Introduction
This document is a 2013 issue of the SMI Magazine, focusing on innovations in the packaging industry, particularly in the food and beverage sector. It highlights SMI's participation in Drinktec 2013 and introduces new technologies aimed at enhancing production efficiency and sustainability.
Key Innovations- HSR (High-Speed Rotary) Technology: A new series of Smiform rotary stretch-blow moulders capable of producing up to 2,500 bottles per hour per cavity, with energy savings of up to 30%.
- Easy-Load System: An automated cardboard blanks magazine for WP series wrap-around case packers and SK series shrinkwrappers.
- APS 3100 LP Plus: A compact palletizing system integrating pallet feeding and interlayer insertion, enhancing end-of-line solutions.
Case Study: Macks Ølbryggeri- Location: Nordkjosbotn, Norway.
- Production Capacity: 25,200 bottles per hour.
- Technology Used: Smiform ECOBLOC® 14-78-14 LG-VMAG integrated system, Smiline conveyor belts, Smiflexi SK 802 F shrinkwrapper, and Smipal APS 3080 P palletizer.
- Objectives: To enhance product quality, reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and ensure environmental sustainability.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The integrated systems offer significant economic benefits, including reduced energy and water consumption, lower maintenance costs, and minimized environmental impact. The modular design of the EcOBLOc® system eliminates the need for connecting belts and bottle rinsing machines, further optimizing resource use.
Conclusion
SMI's innovations, showcased at Drinktec 2013, represent a significant advancement in packaging technology, focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. The case study of Macks Ølbryggeri exemplifies the successful implementation of these technologies in a real-world setting, highlighting the potential for growth and environmental stewardship in the beverage industry.
Macks Ølbryggeri Overview:
Macks Ølbryggeri, a historic Norwegian brewery, relocated its production facility to Nordkjosbotn due to space constraints at its original site. The new plant, operational since September 2012, emphasizes eco-sustainability by using recyclable plastic bottles, reducing CO² emissions significantly. The company remains family-owned, with a focus on high-quality beer production.
Eco-Sustainability Initiatives:
Macks Ølbryggeri prioritizes environmental sustainability, integrating advanced technologies in its production processes. The shift from refillable to non-returnable PET bottles marked a significant cultural change, supported by collaboration with SMI for efficient and flexible bottling solutions.
Tromsø and Northern Norway:
Tromsø, known as the "Gateway to the North Pole," offers unique natural phenomena like the Aurora Borealis and the Midnight Sun. The region's geography includes fjords and alpine landscapes, contributing to its appeal as a tourist destination.
Procordia Food Overview:
Procordia, part of the Orkla Group, operates in Sweden, producing a wide range of food and beverages. The company emphasizes sustainability, using innovative technologies to minimize environmental impact. Their Kumla facility features a modern production line for fruit juice-based beverages.
Sustainability and Innovation at Procordia:
Procordia's commitment to sustainability involves efficient resource use and eco-friendly packaging. The company collaborates with suppliers to develop sustainable solutions, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maintaining product quality.
Conclusion:
Both Macks Ølbryggeri and Procordia demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation in their respective industries, focusing on high-quality production and environmental responsibility.
Overview of Orkla Group: The Orkla Group is a major player in the grocery and out-of-home sectors, with a turnover of 30 billion NOK and 28,000 employees. It holds strong positions in India, Russia, and Austria, and is a significant supplier to the European bakery market. The group includes several Northern European food companies and operates divisions specializing in aluminum production and financial investments.
Procordia Food Installation: Procordia Food has installed a new Smiform EcOBLOc® 8-42-8 VMAG integrated system at its Kumla plant, focusing on environmental responsibility. This system reduces energy and water consumption by eliminating the need for a bottle rinsing machine and integrating multiple machines into a single block. An Air Recovery System (ARS) further reduces energy costs by saving up to 40% of high-pressure compressed air.
