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Flexible Packaging Q&Awith flexible packaging specialist, TrakRap


TrakRap is a designer and producer of sustainable secondary packaging solutions for FMCG manufacturers, and a manufacturer of stretch wrapping machinery. TrakRrap has developed ‘cold wrap’ technology through the introduction of its stretch wrapping machinery, with the objective of enabling lower costs and producing more environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Its secondary packaging solutions are designed to ensure consumers can focus on the primary packaging, as a result, TrakRap uses the simplest, most effective packaging to transport the primary pack safely and securely to the shelf. The company does this via


hybrid packs – packaging that comprises RPET, corrugate and thin films. The RPET enables the primary product to be displayed clearly on shelf, and corrugate sleeves provide the protection necessary during transit. Both materials are also flexible enabling pack sizes and quantities to be changed quickly and at a very low cost. Flexible packaging is made up of a combination of materials, such as plastic, cardboard and corrugate, delivering maximum protection whilst using minimum materials. It is both pliable and durable so the risk of damage to its contents, if mishandled during transit, is significantly reduced. The TrakRap packaging machine


22 June 2017


is a sustainable alternative to shrink wrapping, which eliminates the need for heat tunnels, replacing them instead with a stretch wrapping solution. As a result, energy usage is reduced by 90 per cent, whilst film is also used up to 70 per cent less, resulting in significant cost savings for users. The machine is Industry 4.0 ready and is driven by clever control systems, making it flexible enough to respond to changes on demand and capable of providing information for scheduling and preventative maintenance through the Internet of Things.


Q: WHERE COULD TRAKRAP EXPAND IN THE FUTURE? “Our key areas at present are the


fresh and frozen food sector, beverages and pharmaceuticals. However, we believe the TrakRap system can be adapted to any sector. We are currently working on a project to develop a prototype of our machine specifically for use in the aerosols industry,” comments Martin Leeming (pictured above), CEO of TrakRap.


Q: WHAT ABOUT OTHER DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE SECTOR THAT AFFECT YOU? “Increasingly busy lifestyles and changes to consumer buying behaviours have resulted in ‘little and often’ shopping. Therefore it is necessary to redesign packaging to ensure it is suitable for the reduced


spaces in convenience stores, both on shelf and in storage areas. One such design is our RPET packaging tray, which eliminates the need for bulky cardboard packs, freeing up valuable shelf space. “Additionally, the proliferation of


SKUs, resulting from growth of convenience stores, has also forced packaging manufacturers to ensure their machinery is able to operate at higher speeds and able to deal with faster changeovers.”


Q: ARE THERE ANY SIMILAR SOLUTIONS ON THE MARKET? “There are, however, no other packaging system combines cold wrap technology with pack designs in order to maximise the cold wrap film and minimise material usage, like the TrakRap system. In fact, our machinery’s wrapping wheel is patented technology and we’ve also begun to patent our pack designs,” adds Leeming.


Q: HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO BE MORE ECO- FRIENDLY? “Very important! Customers are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, so ensuring an attempt is made to reduce waste and to care about protecting the environment is a must. The challenge for packaging manufacturers is to do more with less, and that’s where we think the TrakRap system presents an excellent solution,” comments Leeming.


Q: ARE THERE ANY FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS TO BE MADE TO THE TRAKRAP MACHINE TO IMPROVE SUSTAINABILITY EVEN FURTHER? “We’re currently looking into the possibility of developing RPET trays for the chilled food sector that can be returned and reused. “Also, our smart production


systems are able to learn, develop and improve continually through increased connectivity and use of data analysis, so we’re well placed to take advantage of any future developments that enable us to improve sustainability even further,” adds Leeming.


Q: WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR THE COMPANY ITSELF? “As mentioned previously, we’re currently leading companies to design and manufacture a version of the TrakRap machine specifically for use in the aerosol industry. The problem with using shrink wrapping to package aerosols is that the heat required to shrink film has the potential to cause explosions. However, if this project is a success, it could transform the aerosol industry. “We’re also continuing to work


hard to consolidate our position as a company at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and so have employed an oficial technology partner: engineering and technology expert, Siemens,” concludes Leeming. www.trakrap.com


www.convertermag.co.uk


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