On show at Pack Expo Las Vegas
was, Roberts PolyPro, a ProMach
product brand, ICHA180 inline can
handle applicator.
Ideal for craft beer and distilled
spirits, this compact system applies Robert
PolyPro’s eye-catching HDPE #2 handles to
four- and six-packs of beverages in 12 and 16 oz
aluminium cans. The ICHA180 is an economical,
fully automated solution handling speeds up
to 180 cpm. Compared to manual and semiautomated
application, it minimises labour and
achieves faster speeds.
“The growing craft beer and distilled spirits
markets are competitive, and our attractive
multi-pack handles help products stand out on
crowded retail shelves. When choosing a way to
apply them, small producers need a high-quality
system that fits their budget. The ICHA180 hits
that sweet spot – it’s a fully-automated solution at
a great price,” said Roy Tetreault, vice president
and general manager at Roberts PolyPro.
“Craft brewers and distillers are passionate
entrepreneurs who want to make beer and spirits,
not worry about machinery. The ICHA180’s plugand
play design makes it a snap to install. It’s
simple, easy to use and gets the job done.”
The ICHA180 is a space-efficient solution with a
footprint that’s only 24 inches wide and 60 inches
long (61cm wide and 152cm long). The applicator,
installed inline after the can seamer, features
a two-lane conveyor that transports cans side
PA C K A G I N G
by side. As cans enter the ICHA180, a sensor
detects the presence of 12 cans and an airactivated
flow gate extends across the conveyor.
With 12 cans in position, the system applies
either two sets of six-pack handles per cycle or
three sets of four-pack handles per cycle. Then,
the flow gate releases the multi-packs, which are
discharged to downstream case or tray packing.
To change between four- and six-packs, the
ICHA180 requires only a simple adjustment to the
handle magazine and swapping out the handles,
which can be achieved in less than three minutes
without tools or change parts. When changing
between 12- and 16-oz cans, no system
adjustments are needed since the applicator
stroke automatically accommodates either size
can. The ICHA180 runs for approximately five
minutes at 180 cpm before the handle magazine
needs to be refilled.
Roberts PolyPro’s injection-molded HDPE #2
handles have a striking appearance, superior
holding capabilities and a practical tab design.
They are available in 32 standard colours and
with optional colour matching in any PMS colour.
In addition to being 100% recyclable, the handles
use up to 30% less plastic than competitive
injection-molded handles. The open top
eliminates moisture from accumulating between
the can top and handle. The tab design allows
fast and easy application, either manually or with
a semi- or fully automated applicator like the
ICHA180 or the higher volume THA240.
already reduced the thickness
of bottles and other packaging,
they are now looking toward
further down gauging and design
improvements to make packaging
more cost-effective,” observed
Shanahan. “For instance, designs
such as droplet-shaped bottles have
been shown to increase volumes
without expanding the package
weight.”
F&B vendors can make the most of
key opportunities in the market by:
Exploring environment-friendly
sources of plastics, such a plastic
derived from corn, or natural
products such as banana leaves.
Creating novel packaging solutions
with advanced materials.
Utilizing the same type of packaging
material across several applications
to reduce production and
processing costs.
Exploring emerging markets such as
APAC, the Middle East, and Africa.
Reducing material and
transportation costs by decreasing
the thickness of packaging
materials.
Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis,
Global Food and Beverage
Packaging Market, Forecast to
2030, explores the factors and
trends that have shaped the food
and beverage packing landscape,
the challenges that lie ahead,
and the opportunities that can be
tapped. The market is analyzed
in terms of different packaging
material segments, including
flexible materials, rigid plastics,
glass, metal, and other packaging
materials used for containers and
closures.
VERY CRAFTY: ECONOMICAL
AUTOMATION FOR CRAFT BREWERS
AND DISTILLERIES APPLYING MULTIPACK
HANDLES
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