Multivac is showcasing this month at the Fruit Logistica expo its semi-automatic T-100 traysealer to show how small fruit and vegetable processors can also pack their products safely and hygienically. Despite its compact design, the T 100 has a vacuum and gas flushing system and can be used for the production of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) packs to Multivac quality standards, the company says.
With the T 300 traysealer Multivac will be showing another machine model for small and medium-sized companies. Its easily comprehensible operating principle and simple operation make it easier for these companies to make the entry into automatic packaging with trays. The T 300 seals roughly 20 packs a minute. The trays are fed automatically.
Beside the two traysealers Multivac will also be showing a compact R 105 thermoforming machine with perforator for producing equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP) packs (Freshsafe concept). Where required, the upper web is micro-perforated by the perforator during the packaging procedure, which enables an optimum modified atmosphere to be created within the pack. The R 105 with its standardised configuration and pre-defined range of basic pack formats offers an outstanding price-to-performance ratio. Moreover the machine is characterised by its long-lasting stainless steel construction and Multivac’s pioneering Hygiene Design.
Event follows EHEC scare
The Fruit Logistica 2012 event in Berlin (February 8 to 10) is taking place with the European crisis over food contamination that affected vegetable traders and customers between May and August 2011 still fresh on the minds of many Europeans. At the time, cucumbers and tomatoes in particular were under suspicion of being carriers of the dangerous Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), part of the E Coli bacteria group. The damage to the sector was great, before the authorities finally gave the all-clear signal in the autumn. “The EHEC crisis unnerved consumers very profoundly. Since then producers and packers have been trying to win back trust through new marketing concepts and regional offers. Here holistic and integrated packaging concepts play a decisive role: these combine food safety, longer shelf life and attractive marketing opportunities” says Valeska Haux, marketing manager at Multivac.
Fruit Logistica is the leading international meeting place of the fresh produce trade. More than 2,400 companies from across the entire fresh produce value chain will be present in a single location – including global players as well as small and medium-sized suppliers from all around the world. Freshconex, the international trade fair for the growth market of fresh produce products in the fresh fruit trade, will be held parallel to Fruit Logistica.
