Optimised packaging solution introduced to the packaging industry

With the combined range of proficiency in design, mechanisation, performance packaging and shopper marketing, paper-based packaging manufacturer Smurfit Kappa launched the SKMF 146 in an effort to provide customers with the most optimised packaging machine solution.

According to Smurfit Kappa, the SKMF 146, which was launched earlier this year, is the next generation of mandrel case formers, with the most effective packaging solution to date, combined with the flexibility to pack multiple design formats.

“Smurfit Kappa is relentless in its approach to delivering new, innovative and unique ways to help our customers achieve optimal packaging performance both across the supply chain and in store. “The SKMF 146 mandrel case former is another example of a total packaging solution for our customers from machine, to design to brand impact and supply chain efficiency,” comments Smurfit Kappa innovation and development VP Arco Berkenbosch.

He notes that, in using the SKMF 146, cases are formed with precision by shaping it around a mandrel resulting in the highest level of accuracy and consistency.

“This precision forming improves the efficiency of the entire packing line, owing to a more reliable case filling, perfect case closing and straight stack palletisation. “This results in better pack performance, minimising any supply chain risk,” explains Berkenbosch.

He highlights that the SKMF 146 also offers brand owners the flexibility to change the design of the packaging to maximise shopper impact in-store, where 82% of purchase decisions are made.

Berkenbosch adds that SKMF 146 can fold cases with four, six or eight corner designs, in various shapes, therefore, brand owners can modify existing packs to have extra surface space to communicate brand messages or develop a completely new pack to disrupt shopper behaviour.

He points out that the mandrel case former is a highly versatile machine usable by different industries and businesses, noting that it has already been used by distilled beverage producer Pernod Ricard with positive reviews.

Pernod Ricard plant manager Alexandre Defrance comments that, owing to the fact that the Ricard plant in Lormont, north of Bordeaux, produces around 18-million litres of beverages a year, innovation is at the heart of the company’s industrial strategy, which is why it did not hesitate to incorporate the first Smurfit Kappa SKMF 146 mandrel case former early this year.
“Its novel design offers a good compromise between ergonomics, ease of access and simplicity of use, in line with our objectives of efficiency and flexibility of format changes. This new equipment is fully aligned with our pursuit of operational excellence,” emphasises Defrance.

Berkenbosch notes that Smurfit Kappa supplies approximately 200 machines a year to its customers and has built up an installed base of approximately 8 000 machines.

“The company offers a wide portfolio of end of line packaging machines, such as tray erectors, case erectors, wrap around machines and custom-built packing lines, and strongly believes packaging and machinery must work seamlessly together to maximise efficiency and deliver the lowest total packing cost,” he concludes.