Confectioners target of new packaging technology from Bosch

Chocolate manufacturers are the target of a new, easy-to-open and recloseable pack style for horizontally packaged products developed by Germany’s Bosch Packaging Technology in conjunction with Amcor.

Enabling manufacturers to add a lap seal anywhere on a package, the company said new pack style – Bright Side – can enhance brand differentiation and convenience and is particularly suited for chocolate tablets, bars and wafers in a variety of pack sizes.

Johanna Bauer, a spokesperson for the Bosch packaging technology division, told this publication that the technology has been nominated for a packaging award at the German trade event Interpack next month.

The film development for Bright Side was done by Amcor, she added, and the technology aims to allow packaging speeds in the range of 80 meters per minute.

In addition, said Bauer, the German firm is launching new equipment at the Dusseldorf show aimed at the production of airtight and hermetically sealed packages for confectioners – its new Sapal Starpac 600 HL.

Bosch claims that with this equipment, single-wrap die-fold packages can now be produced with hermetic seals, allowing for higher quality chocolate products.

Bauer said that the Starpac is the first to fold and wrap hermetically with a single material around the product. "We hold a patent on this new wrapping style," she added.

For products requiring more rigorous safety assurance, the company said it will also be showcasing the Pack 301 LD (Long Dwell) flow wrapper at Interpack, which uses a longer dwell head to strengthen seal integrity.

The 301 LD is particularly ideal for fresh, perishable goods where Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is required, added the German firm.

Bosch is also flagging up a new OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) consulting service provided by its in-house specialists at the show, which it claims will “identify the root causes of inefficiency to enable manufacturers maximize profits.”