Syntegon: seamless innovations for biscuit and snack packaging at PackEx India

At PackEx India, visitors can look forward to several trade show firsts by Syntegon: from August 28 to 30, the company will present versatile systems for the packaging of bakery products and low-density snacks (LDS) in Mumbai – from distribution to primary packaging. Two solutions are displayed for the first time at an Indian trade show: with the SVL 2310 Twin, Syntegon highlights its expertise in the vertical bagging of potato chips, while the Pack 301 LS with Smart Duplex Measuring Loader (SDML) ensures horizontal flow wrapping of biscuits, sandwich-style biscuits, cookies, and crackers. The well-established Pack 201 HS horizontal flow wrapper also on show further includes the company’s paper-ON-form retrofit kit, allowing manufacturers to process paper-based and film packaging seamlessly on one system. “Syntegon stands for easily scalable, comprehensive, and sustainable solutions for the efficient packaging of a wide variety of snacks,” says Nilesh Vedak, managing director of Syntegon Technology India. “In combination with our broad maintenance, modernization, and training offers, we provide a full-service approach for the successful production of top-selling food products in India and worldwide.”

Gentle packaging of delicate goods

When it comes to handling and packaging fragile low-density snacks, there is no way around the SVL 2310 Twin with a multi-head weigher: the solution, which Syntegon revealed for the first time during an inhouse event in Verna in late 2023, supports brand owners in achieving efficient yet gentle operations. Thanks to its compact design, the machine ensures lower drop heights. “This way, delicate products like potato chips remain intact during packaging for unadulterated enjoyment,” explains Nilesh Vedak. The SVL 2310 can bag up to 105 packages per minute. Its versatile sealing system contributes to efficient production processes: it effectively seals PET, metalized PET, and BOPP (bi-axially oriented polypropylene) on one platform, sparing manufacturers time-consuming changeovers. As a twin version of the SVL 2310 platform, the machine comes with a reduced footprint, allowing to operate multiple machines on the same floor space. The machine further only requires a single operator, supporting snacks manufacturers in efficiently using personnel resources.

On edge: high-output flow wrapping

Besides LDS, gentle handling also plays a crucial role in packaging biscuits on edge (BOE). Biscuits on edge form compact slugs that can be easily flow-wrapped. For this task, Syntegon’s Pack 301 LS is the equipment of choice: it supports gentle handling and increased output thanks to its newly developed Smart Duplex Measuring Loader (SDML). Its dual drop feature allows to drop two slugs at a time. The servo-controlled mechanism ensures that the slugs reach the packaging area in perfect condition, avoiding product breakage. “We take care to offer solutions that maintain high product quality of biscuits at all times. The Smart Duplex Measuring Loader is our latest development in this regard, helping our customers live up to the highest quality standards during biscuit handling and packaging,” Nilesh Vedak explains. Just like the SVL 2310, the Pack 301 LS stands for high output, flow-wrapping up to 250 packs per minute of round, square, or rectangular biscuits or crackers on edge.

Paper packaging on the rise

Regulations, consumer preferences, and changing market standards require food manufacturers in India to adopt sustainable packaging strategies to lessen their environmental impact. Acting in an ecologically sound way impacts the choice of packaging material, with options like paper-based variants taking center stage. Syntegon therefore offers a practical solution to run multiple packaging materials, including laminates and barrier paper, on existing systems: the “paper-ON-form” forming shoulder for horizontal flow wrappers allows brand owners to process paper without damaging the special material, ensuring tight seals just like for regular film. “Our retrofit kit supports time-efficient changeovers between different packaging materials, paving the companies’ way to seamless processes all along,” says Nilesh Vedak.

Decades-long service expertise

When it comes to modernization and maintenance, Syntegon is a name in its own right: over decades, the company has built an extensive Service portfolio that helps system users keep their equipment – and operators – up to date. “Syntegon’s Service includes spare part management, maintenance, and operator trainings, all of which are available in different packages at fixed prices,” Nilesh Vedak points out. These Service Agreements provide the foundation for effective equipment and maintenance management. Seven dedicated levels help customers reduce production risks, gain predictability on Service costs, and simplify complex processes, enabling them to focus on their core business. With each level, the scope of services covered increases – from basic service, including inspection and remote service, to guaranteed production performance of the machines.