业务新闻

The new GEA PowerPak PLUS technology – now with more sustainable packaging alternative using paper

11 Jan 2021

The GEA PowerPak PLUS thermoforming packaging machine lends itself to a range of different packaging solutions, including handling protection, vacuum, MAP and shrink packaging. GEA has recently added a new dimension of versatility to the PowerPak PLUS by making it possible to use a more sustainable paper-based packaging alternative with this technology.

Production line with GEA PowerPak Plus. Technical adjustments make it possible that the thermoforming packaging machine can now also form coated paper without any problems. (Photo: GEA)

Production line with GEA PowerPak Plus. Technical adjustments make it possible that the thermoforming packaging machine can now also form coated paper without any problems. (Photo: GEA)

The GEA PowerPak PLUS thermoforming packaging machine lends itself to a range of different packaging solutions, including handling protection, vacuum, MAP and shrink packaging. GEA has recently added a new dimension of versatility to the PowerPak PLUS by making it possible to use a more sustainable paper-based packaging alternative with this technology. The new packaging option is made from a moldable paper composite consisting of more than 80 percent paper and a residual amount of plastic for features that deliver barrier properties. Thanks to technological advances, the machine can be fully relied on to safely process this delicate material.

“The packaging market is currently in a state of flux,” explains Volker Sassmannshausen, Senior Product Manager Thermoforming Packaging Systems at GEA. “While consumers and food retailers are demanding reductions in plastic usage, the food industry must ensure safe packaging from beginning to end of the supply chain. Not only must all hygiene and quality standards be met, but also legal requirements which call for a significant reduction in the amount of plastic used in packaging. When developing our machines, we always take our cues from what our customers need, so this was an obvious focus area for us.”

Problem-free paper forming

Illustration of a paper-based MAP package that can be produced with the new PowerPak PLUS packaging machine. (Photo: GEA)

Illustration of a paper-based MAP package that can be produced with the new PowerPak PLUS packaging machine. (Photo: GEA)

The GEA thermoformer ensures the highest packaging quality, efficiency and consumer convenience. Thanks to technical modifications, this packaging machine can now also easily mold coated paper. A series of functions, including those dedicated to unwinding and feeding the delicate materials as well as the newly developed multi-zone heating system, which is paired with sophisticated sealing, ensure that fresh foods are safely and hygienically packaged. In turn, solutions to simplify pack opening and material separation make it easy for consumers to separate the paper from the plastic for disposal in their relevant recycling streams.

In the forming station, the multi-zone heating system warms the coated paper to the precise temperature required so that it’s ready for molding via vacuum and compressed air. This produces thermoformed packs of around 20 millimeters in height, into which the precut slices are inserted in the next step. Before the packs are separated, a very thin top film – measuring just 30 to 50 micrometers thick – is used to close and seal each pack.

The key advantage of GEA’s PowerPak PLUS thermoforming packaging machine lies in its motor-driven unwinding systems for the top and bottom films. Both unwinding systems are synchronized with the machine’s advancing cycle. This means that only minimal force is applied to the paper solution and the top film, which are unwound in a controlled and uniform manner. In addition, the membrane sealing system ensures tight and even seals.

Material separation made easy

For consumers to be able to properly dispose of packaging, it is essential that the diverse materials – in this case paper and plastic – are easy to separate. To achieve this, GEA has integrated a device for punching peel corners into the thermoformer’s molding tool. The user simply bends the top corner to separate the thin plastic film from the paper backing before dispose both materials into their respective recycling stream.

Spotlight on sustainability

Volker Sassmannshausen, Senior Product Manager Thermoforming Packaging Systems at GEA (Photo: GEA)

Volker Sassmannshausen, Senior Product Manager Thermoforming Packaging Systems at GEA (Photo: GEA)

The demands on packaging are many. Consumers expect packaging to be recyclable and more sustainable. Packaging systems must also meet requirements in terms of effectiveness, safety and flexibility, in addition to meeting demands for the efficient use of energy and resources. “It’s great to see that we can mold paper-based materials without any difficulty,” states Sassmannshausen. “Our paper-composite packaging solution is already successfully used and these products are now on supermarket shelves there. We’re proud that we’re able to make an important contribution to producing more sustainable food packaging.”

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GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft

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About GEA

GEA 是食品加工行业及众多工业领域的领先供应商之一,2019 年的销售总额约达 49 亿欧元。

作为国际技术集团,我们专注于机械制造,生产运营,工艺技术及其设备组件。 GEA 为各种终端用户市场的复杂生产流程提供可持续的能源解决方案,并提供全面的服务组合。集团在长期持续增长的食品和饮料行业的收入约占其总收入的 70%。截至 2018 年 12 月 31 日,集团的全球员工已超过 18,500 人。GEA 在其业务领域中是市场和技术领导者。GEA 是德国 MDAX 上市公司(G1A,WKN 660 200),拥有 STOXX® Europe 600 指数和优选的 MSCI 全球可持续发展指数。
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