Future-proof filling

FLEXIBILITY is a crucial parameter for a future-proof filling plant. The choice of a packaging system for food products is an investment in the future and an investment in the sales of tomorrow. Especially in view of changing trends and dynamic consumer behaviour, aspects such as consistently high product quality, modern design and market-oriented flexibility play a key role.

Is it possible for a drinks manufacturer to introduce changes quickly and cost effectively to allow new options for the product portfolio with just one machine? The answer from SIG Combibloc is 'Yes!’ stating that their filling machine system gives the food industry a vast range of options to offer existing and new products in modern and practical packages - quickly, safely, very efficiently and cost effectively.

One machine provides:
? Two unique formats
? Volume change in an instant
? Design and decor options
? Product flexibility

Using a single flexible system for a range of different volumes and with any design required enables the brand owner to position products optimally, in exactly the right way to suit the market and the target group in each case.

Two unique formats
With the flexible filling machines from SIG Combibloc, switching the format from combibloc to combifit and vice versa is no problem at all. Using a single filling machine, it is possible to fill carton packs in these formats if they have the same base dimensions. The switch between a combibloc and a combifit format with the same base dimensions takes just a few minutes. No machine parts need to be replaced.

For instance, does a customer want to differentiate a range of 100% juices from a range of juice drinks? With combibloc and combifit, a food producer has the perfect solution. Both formats can be filled on the same machine, and the two product categories will be clearly differentiated. The carton sleeves for the two different formats are marked with specific crease patterns, which give each carton its particular shape. The combifit carton packs are shaped into their final form, and optional closures are applied, only after the aseptic filling process has taken place and the carton pack has been sealed.

Volume change in an instant
For all combibloc and combifit formats with the same base dimensions, switching between different fill volumes takes just a few minutes. The rapid volume change offers a world of possibilities for positioning products so that they are tailored to specific target groups.

An example: two age groups, two formulations, and two volumes. A top-selling milk mix drink for children, with a special formulation and a volume matched to the age group, is supplemented with a variant for teenagers, requiring a carton pack that holds more products. Or think perhaps of special seasonal products or functional premium drinks that are normally consumed in smaller quantities than conventional juice classics or milk.

With the flexibility of the filling machines from SIG Combibloc, a customer has total control when it comes to determining the right format and the ideal volume for each product. In just a few steps, all filling machines can be adjusted for a specific volume, and set via a touch-screen monitor. There is no need to resterilise the machine or replace machine parts when changing the volume either.

For instance, with the CFA 712 filling machine, both the combibloc Small format in a total of  six different volumes and the combifit Small format in five different volumes can be filled. All volumes can be offered with drinking straws. On combifit Small, a customer also has the option of applying the handy combiSmart screw cap for small carton sizes - perfect for drinking straight from the carton, or for pouring out just the right amount of product. That makes 16 different packages altogether - and all with just a single fillingJordan Extra Fly