Syntegon Technology is expanding its portfolio with a new innovative coffee packaging machine that meets manufacturer’s flexibility needs for different products and formats, and sustainability efforts thanks to Syntegon’s century of packaging expertise.
German coffee packaging technology supplier Syntegon Technology has been providing reliable solutions and innovative ideas to customers around the world for more than 100 years.
Now, Product Manager Christina Holm says the company’s latest packaging innovation, the PMX packaging machine, will provide a truly flexible coffee packaging solution to its customer base.
“The PMX maximises the production time of the packaging line and gives customers the flexibility to adapt easily to changing production specifications and market requirements,” says Holm.
“Coffee is a popular product with quality that must be protected. Our goal was to develop an efficient packaging machine that offers manufacturers enough flexibility for future demand and format changes as well as meeting sustainability requirements.”
To cater for the growing demand for adaptable and sustainable packaging solutions, Holm says Syntegon’s PMX offers a wide range of specialised features designed to process recyclable packaging materials, such as mono-material barrier films or recyclable inside and outside degassing valves.
“The PMX is composed of individual modules which make dosing and closing stations as well as the machine design individually configurable,” she says.
“Thanks to the modular structure, specific customer requirements can be realised while also achieving efficient output, as the PMX packs up to 65 packages of 500 grams of whole coffee beans per minute.”
To reach an output of up to 100 packages per minute, the machine is available as a double tube version.
Holm says the PMX machine’s flexibility provides a crucial advantage for coffee manufacturers.
“Three-dimensional format changes on the closing unit can be achieved automatically at the push of a button. If the bag cross-section format is changed, the machine will be ready for use again after just 30 minutes. It is therefore suitable for small, medium, and large packaging formats, and can combine various bag formats and closing elements,” she says.
The PMX can produce coffee bags with package weights between 200 and 1200 grams, both with upright and downfolded top parts. The bags are re-closable via tin tie, labels, or adhesive tape.
“If required, manufacturers can request an innovative spout closure through which the coffee beans are emptied out at the packaging side,” says Holm , noting the convenient feature is suited to end users.
Additionally, the neutrafill process, in which the coffee is gas-flushed before and during the packaging process, ensures aroma protection.
The PMX platform also offers two sealing options, full-corner and longitudinal sealing, to create optimal product presentation.
“The full-corner sealing module can be retrofitted to existing PMX machines at any time, to adapt them flexibly in case of design or format changes,” says Holm.
By avoiding seams on the back of the packaging, the full-corner sealing allows manufacturers to print attractive designs all around the packaging.
“This type of sealing not only makes the packaging look attractive on the shelf, but also pays off in terms of sustainability. By positioning the full-corner-sealing module in the front area of the forming tube, the packaging materials can be retracted within just a few cycles, which reduces the loss of material significantly,” Holm says.
“This also maximises the productive time of a packaging line. Thanks to fast format changes and full corner sealing, it can be used to package both ground coffee and whole beans in different packaging formats.”
By lowering the height of the machine, Syntegon was also able to reduce the cycle time for higher packaging speeds. This results in a lower drop height for the coffee beans, which reduces the breakage rate and rejects significantly and leads to better ergonomics for format changes.
“Manufacturers can therefore plan for the long term with the machine, even in case of design or format changes,” says Holm.
The PMX presents the latest sensor technology that digitally monitors resource consumption of inert gas and packaging material.
“Machine data is collected in real time and clearly displayed on dashboards. Its digital condition monitoring supports manufacturers to meet growing sustainability goals, such as minimising packaging material, energy, and gas consumption,” says Holm.
“The PMX is designed for sustainability by processing all relevant recyclable materials into high-quality packages. Manufacturers can ensure unique packaging and meet growing sustainability demands from their customers.
“Offering a sustainably packaged product also gives them a way to differentiate their brand from competitors and sell their products for a higher price.”
All stations are designed to process recyclable packaging materials and valves made of mono-materials like polypropylene or polyethylene.
With more than a century of experience, Holm says Syntegon is a leader in the development of sustainable packaging solutions, thanks to processing eco-friendly and recyclable materials on its machines and pursuing ambitious goals to lower its emissions.
“The PMX embodies these goals, fulfilling modern requirements with respect to sustainability and digitalisation, processing recyclable mono-materials and reducing energy and material usage through condition monitoring,” she says.
“Syntegon presents an entire coffee packaging platform, not only a single machine. Customers have the choice to decide what machine module is the best fit for them: They can select different dosing and weighing options, multiple sealing systems and top closure elements as well as pick from a broad portfolio of valves and applicators.”
Holm says another reason why consumers choose to work with Syntegon is because the company provides a hands-on approach.
“Firstly, Syntegon includes their customers in the development process of their machinery. Our coffee lab, for instance, gives our customers the possibility to test new materials at our site and we can support them to find the right recyclable materials for their packaging. In my experience, customers are always very happy to be involved in the development phase of their project, as they’re able to provide their feedback to Syntegon,” she says.
“Secondly, Syntegon goes above and beyond in the service it offers. Our relationship with the customer doesn’t end with the purchase of a machine. Syntegon offers a broad service portfolio, such as after sales services, modernisations, training operators on how to use the machine, or spare parts services. We continue to support the manufacturers after the purchase of their machine.”
Holm says providing customers with the best solution is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
“We always want to ensure our customers can rely on our expertise and engineering competence for their economic success,” she says.
“With 1100 service experts and a comprehensive service portfolio throughout the entire machine lifecycle from spare parts management to digital line optimisation, Syntegon lays the foundation for smooth production processes. In everything we do, our more than 30 sites in almost 20 countries keep a firm eye on our impact on the environment and society.”
For more information, visit www.syntegon.com/coffee-packaging-solutions
This article was first published in the May/June 2022 edition of Global Coffee Report. Read more HERE.