By Erich M. Lohner, General Manager Sales and Marketing, ATS, ATS
SubscribeProduction managers at Buitoni have the challenging task of finding packaging solutions that are:
- Less expensive than current practice.
- Integrate with existing systems.
- Run reliably.
- Suit the demands of high volume food production.
Their solution must also promote higher product value – a core aim of Buitoni’s marketing department.
Simple answer: banding
Buitoni has long been in the forefront of packaging innovation – and knows that banding can be the simple answer to reducing costs.
It recently changed a line packaging fresh pasta on a tray with a printed lid to filling a standard plastic bag and wrapping it with a 60 mm wide band.
The band is pre-printed on both sides in full colour with the Buitoni logo and product information. After printing, it is laminated with a thin plastic film to protect it, prevent it from tearing and further improve its appearance.
Buitoni use the new US-2100 banding machine, which can produce bands with widths of up to 100 mm. Bands are ultra-sonically joined, a feature unique to ATS. There is a wide choice of machines, which can work continuously in cold, humid conditions, producing odourless seals that do not burn the banding film, leave deposits or damage or taint the product.
The US-2100 includes a patented device that ensures that the band will fit precisely around the pack without damaging pack or contents.
And Buitoni? Well, they love the new pack because the band gives a higher quality appearance, while costs are reduced. It also shows, yet again, that banding is a very attractive form of packaging in its own right.
Buitoni simplified pasta production by using a standard plastic bag wrapped with a pre-printed band, 60 mm wide, to create this remarkably functional and highly cost effective pack.
Buitoni regularly uses bands to hold two-for-the-price-of-one offers.
The ATS ultra-sonic US-2100 machine includes a digital control unit that will set bands to a pre-determined tension and length with an accuracy of 1 mm. ATS is the only banding machine manufacturer offering ultra-sonic welding – a quiet, clean, safe and fume-free operation.
ATS is the world leader in automatic banding. It makes a wide variety of high quality banding systems for industries as diverse as banking, food, pharmaceutical, retail and printing. ATS bands, paper or film, clear, plain or pre-printed, are available in widths from 20 to 100 mm and can be printed in six colours, with variable information printed in-line.
ATS Automatic Taping Systems AG
CH-6300 Zug
Switzerland
Phone: +41 41 710 06 03
Fax: +41 41 710 81 38
E-mail: info@atsag.ch
Website: www.atsag.ch
Contact:
Erich M. Lohner
General Manager Sales and Marketing
Phone: +41 41 710 06 03
E-mail: erich.lohner@atsag.ch