GEA presents the latest slicing and packaging technology innovations at a digital customer event

GEA is to offer its customers and interested parties a contemporary alternative to the traditional customer event from April 19 to 30, 2021. The international industrial technology group is hosting a series of digital events, which can be booked on demand and range from webinars and live discussions, to virtual demo experiences, all staged at different production sites. Expert talks on trends and developments in slicing and packaging, rounded out with market-specific content, will provide participants with in-depth insights.

In addition to spotlighting the latest technological advances in machinery, GEA will take a closer look at new ways to achieve more sustainable packaging solutions and discuss how food companies can make the most of service offerings as well as benefit from fully automated slicing and packaging lines. In this way, GEA is underscoring its position as a technology leader and manufacturer of future-proof solutions for its customers. Participating companies will not only be the first to learn more about the latest innovations but also be able to discuss specific topics online directly with the technology experts.

The sessions will cater to food manufacturers interested in thermoforming and vertical packaging as well as slicing & loading systems for meat, sausage, ham/bacon, cheese, frozen food and vegetables. What’s more, GEA will also delve into lollipop production as well as confectionery processing and packaging.

More details about the online events

The Spotlight Sessions at a glance

- In-depth webinars focusing on key, new products

- Option to request a private virtual or in-person session on site at the GEA technology centers

- Round table with GEA experts and a guest speaker on sustainability in packaging

- Innovations in slicing, e.g. the new GEA OptiSlicer 6000 and GEA OptiScanner 1200 scanner

- The new GEA PowerPak SKIN.50 thermoforming packaging machine

- A new fully automated slicing & packaging line solution with a new robot loading system, line

control and GEA SmartControl HMI

- Highlights in vertical packaging for the confectionery industry

- A detailed exploration of lollipop production

Machinery highlights

GEA OptiSlicer 6000 – optimising precision

The new GEA OptiSlicer 6000 brings together all the latest developments in slicing technology into one machine. This high-speed slicing machine is intended primarily for products with regular shapes, such as calibrated sausage, salami, cooked ham and cheese. The new slicer’s advantages include high-quality precision slicing and portioning, increased productivity, reduced downtime, easier maintenance and minimal total cost of operation.

GEA OptiScanner 1200 – innovative scanning that boosts yields

This pre-scanning system for products with log lengths of up to 1,200 mm increases yields, while keeping the giveaway percentage exceptionally low during slicing. Using parameters such as density distribution and the detection of any irregular outer contours as well as holes and undercuts inside the products, the system’s software calculates slice thickness and the number of slices per portion prior to processing in order to ensure that the portions fall within the target weight.

GEA PowerPak SKIN.50 – excellent package quality

With the new GEA PowerPak SKIN.50, GEA is expanding its portfolio of skin applications to include an option capable of packaging products with a height of up to 100 mm or a product protrusion of up to 50 mm. Thanks to an index length of up to 600 mm, the new PowerPak SKIN.50 offers increased capacity based on the die set configuration. The result is very high package quality with minimal risk of wrinkles forming, which makes the GEA solution very attractive to food producers.

Fully automatic GEA Slicing & Packaging Line Solution – peak performance from a single source

GEA is showcasing an automatic line concept that combines a high-speed slicer with an automatic pick & place robot loading system and the GEA PowerPak PLUS thermoformer. GEA’s automation expertise is further in evidence on equipment such as an integrated leakage detection unit and the new robot loader developed for sliced products. When combined with the optionally available line control, which grew out of GEA’s long-standing experience with automatic line solutions, and the highly innovative new GEA SmartControl human machine interface (HMI) for monitoring and controlling all line components, the GEA system offers customers the highest possible functionality and production liability.

SmartPacker CX400 D-ZIP – smart in every sense

This continuous motion vertical packaging machine creates resealable stand-up pouches for retail and food service. By eliminating the zipper material in the cross-seal, this revolutionary innovation reduces the amount of plastic required for the zipper by approximately 15 percent. The system features a new corner seal unit that simplifies setup and improves overall quality.

SmartPacker TwinTube – packaging simplified

Thanks to a combined production output of up to 500 bags per minute and a new reinforced modular design, the GEA SmartPacker TwinTube high-speed packing system delivers major productivity benefits as well as greater flexibility and operational efficiency. This plant boasts a small footprint and is purpose-designed for high-speed packing.

GEA solution lines for lollipop production

GEA production lines not only have a positive impact on production uptime, performance and safety but also further improve customer productivity. GEA will offer insights into its ball and flat lollipop line solutions as well as 3D solutions with additional coating options. Further innovations, such as label on stick and film that will benefit the product, production and business are also part of the lineup.