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The new GEA PowerPak PLUS technology – now with more sustainable packaging alternative using paper
11 Jan 2021
The GEA PowerPak PLUS thermoforming packaging machine lends itself to a range of different packaging solutions, including handling protection, vacuum, MAP and shrink packaging. GEA has recently added a new dimension of versatility to the PowerPak PLUS by making it possible to use a more sustainable paper-based packaging alternative with this technology.
Production line with GEA PowerPak Plus. Technical adjustments make it possible that the thermoforming packaging machine can now also form coated paper without any problems. (Photo: GEA)
The GEA PowerPak PLUS thermoforming packaging machine lends itself to a range of different packaging solutions, including handling protection, vacuum, MAP and shrink packaging. GEA has recently added a new dimension of versatility to the PowerPak PLUS by making it possible to use a more sustainable paper-based packaging alternative with this technology. The new packaging option is made from a moldable paper composite consisting of more than 80 percent paper and a residual amount of plastic for features that deliver barrier properties. Thanks to technological advances, the machine can be fully relied on to safely process this delicate material.
“The packaging market is currently in a state of flux,” explains Volker Sassmannshausen, Senior Product Manager Thermoforming Packaging Systems at GEA. “While consumers and food retailers are demanding reductions in plastic usage, the food industry must ensure safe packaging from beginning to end of the supply chain. Not only must all hygiene and quality standards be met, but also legal requirements which call for a significant reduction in the amount of plastic used in packaging. When developing our machines, we always take our cues from what our customers need, so this was an obvious focus area for us.”
Problem-free paper forming
Illustration of a paper-based MAP package that can be produced with the new PowerPak PLUS packaging machine. (Photo: GEA)
The GEA thermoformer ensures the highest packaging quality, efficiency and consumer convenience. Thanks to technical modifications, this packaging machine can now also easily mold coated paper. A series of functions, including those dedicated to unwinding and feeding the delicate materials as well as the newly developed multi-zone heating system, which is paired with sophisticated sealing, ensure that fresh foods are safely and hygienically packaged. In turn, solutions to simplify pack opening and material separation make it easy for consumers to separate the paper from the plastic for disposal in their relevant recycling streams.
In the forming station, the multi-zone heating system warms the coated paper to the precise temperature required so that it’s ready for molding via vacuum and compressed air. This produces thermoformed packs of around 20 millimeters in height, into which the precut slices are inserted in the next step. Before the packs are separated, a very thin top film – measuring just 30 to 50 micrometers thick – is used to close and seal each pack.
The key advantage of GEA’s PowerPak PLUS thermoforming packaging machine lies in its motor-driven unwinding systems for the top and bottom films. Both unwinding systems are synchronized with the machine’s advancing cycle. This means that only minimal force is applied to the paper solution and the top film, which are unwound in a controlled and uniform manner. In addition, the membrane sealing system ensures tight and even seals.
Material separation made easy
For consumers to be able to properly dispose of packaging, it is essential that the diverse materials – in this case paper and plastic – are easy to separate. To achieve this, GEA has integrated a device for punching peel corners into the thermoformer’s molding tool. The user simply bends the top corner to separate the thin plastic film from the paper backing before dispose both materials into their respective recycling stream.
Spotlight on sustainability
Volker Sassmannshausen, Senior Product Manager Thermoforming Packaging Systems at GEA (Photo: GEA)
The demands on packaging are many. Consumers expect packaging to be recyclable and more sustainable. Packaging systems must also meet requirements in terms of effectiveness, safety and flexibility, in addition to meeting demands for the efficient use of energy and resources. “It’s great to see that we can mold paper-based materials without any difficulty,” states Sassmannshausen. “Our paper-composite packaging solution is already successfully used and these products are now on supermarket shelves there. We’re proud that we’re able to make an important contribution to producing more sustainable food packaging.”
Media Relations
GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft
Ulmenstrasse 99
40476
Düsseldorf
Germany
+49 211 9136-0
About GEA
GEA is one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
The international technology group, founded in 1881, focuses on machinery and plants, as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. For instance, every second pharma separator for essential healthcare products such as vaccines or novel biopharmaceuticals is produced by GEA. In food, every fourth package of pasta or every third chicken nugget are processed with GEA technology.
With more than 18,000 employees, the group generated sales of about EUR 5.5 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2025 fiscal year. GEA plants, processes, components and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of customers’ production. They contribute significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, plastic usage and food waste. In doing so, GEA makes a key contribution toward a sustainable future, in line with the company’s purpose: ”Engineering for a better world.”
GEA is listed on the German MDAX, the European STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is also a constituent of the leading sustainability indices DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability and Dow Jones Best-in-Class World.
