Packaging variety for the high-capacity range: The KHS Innopack Kisters Advanced series combines maximum flexibility and efficiency with ease of operation and progressive automation technology. For interpack, KHS has added a particularly sustainable packaging option to its established machine series. Starting now, PET bottles can also be turned into stable packs using the resource-conserving BottleClip Carrier cardboard carrying handle.  

“At the moment, the packaging and beverage industries find themselves navigating their way through a demanding market environment: In addition to geopolitical uncertainties and economic volatility, the acute lack of specialist workers and increasing regulatory requirements worldwide are dominating strategic corporate agendas,” said Johannes Look, group team manager of Special Design Engineering at the KHS competence center in Kleve, Germany. “To effectively cater for these complex demands, the Dortmund systems supplier offers its customers a future-proof system in the form of the KHS Innopack Kisters Advanced series that’s universally flexible with a high degree of automation.”

Packaging diversity: KHS sets new standard

At this year's interpack in Düsseldorf, the company will be exhibiting its KHS Innopack Kisters TSP Advanced as just one example of its plant engineering. The market-proven machine packs beverage cans and PET and glass bottles on trays and pads and in film—and can also turn PET bottles into sustainable multipacks using the new BottleClip Carrier. Users can choose between flexible format sizes of two, four, six or eight identical bottles and mixed variety packs.  

Operators also enjoy the greatest possible flexibility when it comes to the choice of container. BottleClip Carrier is ideal for PET bottles made either of virgin PET or of up to 100% recyclate. Lightweight containers can also be processed. Up to 4,800 packs an hour sporting the alternative cardboard carrying handle can be produced.  

Future-proof packaging system 

BottleClip Carrier is a future-proof alternative to conventional handle variants made of plastic that are subject to increasing regulations the world over. “Lots of countries already have strict quotas governing recycling and the use of recyclate; some states even totally forbid certain types of packaging such as plastic carrying rings,” Look noted.  

KHS’ energy-efficient application is also convincing when compared to standard plastic solutions. The cardboard is clipped onto the PET bottles by a rotating application wheel in continuous operation; energy-intensive processes such as heating in a shrink tunnel are no longer required. “With this, we give our customers a great economic benefit, especially in view of the high global costs for energy and raw materials,” Look said.  

This explains why international demand for plastic-free packaging alternatives like BottleClip Carrier has risen steeply over the last few years. As a result, the first KHS Innopack Kisters TSP Advanced with a cardboard carrying handle application option is to be supplied to the United States in the middle of this year.

For more information, visit https://www.khs.com/