Automated packaging solutions being widely used in the UK are now available to Australian manufacturers, opening up new ways of extending shelf life. Mandy Simmons reports.
UK-based packaging equipment manufacturer, Packaging Automation (PA), has been working closely with its Australian agent, MPI, to help Australian food manufacturers realise the benefits of fast, efficient packaging solutions using tray sealing equipment.
The two companies have formed a successful partnership to offer the Australian food industry access to innovative, robust and easy to use packaging equipment – which has been proven worldwide and is in use throughout the United Kingdom. From poultry to fresh fruit, and ready meals to sausages, a wide range of products are being sealed in trays by PA machines.
With 45 years’ experience in designing and building tray sealing equipment, the technology which PA is bringing to the Australian market it seeing the same kind of uptake from manufacturers as their counterparts in the UK and Europe. The demand for convenience, ease of use, and product presentation are driving forces in the market.
Australian retailers are now pressing their suppliers to change from hand overwrapping of products to semi-automatic and automatic tray sealing. This is, in part, being promoted by the influx of UK retail experience into Australia.
Product marketability is also important and tray sealed packs lend themselves more easily to better on-shelf display, with attractive printed sleeves for example.
From the consumer perspective, they want food which is conveniently packaged and which can quickly be made into a meal – so microwaveable and cook-in-the-tray meal products, as well as prepared salads, are popular.
There is demand for variety in terms of product choice and pack sizes, so equipment must be able to change quickly and efficiently from one product type to the next.
PA’s equipment has been designed specifically to accommodate quick tooling changes to keep production downtime to a minimum.
Like their European counterparts, Australian consumers are keenly aware of issues around food safety and additives and are embracing alternative techniques to keep food fresh – one of these is modified atmosphere packaging (MAP).
This uses different combinations of gases to extend the shelf life and presentation of products. The gas mix is carefully selected depending on the product being packed and cuts the need for artificial additives being added
MAP can also improve the appearance of a product – for example high oxygen MAP helps red meat keep a bright appearance which consumers equate with freshness.
PA’s sales manager Neil Ashton, who works closely with the MPI team in New South Wales, said there needs to be a balance between achieving the extended shelf life of products and maintaining the absolute integrity and safety of the product.
“This is where MAP comes into its own, by simply modifying the natural atmosphere within a sealed tray of food to protect the product and keep it fresher for longer.
“Our machines can be equipped to do this and we can offer advice on the correct gas mix to achieve the best results for different products.”
Commenting on differences between the two countries, Ashton said, “The chilled ready meals market in the UK is much bigger than in Australia where for logistical reasons ready meals tend to be frozen. However, in both countries product presentation is also imperative as producers want their products to stand out on the shelf and catch the eye of consumers.
Tray sealed packs can accommodate this much more readily than vacuum packs – which, depending on the product, can also be more difficult to handle and transport.”
“We have a lot of experience in this market and, alongside our agents MPI, we have an unparalleled understanding of what businesses need,” he said. “Between us, we are well placed to deliver it. We offer a wide range of equipment – from compact, semiautomatic machines right through to fully automatic high speed lines – something to suit all levels of production.”
Environmental concerns are also having an effect on industry in both countries with many initiatives in place to reduce waste and protect the environment.
There has been an increase in the use of recycled materials to replace some plastics for example – a trend which is seen throughout Europe and Australia.
Ashton said in both countries there is great pressure throughout the supply chain to reduce packaging waste.
“To help businesses achieve this we have developed an innovative new tray sealer – the eco-cut – which has been proven to cut film use by up to 33%.
“During trials, the eco-cut was shown to seal 8,200 trays from one roll of film when compared to 4,440 on a traditional machine.
“Because the Eco-cut can operate with lower gauge film it contributes to a reduction in overall pack weight as well as cutting costs – two very significant benefits for any business,” said Ashton.
A free beginner’s guide to heat sealing is available at: www.pal.co.uk/australia.
MPI 02 9648 3011.