Procordia's History and Brands: Procordia's origins date back to 1838, with a focus on quality ingredients and environmental sustainability. It owns several well-known brands in Sweden, including Abba, Felix, and Fun Light. The company has a turnover of 4.8 billion SEK and operates multiple production facilities across Sweden.
Pinar Su Installation: Pinar Su, a leading Turkish natural mineral water producer, has installed a new 6,000 bph bottling line at its Hendek plant. This line, designed by SMI, caters to large capacity containers and is part of Pinar Su's strategy to adapt to market demands and maintain high product quality. The company bottles water from three natural sources in Turkey and markets it domestically and internationally.
Environmental and Technological Innovations: Both Procordia and Pinar Su emphasize the use of modern technology to enhance production efficiency and environmental sustainability. Procordia's installations focus on reducing water and energy use, while Pinar Su's operations ensure high-quality water bottling in hygienic conditions.
Overview: The document discusses the technological advancements and strategic partnerships of Pinar Su, a leading bottled water company in Turkey, and Wilmar Continental, a major player in the edible oil sector in South Africa. Both companies have invested in modern production technologies to enhance efficiency and meet market demands.
Pinar Su's Technological Advancements: Pinar Su has implemented cutting-edge production technologies in its bottling plant, focusing on maximizing return on investment while maintaining operational flexibility and reducing environmental impact. The plant features an integrated system for stretch-blow moulding, filling, and capping PET containers, which optimizes energy consumption and reduces maintenance costs.
Partnership with SMI: Pinar Su collaborated with SMI to develop a new bottling plant that includes advanced machinery such as the EcOBLOc® Smiform system, Smiline DV 500 divider, and Smipack HA 60 handle applicator. This partnership aims to enhance production efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Yasar Group's Commitment to Sustainability: As part of the Yasar Group, Pinar Su emphasizes eco-sustainability in its production processes, contributing to Turkey's economic development while prioritizing environmental protection.
Bottled Water Market in Turkey: The demand for bottled natural mineral water in Turkey has increased significantly, with per capita consumption reaching levels similar to major European countries, indicating economic growth and consumer health awareness.
Wilmar Continental's Modernization Efforts: Wilmar Continental, a joint venture between Wilmar International and Continental Oil Mills, has invested in modernizing its production facilities in South Africa. The company has partnered with SMI to install a new PET line for 2-liter formats, enhancing its production capabilities.
SMI's Packaging Solutions: SMI provides integrated systems for stretch-blow moulding, filling, and capping, offering high precision and flexibility. Their solutions are designed to meet diverse packaging needs, allowing for quick adaptation to market changes.
Exhibition at Propak Africa 2013: SMI showcased its EcOBLOc® system at Propak Africa 2013, highlighting its compactness, versatility, and energy efficiency compared to traditional solutions.
Introduction
The document discusses the strategic decisions and technological investments made by Wilmar Continental Oil and Antigua Distillery to enhance their production capabilities and market competitiveness. It highlights the role of SMI technology in achieving these goals.
Wilmar Continental Oil's Investment in SMI Technology
Wilmar Continental Oil has invested in SMI technology, including the Smiflexi wrap-around case packer and Smipal palletizer, to improve efficiency and competitiveness. The decision was influenced by the quality of SMI machines, efficient project management, and a good return on investment. The new investment aligns with a multiannual expansion plan driven by strong demand for Excella-branded edible oil.
Market Response and Technological Needs
The edible oil market in South Africa is growing, with a significant demand for shrink film packaging. Wilmar Continental Oil aims to increase efficiency and versatility to meet changing market trends. Investing in modern, flexible, and reliable machinery is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and leveraging market opportunities.
Supplier Expectations
Wilmar Continental Oil expects innovative, reliable technologies, excellent technical support, and a good quality/price ratio from suppliers. Local and efficient sales support and after-sales service are essential due to the continuous operation of their plants.
