.

More sustainable packaging solutions

Sustainability is one of the most important issues in the packaging market today, and one that all companies in the value chain must address. At Interpack, GEA will showcase the GEA Thermoformer,PowerPak PLUS,thenew zone heating system Sustainability is one of the most important issues in the packaging market today, and one that all companies in the value chain must address. At Interpack, GEA will showcase the GEA Thermoformer,PowerPak PLUS,thenew zone heating system GEA PowerHeatforenergy-efficientprocessing ofmonomaterialswhich enablesenergy savings of 25-30 percent. With thenew evacuation and gassing systemGEA PowerJet, protective gas can be introduced into the packaging more uniformlyby means of longitudinal nozzles,andthe residual oxygen content minimized,which effectively counteracts product spoilage.

GEA accelerates the digitization process of its customers

Digitization and automation are decisive factors for more sustainable and energy-saving production. GEA is strongly focused on increasing customer value by increasing the transparency and efficiency of its equipment. For this purpose, the company is expanding the number of machines for which the new GEA SmartControl HMI operating panel, as well as PerformancePlus digital services and the GEA Machine Data Interface (OPC UA) are available. GEA SmartControl HMI (Human Machine Interface) has been developed with a consistent user-centric approach that ensures maximum ease of use, transparency and safety. GEA PerformancePlus provides key indicators and analysis of the machine’s health to ensure high performance throughout its lifetime. GEA Machine Data Interface (OPC UA) allows customers to connect their machines easily and efficiently to internal control or monitoring systems and thus drive Industry 4.0 forward in real terms.

Contact

Nicole Meierotto

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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