TopWRAPTM – Plastic-free packaging concept for fruit and vegetables The TopWRAPTM packaging concept was developed by MULTIVAC with the aim of offering the fruit and vegetable sector a completely plastic-free, resource-saving and at the same time more energy-efficient packaging solution, instead of sealing trays on a traysealer or packaging in flowpacks – and this enables companies in the sector to meet the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR) right now.
The TopWRAPTM process involves a specially designed labeller taking on the function of the packaging machine, whereby the cardboard trays are sealed closed by means of a self-adhesive label. The packaging can therefore be disposed of and recycled as 100 % paper fibre. The TopWRAPTM packaging concept with its paper label is suitable for products such as salad potatoes, all types of snack vegetables, tomatoes, small cucumbers, avocados, lemons or apples. The packs are produced on a MULTIVAC L 310 conveyor belt labeller, which seals the trays closed by applying a label to the top and over two sides, so that the content is secure against falling out or being removed.
The label has a special significance with the following requirements:
• Paper material to produce a plastic-free packaging solution
• Paper to be tear-resistant but as thin as possible, so that material usage is reduced to a minimum
• Good adhesion to the side walls of the tray for secure closure sealing
• No adhesive, where there is contact with the product
• Material that is permitted for contact with food
These challenges have been solved with a label made of 100 g/m² kraft paper, which is only partially coated with adhesive in a special manufacturing process. The backing paper only has silicone strips in the adhesive area, so that the proportion of silicone is under 1 %, and this ensures optimum recycling. The closure label also offers space for pre-printed product branding – additional labels are not required. If necessary, the label can also be printed inline with variable data. Just as with the tray, the label material is also suitable for direct contact with food. The labeller operates extremely energy-efficiently, since it requires neither compressed air nor water.Its high output ensures that the delicate food products can be processed quickly, so that as little produce as possible is wasted. A zero downtime version is also available for uninterrupted operation, as well as various automation options such as denesters or product infeed and discharge units. Switching over to other tray sizes or designs is very quick and can be performed without tools. Packers of fruit and vegetables benefit on many levels:
Firstly, they can meet the demand for plastic-free packs.
Secondly, they can pack with an automatic and resource-saving operation, which enables them to quickly process easily perishable products at a throughput of up to 150 packs/min.
And last but not least, the TopWRAPTM pack increases the appeal of the product at the point of sale.
About the MULTIVAC Group Packaged expertise, innovative cutting-edge technology and strong brands under one roof: The MULTIVAC Group offers complete solutions for the packaging and processing of food, medical and pharmaceutical products, as well as industrial items – and as the technology leader, it continues to set new benchmarks in the market. For more than 60 years the name MULTIVAC has stood for stability, strong values, innovation and future security, as well as quality and excellent service. Founded in 1961 in the Allgäu region of Germany, the MULTIVAC Group is today a global solutions supplier, which supports small and medium-sized companies, as well as large corporate businesses, in designing their production processes to be efficient and resource-saving. The product portfolio comprises a wide range of packaging technology, automation solutions, labelling and marking equipment, inspection systems and packaging materials. The product range is complemented by practical and customised solutions for food processing - from slicers and portioning machines right up to bakery technology. All the packaging and processing solutions are individually matched to customer requirements in the company's own application and development facilities. Around 7,200 MULTIVAC staff in more than 80 subsidiaries worldwide ensure that the company remains close to its customers, as well as providing the maximum customer satisfaction - from the first project concept right through to after-sales service.