Food & Beverage Asia October/November 2021

64
FIRST LOOKS
GEA
Traceability guaranteed: GEA integrates
laser marking systems into its
thermoforming packaging machines
The food industry is increasingly relying
on laser technology for product labeling.
To apply complex product information in a
high-resolution and reliable manner, GEA
has integrated corresponding laser marking
systems into the GEA thermoforming
machines of the PowerPak series in
cooperation with various suppliers on a
customer-specific basis.
Volker Sassmannshausen, senior product
manager of Thermoforming at GEA in
Wallau, Germany, said: “While packaging
has to provide growing volumes of product
information for end customers, it also has to
ensure that products are fully traceable at all
times. Applying a QR code with a laser is a
solution with plenty of advantages.”
Complex codes can encode large amounts
of data on a very small area, and be applied
to the packaging by laser at high printing
speeds. The bundled light creates markings
on the top film that are impervious to
external influences, including heat, abrasion
and water. Lasers are also sustainable as do
not require consumables such as labels and
ink. They are ideal as marking systems in the
food and beverage packaging industry since
they work well in dusty and moist operating
environments.
FLEXIBLE LASER PLACEMENT
Different packaging processes require
different approaches. Depending on
production batch sizes, it is possible to either
mark the top film feed in advance or once
it has passed through the thermoformer’s
sealing station, but before the finished
packaging units are cut apart.
For instance, a food industry customer opted
for a laser marking system from Videojet
to accompany its GEA thermoforming
packaging machine. The chosen CO 2
laser
solution was integrated at the GEA PowerPak
system’s sealing station to print the top film
before it is joined to the bottom tray. Despite
the additional processing step, there was no
increase in production time because labelling
is accommodated within the integrated
production process cycle.
INCREASED EFFICIENCY THANKS TO
FEWER FILM CHANGES
When packaging similar products, using a
laser can boost machine efficiency since
the only changes are the ingredient lists
accessed in the database. Thus, there is no
need to switch to previously marked films.
With a reduced number of film changes,
setup times are cut down. The cost of
consumables also decreases as they can be
ordered in large quantities. ■
Lifoam Industries
Lifoam Industries commercially launches Bioffex, a sustainable
packaging solution for cold chain shipping
Lifoam Industries, LLC (Lifoam), a business
segment and subsidiary of LifeMade Products
LLC (LifeMade), has launched its Envirocooler
insulated shipper with Bioffex technology.
Bioffex technology combines a proprietary
manufacturing process with plant-based
raw materials to create new foam insulation
composed of 100% renewable components.
This change from traditional expanded
polystyrene (EPS) to Bioffex technology,
which meets ASTM D6400-19 standards
for industrial compostability, will foster a
reduction in oil and water usage, greenhouse
gas emissions, and waste in landfills
traditionally seen in cold chain shipping. The
Bioffex technology allows packaging, such
as the Envirocooler insulated shipper, to
break down and blend back in with the earth
in less than three weeks, further reducing
environmental impact.
In addition to its renewable attributes,
the Envirocooler insulated shipper with
Bioffex technology delivers performance
comparable to traditional EPS foam shippers,
offering protection of payload with reliable
temperature control. This technology meets
strict shipping specifications for temperaturesensitive
products while providing an
environmentally responsible solution – a
perfect combination for companies seeking
sustainable alternatives that reduce waste
and impact on the environment while
upholding stringent performance standards.
“We are excited to see this product take
off and for the positive impact it will have
as we replace traditional EPS foam with a
technology that is made of renewable and
biobased materials and will degrade in under
three weeks,” said Mark Gettig, president of
LifeMade.
The Envirocooler insulated shipper with
Bioffex technology requires little to no
changes in shipping operations, making
a switch to this sustainable alternative
seamless for most existing cold chain
distribution channels.
“Companies can expect the same
performance, reliability, quality, and
usability of traditional EPS while
reducing their environmental footprint,”
Gettig said.
Stemming from a rich history with
foam material, LifeMade and Lifoam of
parent company Jadex Inc., remain a
market leader by continuously providing
customers with the convenience and
quality they value and expect for their
medical, commercial and recreational
needs. ■
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021