Machinery Update September \ October 2017

106 MACHINERY UPDATE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 www.machineryupdate.co.uk
Feature: Sustainability
Sustaining an
‘invented for life’
philosophy
Matthias Klauser is responsible for sustainable packaging solutions
at Bosch Packaging Technology and here, he talks about how the
company is taking a comprehensive approach across the value chain
I
n line with the Bosch brand’s claim
to develop technology ‘Invented for
life’, at Bosch Packaging Technology
we strive to help conserve natural
resources by shaping the packaging
industry and introducing sustainable
packaging solutions. In order to be
successful, we take a comprehensive
approach to sustainability along the
entire value chain, from developing
and testing new recyclable pack styles
to implementing economic and energy
efficient machinery in production.
Nevertheless, sustainable packaging
is a rather challenging and complex topic,
requiring manifold expertise. This is
why Bosch Packaging Technology draws
on a network of reliable partnerships,
including our
membership in the
CEFLEX Initiative.
This is a European
consortium of
The new FSC-certified mono-material paper
companies representing the entire value
chain of flexible packaging.
This feature presents the latest
examples and best practices that
contribute to building a more sustainable
future for the packaging business.
In 2016, Bosch launched the world’s
first sealed paper packaging which was
developed in partnership with Swedish
paper specialist BillerudKorsnäs. This
development is in line with a circular
economy approach, promoting recycling
as well as the use of renewable materials
in primary packaging. Instead of using
a polymer film, the solution enables
production of dust-tight packaging for
dry products such as sugar, grains,
flour or powders, using FSC-certified
mono-material paper.
This BillerudKorsnäs produced paper
is more durable than conventional
paper, while retaining its natural paper
characteristics and advantages from
source to recycling. The material’s
sustainable credentials increase its
appeal to eco-conscious consumers
as well as strengthening its overall
perception as an eco-friendly product.
The paper’s combination of strength,
flexibility and stiffness fits perfectly with
Bosch’s form, fill and seal technology and
allows for coating with a sealing agent on
a minimal surface area. The packaging
retains its mono-material characteristics
due to the low levels of sealing agent
required. As a result, retailers and
consumers profit from clean shelves,
high product protection and improved
product quality.
Decreasing resource consumption
through the constant development
of machinery is true for every market
today. Nevertheless, every improvement
that leads to a reduction in energy and
material consumption or product waste
is an important step in the direction of
a sustainable future.
LATEST ENERGY MONITORING
One of the latest energy consumption
solutions includes the Energy Monitoring
platform, an Industry 4.0 software
solution. It combines both a detailed
analysis of the different parameters
(for example, compressed air or electricity
usage) and a visualisation of the results.
This way, fluctuations, peaks and
irregularities, as well as potential energy
and cost savings can be identified.
Moreover, defects are easier to
localise - for example if a machine uses
more compressed air due to a leakage.
This, in turn, reduces time-consuming
troubleshooting, avoids unnecessary
energy costs and increases both machine
utilisation and performance.