Increase efficiency, conserve resources

• Circular Packaging: further developments in the Nature MultiPack

• Reliable Services: Guidance for assessing the carbon footprint

• Smart Operations: Automatic format changeover for packaging beverage cans and PET bottles

• Line Efficiency: High-performance palletizer increases efficiency

From May 4 to 10, the exhibition halls in Düsseldorf will be the center of the global packaging industry: At this year's interpack, KHS will be presenting its diverse portfolio of resource-saving solutions for promoting closed material cycles. An example of this is the machine exhibit of the Innopack Kisters Nature MultiPack, which knows how to impress with further developments such as the new universal adhesive. With a focus on holistic service solutions, KHS offers its customers decision-making aids for assessing CO2 thanks to independent calculation tools-Footprint of packaging in direct comparison. Other technologies, such as the use of robotics for efficient high-speed palletizing solutions and modular automation solutions for format changes round off this year's KHS presence.

How important interpack is for KHS is illustrated by Johannes T. Grobe, managing director - Sales and Service, KHS Group, said, “The trade fair has always been a meeting place for the international packaging industry. It is an impetus for transformation to more environmental protection and efficient production processes. It is precisely at these points that we target our holistic solutions and advise our customers on the right solution for their requirements.

Further developments in the area of ​​the Nature MultiPack

The proven Innopack Kisters Nature MultiPack (NMP) machine is at the center of the trade fair appearance and is a good example of KHS' wide range of pioneering packaging solutions. As one of the most sustainable secondary packaging on the market, it connects beverage cans or PET bottles with just a few dots of adhesive to form stable packs - without any outer packaging. The technology impresses with material savings of up to 90 percent and has now been consistently further developed: A new universal adhesive can be used on almost all top coats of both aluminum and tinplate cans. The one-fits-all solution, which is already being used successfully in practice, makes it easier for numerous beverage producers to switch to NMP - because until now, selecting the right adhesive was often a time-consuming process.

More security in decision-making with climate-friendly packaging

To determine which form of packaging has which effect on the climate and whether a conversion, for example, for stretch blow molding machines, has a positive effect on the CO2 balance sheet, KHS has developed various carbon footprint calculation tools. The free service was developed in cooperation with the Hamburg Institute for Environmental Informatics, an independent, world-leading software developer for material and energy flow analysis. "Our solutions are aimed at creating continuous added value while at the same time reducing the ecological footprint," says Grobe. “The pressure on the packaging industry in the area of ​​sustainability is increasing, both from consumers and the legislator. In this way, we create orientation and decision-making support for our customers in a direct comparison of packaging solutions."

Modular automation solutions for format changes

The system provider's solutions not only protect the environment; Digital offers also ensure more efficient and secure production processes. To this end, KHS, is presenting its modular automation solutions for format changes when packaging beverage cans and PET bottles. The ever-increasing variety in this area leads to frequent adjustments in the dry part of the production by bottlers. With the new option for all KHS packers in the Advanced series and palletizers in the PB series, up to 80 percent of all manual work in connection with the changeover is superfluous. This saves users up to 30 minutes per format change for packaging and palletizing.

The new high-performance Innopal PLR palletizer ensures a further increase in efficiency in the dry section of a line. This combines the advantages of low-feed machines with the performance of high-feed palletizers. With the help of robots, the machine processes up to 625 layers/h. This corresponds to a nominal capacity of up to 135,000 cans/h – depending on their diameter. Of course, this machine can also palletize PET containers and glass bottles. The use of robotics also simplifies operations, which significantly increases both production efficiency and availability.

"With our diverse portfolio for primary and secondary packaging, we can offer the best possible solution for the different requirements and needs. As a reliable partner, we stand by our customers at all times to continuously reduce energy and resource consumption and promote closed material cycles," says Grobe.

The KHS Group will be presenting its solutions from May 4 to 10, 2023, at interpack in Düsseldorf in Hall 13, Stand A31.