Roberts PolyPro (www.RobertsPolyPro.com), powered by Pro Mach, will introduce an innovative semi-automatic handle applicator designed to help brand owners and contract packagers cost effectively boost production as part of a market growth strategy at Pack Expo 2012. This semi-automatic handle applicator with a single attendant has an impressive 15-to-17 cases-per-minute output. It’s far easier and less taxing for operators to use than manual applicators and comes with a price tag significantly under automatic machines.

“Many customers have told us they want to expand into nearby markets, but can’t justify the expense of a fully automatic handle applicator at an early stage of market development,” says Chris Turner, sales director, Roberts PolyPro. “We designed the new semi-automatic machine with these customers in mind and engineered in ergonomic, productivity, and quality features that will give customers a workhorse of a machine with minimized direct labor.”

This new machine, with a single operator, can apply handles in two-pack configurations as well as 3-, 4-, 6-, and 8-packs. These units are designed for maximum flexibility. Change parts allow for different bottle sizes. The semi-automatic machine can be moved from line to line to accommodate variable production schedules.

Roberts PolyPro’s lightweight, compact handles and multi-pack carriers support the sustainability efforts of its customers by reducing material consumption and improving cube utilization. The company’s extruded handles and multi-pack carriers consume on average 5-35% less resin compared to injection molded products. Material reduction is an important contributor to improving a package’s sustainability. Roberts PolyPro products are made from extruded HDPE resin and when used with either PET or HDPE bottles make the entire package - bottles and handle - 100% recyclable. Roberts Polypro handles are customizable, giving the packer the ability to distinguish product from the competition.

Roberts PolyPro orients multipack handles before shipment and in the case of single bottle handles uses a patented process of welding the handles together prior to shipment. On average, this process results in 40% more handles per pallet than loose handles shipped in bulk. The increase in units per pallet significantly decreases shipping costs, improves cube utilization, reduces the amount of corrugated board required, and lowers over-the-road fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. There is also less damage to handles during shipment.

Visit Roberts PolyPro at PACK EXPO 2012, booth #3916