We know how disappointed you must be at not being able to attend this year’s Foodex show in Birmingham due to the coronavirus situation. However all is not lost as GlobalMeatNews has assembled a selection of the top equipment that was due to be showcased at this year’s event.
Foodex will take place on 12-14 April 2021 at the NEC in Birmingham. Check out the website for more information.
Proseal was set to demonstrate a number of specially developed technologies for the further enhancements of speed and quality in its tray sealers’ operation, and the provision of valuable production data, including the launch of two new systems.
Two models from its extensive tray sealer range – the automatic in-line Proseal GT1e and semi-automatic Proseal TTe – were to be showcased for their capability to perform any style of heat seal to a pre-formed tray, and to handle the latest alternatives to plastic, including trays from Halopack and Huhtamaki.
Due to make their debut at Foodex was the ProVision, an advanced automated platform that captures and analyses important machine data to improve the efficiency and performance of the entire production line, and ProPosition, a revolutionary new tray positioning system for faster and easier machine set up.
Also scheduled was the Proseal’s ProTect security system that meets retailer quality and safety requirements by preventing unauthorised access to equipment and providing comprehensive audit data. This range of technology is complimented by the unique ProTest seal quality testing system that enables food manufacturers and processors to determine the ideal seal and peel strength for individual products.
Paramount Packaging Systems, the UK and Ireland’s exclusive distributor of Fuji’s flow wrapping equipment, was also due to exhibit at this year’s Foodex show.
Due to be on its stand was the two Alpha 8 flow wrappers – the FW3710BSB with attachless infeed, adapted to run tortillas, cheese and sausages, and the FW3410B wrapper, perfect for general bakery products and minced meat, without a tray.
Both systems are capable of processing recyclable and other eco-friendly packaging films and use far less packaging film in production, which has a direct positive impact on cost and transport efficiencies. On top of this, they are incredibly user-friendly, boast lower energy consumption compared to other models and have more accurate temperature control.
Both systems can run MAP at high speeds to create longer shelf life for products. Fuji also offer a range of automated feeding systems that can reduce labour and improve workplace efficiencies.
Recent installations at a minced meat manufacturer in Germany and Finland have proven that both systems can achieve a 70% reduction in packaging materials, decreased labour costs and significantly increased packaging speeds.
Progressive cavity (PC) pump manufacturer Seepex was set to showcase an EHEDG certified pump as well as an open hopper pump for viscous waste product removal.
The BCFH hygienic pump range has a low shear action and handles thin to highly viscous products, including those containing soft solids. There are minimal product changes due to shear stress during pumping and this, combined with minimal pulsation and accurate flow control, ensures consistently high product quality. EHEDG certification guarantees residue-free cleaning when using CIP, giving peace of mind that closed equipment is microbiologically clean. The BCFH pump was tested using a cleaning regime at a lower temperature, with lower chemical concentration and a shorter cleaning time than other cleaning-in-place (CIP) solutions.
Fortress Technology was due to unveil just how important metal detection is in an evolving meat and protein manufacturing environment, exhibiting three systems designed to flex to changing demographics and eating habits.
From plant-based products to single-serve portions or compostable packaging formats, all Fortress inspection machines have been specifically designed to help protein and meat manufacturers keep pace with emerging retail and consumer trends.
Among the proposed line-up was the hygienic, easy clean and ‘Never Obsolete’ range of gravity fed, horizontal conveyor and pipeline metal detectors.
Manufacturers catering to the rapid rise in UK ‘flexitarian’ eating habits also need to keep in mind processing challenges. Just like snack products, the ingredients used to make meat alternatives are often dropped into a drum before being pressed into the required shape. The use of gravity metal detectors at this processing stage can help prevent metal contaminants being flattened and crushed in the drum rollers.
With compliance demanding the highest levels of sanitation, and given that bacteria multiples by doubling every 20 to 30 minutes depending on the conditions, and prefers high protein foods, the IP69K-rated Hygienic Fortress Pipeline now has 60% less surface area. This machine helps to address cross contamination and the spread of allergen risks.
JBT has launched a new dual-lane X-ray guided waterjet portioning system that combines the industry leading DSI® 800 S series waterjet system with the new-generation Flexscan inspection system from the JBT XVision Intelligent X-ray Inspection product line. The new DSI XVision system for pork scans products such as pork ribs, determines the location of bones and other features, produces user-selectable products based upon bone location and reduces labour effort.
Delivering solutions for tough applications - Pork ribs and other similar meat products are more difficult to cut than poultry, pork bellies, ham slices, and red meat steaks which have traditionally been portioned or trimmed with DSI waterjet technology worldwide. DSI pioneered the use of 4000 bar pressure in waterjet systems over 30 years ago. More recently, DSI developed and offerings a 6000-bar waterjet solution for the food processing industry to achieve superior cutting performance on tougher food products. This higher-pressure system allows automated processing to reach new applications and can lead to significant reductions in labour combined with improved product quality.
New from Dolav is the Ace 460, a shallow, hygienic pallet box. It holds 445 litres and at 580mm tall, is ideal to avoid crushing softer or delicate loose products such as tomatoes or chicken portions. Shallow helps manual product handling. Like the 740mm-high standard Ace 1000, the Ace 460 is a one-piece moulding with three integral runners for safe tipping. It weighs 33.4kg, has a max stack load of 4500kg and with its 1200x1000mm footprint, it inter-stacks with the standard Ace.
