« September 2006 Table of Contents 
Equipment Focus: Packaging
Vacuum-packing capabilities answer demand for fresh, safe seafood attractively presented
September 01, 2006
Freshness is consumers' No. 1 concern when it comes to
buying seafood (see SFB's Retail Survey, page 20). And
packaging plays a key role
in ensuring a safe and wholesome
product, whether it's case-ready fillets or bulk packs of IQF
shrimp. The packaging industry has developed high-tech
processes and materials to extend shelf life with modified- and
controlled-atmosphere packaging and shrink wraps that can be
printed with colorful graphics to add visual appeal. Here's a
sampling of state-of-the-art packaging options for fresh,
frozen and prepared seafood.
Cryovac's case-ready
packs ensure freshness
The Cryovac Food Packaging Division of Sealed Air Corp.,
known for introducing Bubble Wrap® in 1960, has added
case-ready options to its line of fresh fish packaging. Cryovac
modified-atmosphere-packaging systems feature Avery Dennison
TT Sensor™ time-temperature indicators to let retailers know if
a product has experienced temperature abuse. Once activated,
the TT Sensor™ changes color from yellow to pink at a
pre-determined rate based on temperature
exposure. To further
enhance the
appeal of MAP case-ready seafood, Sealed Air
introduced Cryovac® Multi-Loc™ absorbent pads. Made of
non-woven material on both sides, the pads provide an
absorbent, slide-resistant solution for single fillets in the
seafood case. They also absorb purge. Multi-Loc™ pads are
available in black or white and in a range of custom sizes to
fit the footprint of the tray. Cryovac's 10K OTR Darfresh®
vacuum-skin package for fresh and frozen fish and shrimp meets
Food and Drug Administration oxygen-permeability standards
and its skintight fit prevents
surface dehydration and freezer
burn. This enables processors and retailers to employ a
freeze-and-slack-out
option. The package is leak-resistant,
prevents product purge and minimizes the risk of cross
contamination. Darfresh® package allows an unobstructed view of
the product before purchase and is ideal for marinated or
pre-seasoned fish.
Cryovac/Sealed Air
Duncan, S.C.
(800) 846-3456
www.cryovac.com
OKI retools automatic
packaging systems
The OKI Group manufactures and installs complete bulk
packing
lines and bag/pouch handling
systems for fresh and
frozen seafood. The com pany has redesigned its integrated
Packaging Automation Systems, including the Supersealer SS2
hot air bag sealer for seafood. The SS2's stainless- steel
construction, advanced airflow and push-button controls ensure
performance in demanding applications. The low-maintenance unit
is
also completely washable. The Supersealer SS2 withstands
cold and wet environments and creates a tight seal every
time.
OKI also redesigned its Superformer series stainless-steel
case erectors and bottom tapers. These compact, in-line
machines are supplied with a low-level, easy-load, powered case
magazine with low-case and no-case alarms, an electronic
case-squaring system and taping heads with low-tape and no-tape
alarms. With the user-friendly Superformer, operators can
accomplish a three-dimensional size change in about one minute,
making the machine suitable for very short production runs.
OK International Corp.
Marlborough, Ma ss.
(877) OKI-CORP
www.okcorp.com
Multivac offers full
vac-pack solution
Multivac, whose North American headquarters is in Kansas
City, Mo., offers consultation, technical design, sales,
distribution and service for a full line of packaging systems.
The company is now offering incentive pricing for its versatile
B400 and B500 vacuum chamber systems together with its SE130
steam shrink tunnels as a complete packaging solution. The
combination provides an economical and efficient packaging
line. Ideal for a wide range of large-volume vacuum-pouch and
shrink-bag applications, the B400 and B500 belted chamber
systems are height-adjustable, equipped with biactive
water-cooled seal bars and are wash-down hygienic. The SE130
shrink tunnels enable users to save up to 65 percent on power
and water consumption by recirculating heat and steam.
Multivac also offers its horizontal thermoform fill-seal
(TFFS) machinery integrated with Ircon MAXLINE®
two-thermal-seal inspection technology. The systems combine
Multivac's industry-leading rollstock packaging technology with
Ircon's thermal imaging and monitoring capabilities, enabling
high-speed packaging and 100 percent non-destructive seal
inspection without slowing production, lowering the likelihood
of customers receiving out-of-spec items.
Multivac
Kansas City, Mo.
(800) 800-8552
www.multivac.com
Robbie launches
shrink polyolefin bags
Robbie Manufacturing has produced perforating film for
wrapping food and other products since 1970. With a
state-of-the-art facility of more than 94,000 square feet,
Robbie is a leader in printed shrink films, bags and pouches
for demanding applications used by supermarkets and food
processors.
Robbie's new PromoBag® shrink polyolefin bag is an
all-plastic alternative to paperboard sleeves or film and
labels. PromoBag® offers a larger printable area and is lower
in cost and labor than paperboard sleeves. The leak-resistant
package can be printed with 10-color line or process print for
a quality photographic presentation of your product, ideal for
fresh or frozen seafood and prepared foods. Printing is
available on all sides of the package. Bags are leak-resistant,
so they remain attractive in the case, and have a durable seal
that prevents tampering.
Robbie Manufacturing Lenexa, Kan.
(800) 255-6328
www.robbiemfg.com
Rollstock vac-pack units
reliable, affordable
Rollstock offers low-priced, fully
automatic machines for
modified-
atmosphere and controlled-atmosphere packaging. MAP
and CAP technology inhibits bacterial growth and oxidative
rancidity by removing O2 and reduces weight loss from
dehydration. Manufactured in the United States, Rollstock®
vacuum packaging machines come in a variety of web widths, from
285 mm to 459 mm. They feature programmable PLC controls with
readable diagnostics and a vacuum leak-check program. The
guided chain system's automatic tensioning reduces stretch and
wear. Dies are manufactured from solid-aluminum block and
lifted by a triple-knee lever system, driven by a 4-inch air
cylinder with variable height control. Included are training
and a one-year or 1-million-cycle warranty. Available
accessories include flying or guillotine cross-cut knife
systems, hole punching, photo electric registration, code
dating, auto labeling and gas flushing for CAP or MAP.
The RZ-200 Zipper Packaging Machine is designed for seafood
products that require a reclosable package. A proven, simple
zipper system developed by Pro-Pac Services is built into the
Rollstock machine, making most parts interchangeable. At 18
feet, it is less than half the length of most zipper machines.
Starting at $189,000, the RZ-200 is also about half the
cost.
Rollstock
Kansas City, Mo.
(888) 314-2152
www.rollstock.com
Scott's BOSS machines
handle jobs of all sizes
S cott Process Equipment and Controls is the only North
American supplier of German-
engineered BOSS vacuum-packaging
machines. Scott provides three standard types of rugged, stain-
less-steel vac-pak units,
all with optional gas flush. The
tabletop model is a space-saver for operations producing small
to medium-sized packages. It features a
single- or double-seal
bar. Standalones are designed for medium-scale operations and
have wheels for easy maneuvera-
bility. Also equipped with a
single- or double-seal bar, these can vac-pak one to two
packages at a time. The double chamber model handles large
packages requiring quick lead time and features double-seal
bars. Scott also provides BOSS vacuum packaging lines that
include conveyors, dip tanks and drying stations. Machines also
can be made to customer specifications.
Scott Process Equipment and Controls
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
(905) 607-5507
www.scottpec.com