Packaging
All about resealable packaging
C
omexi has consistently been in the top ladder of the converting equipment manufacturers due to the company’s global vision of the entire printing and converting process. Furthermore, for over 60 years, Comexi has possessed deep market knowledge and accumulated expertise.
With the objective to remain at the forefront of converter demands, Comexi has organized a series of interviews with several Brand Owners to not only identify future trends and needs, but also begin the development of solutions (products and services) that will greatly assist converting companies in the years to come. Brand owners agree on the need to have a removable label solution for single-dose or fast- food products such as snacks or chocolates. Their objective is to be able to eliminate the zipper, which offers long-term benefits, but also has a high cost and a more complex manufacturing process. Additionally, the intention of brand owners is to receive packaging that already includes resealable features. There are many efficient advantages that support this comment, such as the possibility of working in as many ups as possible in one single pass.
In actuality, it was the search for efficiencies that inspired innovative equipment manufacturers, such as Comexi, to develop solutions that could provide brand owners with the innovation and usability they require, while simultaneously increasing the performance of the converting line. The current common process for manufacturing resealable packaging includes a label inserter and a die cutting machine. The packaging has a process that begins with the placement of the label, followed by the die cutting of the desired shape. This process is extremely inefficient primarily as a result of the following: O Die cutting machines are generally limited in regard to width due to the bending of the die cutting roller with the use of larger widths, thus causing a decrease in the performance of the entire converting line.
O The addition of a label and die cut are processes that are performed after slitting; thus, converters fundamentally incorporate additional steps and processes to the converting line. This increase packaging costs. O Die cutting rollers require changing for each
by Raúl El-Fakdi, business unit director of Comexi.
application, so the flexibility required for promotions is extremely limited.
O The die cutting process is unable to control, with precision, the depth of the cut, thus consistently causing barrier destruction. To restore the barrier, the converter is forced to use a specific label; one that is able to restore the packaging barrier properties.
O If depth of cut is not controlled, there is a high risk of damaging the label; this is risk increases as the thickness of the structure diminishes.
However, the laser + in-line labelling + slitting system, in which Comexi excels, offers several advantages, which include: O Extreme precision, regardless of material thickness, thus allowing for the penetration of only the necessary packaging layers, and ensuring that the packaging barriers will hold until opened by the end customer.
O No requirement for die cutting matrixes. The use of the software embedded in the laser system permits changing of the design shape within minutes. This is the primary motivation when a converter is not only in search of a rapid time-to-market solution, but may require the ability to trial test several shapes until choosing one that meets both demands of the brand owner and the packaging costs.
O Offering the possibility of using the multiple laser heads in order to simultaneously score every up on the web, thus drastically increasing the productivity!
Moreover, the Comexi laser system includes
several patents: one for tension control and another for doubled-sided lasering without turning bar. The tension control patent ensures material flatness during all the entire scoring process, which is mandatory if we require material penetration of one layer while maintaining an intact barrier layer. The double-sided lasering patent allows for lasering to occur on both sides of the material within the same pass without using a turning bar, which would drastically reduce the performance of the machine. The discussions about inspection and traceability are nothing new to all flexible packaging converters. With regard to the current increased pressure on achieving and ensuring the highest levels of quality, it will not only be necessary to reduce packaging costs to be considered a supplier, but it will also be obligatory to provide full quality traceability . A defective reel can imply the return of an entire pallet (or even a truck!).
Consequently, once again, while maintaining the focus on relieving the greatest concerns and pains of our customers, Comexi has partnered with defect and surface inspection suppliers to equip our machines with state-of-the-art technology to ensure we are achieving the desired results, both in regard to label application and laser scoring.
Presently, with the use of laser systems, a completely new universe of high added value applications can be achieved, exponentially increasing the usability of flexible packaging.
Xwww.comexi.com
26
October 2021
www.convertermag.com
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