TECHNOLOGY | IML AND IMD


product will have a life of one, three or five years, so we have been developing robots that are flexible,” Konowal adds. “We need to be able to run three- or five- sided labels and then convert to products with wraparound labels or wraparound with bottom labels. These flexible robots can also run different cavitation to allow additional flexibility.” Future developments will continue to focus on


Above: Müller-IML says its packaging cus- tomers are demanding that automa- tion be as efficient as possible


for the week. Sustainability and a smaller carbon footprint are also big drivers. Using as little plastic as possible and having the package easily recycla- ble are important factors to the consumer. “Our customers are also demanding that our


Right: See- through IML packaging has been devel- oped by ITC Packaging and Verstraete IML


automation be as efficient as possible. We are moving towards all-electric IML automation systems that use little to no compressed air, which is expensive and inefficient. This has resulted in compressed air savings of up to 40%. We have also focused on less movement within the automation to reduce energy consumption and wear and tear on components. Another trend is the colour of the packaging. Clear, opaque and white containers are easier and less expensive to recycle. This has implications for the mould, automation and labels that are being used for IML applications.” The way consumers purchase and use products is also changing and having a major influence. “With more consumers purchasing packaged goods on the internet, the delivery of these products is changing,” says Konowal. “There is a need for longer shelf-life, light and oxygen barriers, as well as easier stackability so that transportation costs can be reduced. The trends towards more clear or opaque containers for recyclability and for the consumer to be able to see the contents – how much fruit is really in the yogurt for example – are leading towards clear IML labels on clear containers. This has implications for the vision systems of how to see whether a clear label is in the right position or is actually present on a container during production.” Müller-IML cites improvements in energy con- sumption and automation to remove repetitive tasks currently done manually as two of the main technical areas being currently addressed. New products developed to meet these needs include highly flexible robots, IML systems that use minimal energy, fibreboard containers, automated stacking and case packing automation. “Moulders no longer know if a


16 INJECTION WORLD | June 2019


labour reductions and simplicity of use. “All of our customers are having challenges finding enough skilled labour,” says Konowal. “We are developing more products that reduce the need for labour and also controls and vision systems that ensure only good products are packed in boxes for shipment.” One recent project that Müller-IML has been involved with is a new container and lid for Abbott Nutrition’s Similac infant formula for the Latin Ameri- can market. This was originally a blow moulded container that looked industrial and was costly to manufacture. The new product has features that make holding the product convenient for the mother and keep the content dry and protected. See-through IML packaging has been developed


by ITC Packaging and Verstraete IML for the launch of a carrot stick snack from Agricola Villena. For this new launch, the agricultural firm was in need of packaging that would enhance the prod- uct’s freshness while allowing for the full preserva- tion of the carrots’ organoleptic features. By working together with ITC Packaging and Verstraete IML, Agricola Villena has managed to obtain the new MyPack, customised packaging that is also the first in applying the ultra-clear technology. Alexis Moreno, Account Manager ITC Packaging,


says: “The cup features a clarifier that provides an even greater transparency, enhanced by the IML decoration, which is also ultra-transparent. As a result, we obtained highly attractive packaging on the shelf that immediately shows the freshness of the snack. The carrot sticks, that are becoming


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PHOTO: MÜLLER-IML


PHOTO: VERSTRAETE IML


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