Neil Weisensel, Brand and Marketing Director, Muller LCSAt PACK EXPO International 2016 in November, Food Manufacturing had the opportunity to visit a number of exhibitor booths and take a look at some of the newest equipment and technologies designed for food and beverage packaging and processing.
Included in those visits was a stop at the Muller LCS booth to check out the company's new Raptor HPL high profile stretch wrapper — which can be seen in action in the video below.
After the show, FM had the opportunity to correspond with Muller LCS Brand and Marketing Director Neil Weisensel, who discussed topics and trends in end-of-line packaging for food and beverage companies, the role load containment plays in the food and beverage supply chain and the products the company had on display at the show.
Q. What are some emerging topics and trends as it relates to end-of-line packaging for food and beverage companies?
A. By far, the biggest trend relating to end-of-the-line packaging for the food and beverage sector is consolidation. As food and beverage manufacturers continue to consolidate, larger inventory and increased number of SKUs in the warehouse present a challenge. Food and beverage manufacturers need more end-of-the-line packaging versatility and that means we have a unique opportunity to develop and provide solutions that can secure loads of different weight, height, shape, rigidity, etc. In this new environment, proper protection could require corner board applications, top-sheets, various wrapping patterns or water-based cohesive load containment.
The trend towards consolidation has also led to greater capital equipment spend. Great news for us, because as a film and equipment manufacturer that provides virtually every type of load containment product available, we are uniquely equipped to provide solutions to these challenges. From our Octopus automatic rotary ring stretch wrapping machines and Lachenmeier stretch hood equipment to our patented hand and machine film grades, to water-based cohesives that form a chemical bond with packaging surfaces and holds firm until it is time to unstack the pallets, Muller offers solutions for nearly every budget and need.
Q. What role does load containment play in the food and beverage supply chain? And how can load containment solutions positively impact food and beverage companies and their operations?
A. Load containment plays a critical role in the supply chain. For food and beverage manufacturers, brand integrity is everything. Therefore, it is imperative a product arrives as intended to its final destination. Damaged products waste time and money, and negatively impact a brand’s reputation.
Proper load containment solutions ultimately protect the upstream value of food and beverage products. By employing optimal pallet securing applications, food and beverage companies can increase brand integrity, reduce waste, lower associated costs, increase speeds, create safer manufacturing facilities and build more efficient lines.
Q. What new product/technology did Muller LCS have on display at PACK EXPO International 2016?
We were thrilled to showcase many of our equipment and film solutions at PACK EXPO 2016. In terms of new, we displayed our Raptor HPL high profile turntable stretch wrapper, an intuitive and highly reliable option for food and beverage manufacturers.
The heavy-duty, semi-automatic machine, which can wrap up to 35 loads per hour, has an elevated turntable platform (ideal for high debris and harsh environments), intuitive controls and an easy-to-use interface. Furthermore, the patented strain gauge technology allows for electronic film feed and optimized handling on pallet load corners. The turntable also contains a lubrication-free power pre-stretch carriage with variable pre-stretch levels from 100 percent to 300 percent, guaranteeing users optimal film usage while preventing film breaks and product damage.
We were also excited to showcase Muller’s popular branding tool, Logo Wrap, as well as a built in roping device on the Raptor HPL on the show floor. Logo Wrap, previously only available as an option for the Octopus line of ring stretch wrappers, promotes one’s brand on pallet loads, reduces tampering of product with its one-of-a-kind film, shields product visibility and can be applied anywhere on the load. In addition, Logo Wrap minimizes waste and labor typically involved with hand-applied stickers and labels while still maintaining its durability by withstanding the outdoor elements.
Pack Expo was an excellent show and we developed many solid connections. We are excited for the future and the opportunity to continue to develop and provide valuable end-of-the-line packaging solutions to address the food and beverage industry’s unique and evolving challenges.
