Mettler-Toledo to showcase the latest innovations for the snack manufacturing sector at SnackEx 2024

On June 19-20, 2024, industry professionals will gather at Stockholmsmässan in Stockholm, Sweden, for SnackEx, a premier international trade fair for the savory snack industry. Among the prominent participants is Mettler-Toledo, a global leader in product inspection technologies. In a recent interview with FoodTechBiz, Siddharth Kachroo, Head of Sales India at Mettler-Toledo, shared insights into the company's mission, innovative technologies, and role in the snack manufacturing sector.

Mettler Toledo’s Role in Snack Manufacturing

“Mettler-Toledo is dedicated to ensuring the safety and integrity of food products across various industries, including snack manufacturing,” stated Kachroo. “Our mission is to provide innovative product inspection solutions that empower manufacturers to enhance product safety, combat rising costs, and boost productivity.”

Mettler-Toledo's technologies, ranging from metal detection and x-ray inspection to checkweighing and vision inspection, play a critical role in maintaining high-quality standards in snack production. “Our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction drives everything we do, and we're proud to partner with snack manufacturers to help them achieve the highest integrity and safety of their products,” he said.

Driving Innovation through R&D

At the heart of Mettler-Toledo's operations lies a steadfast focus on research and development (R&D) and innovation. “We understand that the snack market is constantly evolving, and we are committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements to meet the needs of brand owners and manufacturers,” Kachroo explained. The company continuously invests in R&D to develop products and services that address both current industry challenges and anticipate future needs.

A prime example of this commitment is the recent launch of the X12 part of the X2 Series of x-ray inspection systems, which exemplifies the company's drive for innovation.

Addressing Industry Challenges

Kachroo highlighted the X12, a high-performance x-ray inspection system within the X2 Series, as an example of their innovative solutions. “Snacks often come in metalized film packaging, which can be challenging for metal detection, but not for x-ray inspection. The X12 sets a high standard in detection capabilities, offering superior contaminant detection at an attractive price point,” he said. With its superior capabilities, the X12 can detect a myriad of contaminants, including glass, metal, mineral stone, and dense plastics, even within metalized film packaging. Moreover, the X12 conducts additional quality control checks, such as fill level control, ensuring adherence to brand integrity and averting consumer disappointment and product recalls.

Mettler Toledo at SnackEx

Attendees at SnackEx can expect an immersive experience at Mettler-Toledo's booth (Booth 244), where the company will showcase a range of innovative product inspection technologies tailored specifically for the salty and savory snack industry. This will include:

Metal Detection: A unique cut-away throat metal detector will provide visitors with an immersive experience, allowing them to witness first-hand the inner mechanisms of the Automatic Test System (ATS). By simply pressing a button, visitors can observe ATS in action as it cycles through test samples, demonstrating the system's robust metal detection capabilities and reliability. The latest Mettler-Toledo throat detector with eDrive^TM and ATS will also be showcased, illustrating the dramatic difference in detection capability with real-world metallic contaminants.

X-ray Inspection System: As discussed earlier, the X12 x-ray inspection system showcases cutting-edge technology in product safety and quality assurance. Engineered to deliver exceptional contaminant detection capabilities, the X12 provides unparalleled sensitivity to detect a wide range of foreign materials, including metal, glass, mineral stone and dense plastics. With its high-resolution imaging and advanced algorithms, the X12 offers superior inspection performance, enabling snack manufacturers to detect unwanted contaminants and uphold the highest quality standards.

Designed as an entry-level solution, the X12 combines affordability with state-of-the-art functionality, making x-ray inspection accessible to all budgets without compromising on performance or reliability.

Checkweigher and Vision Inspection Combi-Solution: Representing another innovative solution in product inspection technology; checkweighing and vision capabilities are combined within a single system, offering enhanced accuracy and efficiency all within one single machine. The Combination Solution provides precise weight measurement and comprehensive label inspection, thereby optimising packaging integrity and compliance with regulatory standards. In addition, snack manufacturers will benefit from one system, one set of spare parts, one training and one supplier to support them through the lifetime of the technology.

Data Management Solution: At SnackEx, visitors can also learn how data management software can benefit their business. Mettler-Toledo ProdX^TM offers snack manufacturers a comprehensive solution for data collection, providing real-time insights into production performance thereby facilitating proactive decision-making and optimising operational efficiency. The information provided by ProdX^TM helps manufacturers to comply with regulatory standards and enhance quality control measures throughout the production process. Visitors to the stand can discover how ProdX^TM can help snack manufacturers achieve greater transparency, productivity, and compliance in their operations.

“SnackEx provides us with an opportunity to showcase our latest product inspection technologies directly to industry professionals,” Kachroo noted. “It’s a great forum for knowledge exchange and collaboration, allowing us to stay informed about emerging trends and tailor our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

Meet Mettler Toledo at Booth No 244

Mettler-Toledo aims to engage with attendees, demonstrating how their technologies can address specific challenges in the snack manufacturing sector. Kachroo shared, “Traditionally, snack manufacturers have relied on metal detection systems. However, we are observing a significant shift towards x-ray technology, driven by major retailers who demand higher standards of contaminant detection. This shift is further supported by the increased affordability of x-ray systems, making them a viable option for more manufacturers. We are excited to discuss the benefits of both technologies – as well as how they work well together on a production line.”

He believes that the opportunity of networking with industry peers, potential customers, and partners is also really exciting, to foster new relationships and strengthen existing ones. “We hope to gather valuable feedback about pain points, priorities, and emerging trends, which will inform our future product development,” said Kachroo.

He invited all snack manufacturers to visit Booth 244 to learn how Mettler-Toledo’s solutions can enhance product safety, combat rising costs, and boost productivity. “Our experts will be on hand to explain how our innovative systems can enhance your quality control processes, facilitating the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Don’t miss the opportunity to see first-hand how we can help you stay ahead in the competitive snack manufacturing industry.”

Additionally, during the event, Rob Stevens, Market Manager for Metal Detection at Mettler-Toledo, will deliver a presentation titled "Metal Detection, X-ray Inspection or Both?" scheduled for June 19 at 4:20 PM. He will explore the critical importance of foreign body detection in snack manufacturing processes and how both metal detection and x-ray inspection technologies play complementary roles in achieving product safety and quality.

Vision and Future Plans

Mettler-Toledo plans to continue leading in product inspection technology, driving innovation, and setting new standards for safety, quality, and efficiency. “We are committed to investing in R&D to develop solutions that address emerging challenges and opportunities in food safety and quality assurance. A key aspect of our strategy is responding to the shift in retailer requirements towards x-ray technology for enhanced contaminant detection and product safety,” Kachroo affirmed. The company aims to strengthen partnerships across the industry to enhance product safety for all.

By participating in SnackEx 2024, Mettler-Toledo underscores its commitment to advancing the snack manufacturing sector through innovative technologies and collaborative efforts.