Flexible bags remain one of the most popular packaging formats in the snack industry due to their excellent barrier properties, cost-effective production and consumer convenience. High-speed vertical form, fill and seal (VFFS) technology offers significant advantages in this category because it enables manufacturers to maintain ambitious throughput targets and optimum productivity. However, it’s not just about speed when it comes to selecting the right VFFS equipment. A low reject rate; high level of flexibility; ease of maintenance, operation and integration; and a low environmental footprint are all things to consider before specifying a new machine. Here are five key attributes manufacturers should look for to find a packaging system that can operate at maximum speeds while also delivering the highest level of overall equipment efficiency (OEE).
Equipment automation can be witnessed across the entire food industry. It optimizes throughput rates, eliminates human error and reduces costs. As a result, many packaging equipment manufacturers now supply a range of intelligent controls systems that offer snack manufacturers a single point of control, increased production transparency, enhanced line efficiency and OEE. The latest technological advancements in this area have resulted in the development of intuitively designed systems powered by self-learning software, enabling VFFS machines to strike a balance between advanced packaging speeds, low waste and high product quality.