The company’s patented ZERO Technology tools are designed for manufacturers hoping to transition their packaging to more eco-conscious materials, such as PET, PP and PLA.
Suitable for IMA’s Erca, Hassia, and Intecma brands of form-fill-seal (FFS) machines, ZERO Technology utilizes a patented punch process providing cutting and precutting of PET, PP and PLA. This allows for easily breaking multipacks into individual units – a notoriously cumbersome process that has limited the use of eco-friendly, mono-material packaging materials in many applications.
ZERO Technology uses independent sleeves that allow cup design changes without the need to manufacture an entirely new thermoforming mold. The solution can be dismantled for hassle-free maintenance, which can extend the mold’s lifespan while maintaining peak performance.
Outfitting a formed cup with a PET lid and label creates a completely recyclable package. In addition, the use of transparent monomaterials makes the product visible to consumers, enchancing on-shelf aesthetics.
Other equipment in the ZERO Technology range includes special pre-heating plates, which can be dismantled for simple maintenance. Additional material savings can be realized by using special thermoforming molds that allow the use of thinner materials.
“As consumer expectations and regional regulations change, manufacturers are confronted with a growing demand for more environmentally friendly, sustainable packaging solutions,” said Patrick Carroll, president of IMA Dairy & Food USA.
“The ZERO Technology tooling range helps overcome certain manufacturing challenges that have historically limited the number of applications for which monomaterial packaging can be utilized. The result is an expanded range of items that can be packaged with reduced environment footprints.”