Packaging variety for the high-capacity range: the KHS Innopack Kisters Advanced series combines maximum flexibility and efficiency with ease of operation and progressive automation technology. For interpack, KHS has added a particularly sustainable packaging option to its established machine series. As of now, PET bottles can also be turned into stable packs using the resource-conserving BottleClip Carrier cardboard carrying handle.
“At the moment, the packaging and beverage industries find themselves navigating their way through a demanding market environment: in addition to geopolitical uncertainties and economic volatility, the acute lack of specialist workers and increasing regulatory requirements worldwide are dominating strategic corporate agendas,” says Johannes Look, group team manager of Special Design Engineering at the KHS competence center in Kleve, Germany. To effectively cater for these complex demands, the Dortmund systems supplier offers its customers a future-proof system in the form of the KHS Innopack Kisters Advanced series that’s universally flexible with a high degree of automation.
Packaging diversity: KHS sets new standard
At this year's interpack in Düsseldorf, the company will be exhibiting its KHS Innopack Kisters TSP Advanced as just one example of its plant engineering. The market-proven machine packs beverage cans and PET and glass bottles on trays and pads and in film – and with immediate effect can also turn PET bottles into sustainable multipacks using the new BottleClip Carrier. Users can choose between flexible format sizes of two, four, six or eight identical bottles and mixed variety packs.
Operators also enjoy the greatest possible flexibility when it comes to the choice of container. BottleClip Carrier is ideal for PET bottles made either of virgin PET or of up to 100% recyclate. Lightweight containers can also be processed. Up to 4,800 packs an hour sporting the alternative cardboard carrying handle can be produced.
Future-proof packaging system
BottleClip Carrier is a future-proof alternative to conventional handle variants made of plastic that are subject to increasing regulations the world over. “Lots of countries already have strict quotas governing recycling and the use of recyclate; some states even totally forbid certain types of packaging such as plastic carrying rings,” explains Look.
KHS’ energy-efficient application is also convincing when compared to standard plastic solutions. The cardboard is clipped onto the PET bottles by a rotating application wheel in continuous operation; energy-intensive processes such as heating in a shrink tunnel are no longer required. “With this, we give our customers a great economic benefit, especially in view of the high global costs for energy and raw materials,” Look states.
This undoubtedly explains why international demand for plastic-free packaging alternatives like BottleClip Carrier has risen steeply over the last few years. As a result, the first KHS Innopack Kisters TSP Advanced with a cardboard carrying handle application option is to be supplied to the USA in the middle of this year.
Automated processes free up specialist personnel
The newly developed option is available for all standard models in the Advanced series. Existing machines can be converted to include this module where certain technical requirements are met. Bottling plants can then flexibly switch between the various packaging varieties according to their current demand. Operator prompted format changeovers take only a few minutes to complete.
The partly automated tool changeovers that the experts at KHS have designed to be particularly ergonomic also lighten the load on personnel. Look outlines the process: “The packer travels to an ergonomic position independently, allowing the operator to change the snap-closure tools with just a few manual adjustments.” KHS has attached equally great importance to ease of operation in the blanks loading process, ensuring that the blanks can be loaded into the machine at a height that’s gentle on workers’ backs. As soon as the packaging machine has been filled, it sets itself up without the need for any further assistance and production starts automatically.