Antigua Distillery's Technological Advancements
Antigua Distillery has implemented a new 7,200 BPH PET bottling line using SMI technology. The system includes the Smiform ECOBLOC® 4-28-6 LG-VMAG integrated system, Smiline conveyor belts, and Smiflexi LSK 25 P shrinkwrapper. This investment supports the production of "Oasis Water"-branded beverages and aligns with the company's quality standards.
Historical Context and Product Range
Antigua Distillery has a rich history in rum production, evolving to meet consumer preferences for lighter liqueurs. The company now offers a diverse range of products, including internationally successful brands like "The English Harbour Extra Old Rum."
Technological Features and Benefits
The new bottling line offers flexibility, reliability, efficiency, and compactness. It supports the production of various bottle sizes and configurations, optimizing energy use and reducing costs. The system's automation allows for quick transitions and minimal downtime.
Conclusion
Both Wilmar Continental Oil and Antigua Distillery have strategically invested in advanced SMI technology to enhance production efficiency, meet market demands, and maintain competitiveness. These investments reflect a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Introduction
The document discusses the advancements in packaging technology, focusing on the efficiency and flexibility required in industrial processes for the beverage and liquid food industry. It highlights the need for technical solutions that align with new development models, emphasizing resource optimization and energy savings.
HSR Stretch-Blow Moulder
The HSR (High-Speed Rotary) series is introduced as a revolutionary technology in PET container bottling. These moulders can produce up to 2,500 bottles per hour per cavity, with significant reductions in power consumption and space requirements. Key innovations include a new system for changing the pitch of perform-holding mandrels and an advanced preforms heating system that reduces energy usage by up to 30%.
Technological Innovations
The document details several technological innovations in the HSR series, such as the use of a carbon fiber screw feeder, elimination of the mandrel-holding chain, and a new thermodynamic reflection system for preforms heating. These innovations lead to improved efficiency, reduced mechanical stress, and enhanced energy savings.
Stretch-Blow Moulding Carousel
Advanced solutions in the stretch-blow moulding process include a single integrated module for pre-stretching, stretching, and blow moulding. The stretch rod motor drive ensures high precision and ease of maintenance, while new mechanical systems simplify operations and reduce component wear.
Smiflexi Innovations
The Smiflexi division introduces the "Easy-Load" cardboard blanks magazine, which automates the loading process, enhancing operator safety and efficiency. This system uses motorized rollers and sensors to manage the loading and unloading of cardboard blanks, adapting to production needs.
Packaging Flexibility
Smiflexi packers offer flexibility in packaging solutions, including the ability to handle "American boxes" with top openings. This feature is beneficial for retailers, allowing easy product display and access.
Conclusion
The document emphasizes the importance of innovation in packaging technology to meet the evolving demands of the beverage industry. The advancements in machinery design and functionality aim to improve production efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and enhance product quality.
Overview: The document discusses the APS 3100 LP Plus, a compact palletizing system by Smipal, introduced at Drinktec 2013. It highlights the system's integration of three key operations: palletizing, empty pallet feeding, and interlayer insertion, which are typically performed by separate machines.
Specifications: The APS 3100 LP Plus features a central column structure that houses the mechanical units for handling pallets and interlayers. It uses a telescopic guide system for faster movement and an articulated horizontal arm with a gripper and suction cups for precise handling.
Procedures: The system synchronizes the operations of picking up empty pallets, overlapping package layers, and inserting interlayers. The automation and control system ensures coordinated movements to prevent interference between mechanical units.
Innovations: The integration of functions within a single work center reduces the system's size and offers advantages in flexibility, safety, and maintenance. The compact design allows for efficient use of space and resources, such as forklifts and transpallets, in a defined area.
Benefits: The APS 3100 LP Plus offers reduced dimensions compared to traditional systems, optimizing space usage in bottling and packaging lines with limited end-of-line space. It eliminates the need for connecting conveyors, reducing initial investment and maintenance costs.
Exhibition: The system was showcased at Drinktec 2013 alongside a Smiflexi case packer model WP 500, demonstrating its streamlined and compact design.