Dolav offers a choice of solid or perforated walls, or a combination of both and drain plug options. The new Ace 460 box has the same proven strength and hygiene of the standard Ace, confirmed by Campden BRI as “Hygienic design.” The Dolav Ace is available in ten standard colours from stock.
Dolav has just introduced a strong and hygienic pallet for the food sector. With three integral runners, this solid plastic pallet has no cavities or crevices for contamination to hide, ensuring its hygienic properties. With very smooth hygienic-design moulded corners and edges, it is easy to clean and dry.
At 1200x1000x160mm, it is engineered to be suitable for automatic logistic centres. It has excellent racking performance. It weighs 22kg. Standard with no rim, options include a 6mm or a 20mm outer safety rim. For fast cooling, Dolav has designed excellent airflow through hygienic holes in the perforated option.
With the reinforced racking version for heavy-duty hygienic use, the dynamic load increases from 1800 kg to 2000 kg and racking load increases from 1250kg to 2000kg. The reinforced pallet weight increases but to only 26.2kg. The Dolav MH 1000 plastic pallet offers detectable & antimicrobial options.
Following the recent launch of four new machines at the company’s’ Oktoberfest event last year, Multivac UK was to highlight the latest technology and innovation available to the food industry. From processing and portioning to sustainable packaging solutions, visitors can discover a range of new equipment, including Multivac’s newly expanded X-line traysealing series and high-speed slicer system.
First launched to the UK market in October last year, the new future-proof traysealing packaging machine is one of the latest additions to the X-line machine generation from Multivac. The traysealer covers a wide spectrum of packaging applications and can run a variety of packaging materials including eco-friendly Halo pack which is 89% recyclable and can reduce plastic packaging by 75%.
The compact R 105 MF thermoforming packaging machine was to be on display for smaller manufacturers looking to make the entry into MAP and vacuum skin packaging. Visitors would have been able to see sustainable packs in production and then integrated into the H 130 automated handling module for loading into crates. Separately, the L 310 full-wrap conveyor belt labeller and I 410 visual inspection system will be shown for the application of attractive full wrap labelling and reliable inspection at maximum processing speed; highlighting Multivac’s offer for automation, delivering both labour and risk reduction within the industry.
Multivac was also due to showcase the new B 525 chamber belt machine which provides producers with a high-performance, user-friendly and cost-effective model for the automated vacuum packaging of food products in film pouches. The B 525 is defined by its high level of product flexibility, excellent pack quality and its small footprint.
The S800 high-speed slicing system can operate up to 800 cuts per minute and can create almost any form of portion; from precise placement of slices in shingles and straight or staggered stacks, through to the shingling of wafer-thin products, right up to the folding of individual slices. Multivac’s innovative slicers are guaranteed to improve performance and are the most competitively priced the market.
Multivac was also due to present efficient portioning systems from TVI. The GMS 520 single-cut portioner will be shown to improve pack presentation, optimise pack size, reduce labour and most importantly deliver the best yield; typically in the high 90% range for meat primals.
Multivac was to showcase its processing solutions from exclusive partners, Laska and Risco. The KUX330 high-speed bowl cutter from Laska can help to increase productivity and improve product quality whilst having the highest possible standards for hygiene and maintenance in the industry. The compact RS920 Flex Portioner is the latest innovation from Risco and was recently launched in the UK for flexible and accurate high-speed portioning of both gourmet burgers and mince with a minimum giveaway. The RS920 Flex solution helps producers to achieve improved product shape and appearance, as well as a superior organoleptic bite.
Air Products was due to showcase its latest innovation in food packaging technology during Foodex. Called Freshline Aroma MAP, the system enables food manufacturers to harness consumers’ sense of smell to ensure their products leave a lasting impression.
The first innovation in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) for many years, the Freshline Aroma MAP system vaporises natural aromas, such as essential oils, into the packaging at the same time as the MAP gas, with no additional production steps. When the customer then opens the packaging, the aroma is released, enhancing their sensory experience and encouraging them to build a positive association with the product or brand they are consuming.
The innovative technology also offers the potential to tackle food waste and reduce costs associated with consumer product complaints. Plus, using specific essential oils could lead to an even longer shelf life. The natural essential oils or aromas that can be injected with the Freshline Aroma MAP system meet the consumer demand for clean label ingredients. And finally, triggering emotions and memories by using smell in this way helps to support a growing sensory marketing and branding trend within the food industry.
The equipment needed for the Freshline Aroma MAP system is easily integrated into existing production lines and requires only a minor modification to an existing MAP pipeline. The MAP gas is diverted into an Aroma MAP reactor vessel where it is mixed with a precise and repeatable amount of the atomised essential oil to create a homogeneous gas, which in turn flows back into the packaging machine.
For the first time Busch was due to be showcasing its new rotary vane vacuum pump, the R5 RA 0760 A PLUS, an intelligent vacuum solution ready for Industry 4.0. Thanks to its innovative design, advanced control system and variable speed drive, the new R5 PLUS offers a pumping speed range from 440 to 760 m3/h while reaching an ultimate pressure of 0.1 millibar. This makes it the ideal vacuum solution for many applications in food processing and packaging. By following an intuitive menu structure on the display, users can set the operating mode that best suits their process needs, ensuring that vacuum supply matches demand. This results in energy savings while also enabling improved packaging rates, by ensuring that the right vacuum is provided when needed. In the spirit of its “Vacuum 4.0” philosophy, all operating data is constantly recorded, saved and can be shared in real time with all operating systems.
