Ishida Europe has launched a new portable version of its
pioneering Strip Pack Applicator system, which produces ready-to
display hanging strips of pillow packs for retail display.
The Portable Strip Pack Applicator (P-SPA) is a compact, space
saving and value for money model, which makes it ideal for contract
packing and retail operations as well as snack, confectionery and
other food manufacturers. Its portability enables the machine
to be easily moved to different packing stations.
The P-SPA heat seals the top of each pack to Ishida's patented
strip tape.
The temperature, attachment pressure and placement are fully
adjustable to ensure that different size and weight bags are
attached consistently to the tape, with enough resistance to
prevent them from becoming detached during the packing and
distribution process while still being easy to remove by consumers.
To maintain pack integrity, the top of the bag is folded
over before being affixed to the strip, so that the pressure when
removing the bag does not damage the bag seal.
Another unique feature of the Ishida design is that when a pack
is removed from the tape, an adhesive layer is exposed on the
Ishida strip tape. This allows a pack to be simply re-attached (by
the consumer or store staff) to the strip, a useful feature in
retail outlets when customers change their minds about a
purchase.
The Ishida Strip-tape's reel format offers the flexibility for
individual strips to be of varying lengths to hold different
numbers of packs (typically 6, 10 or 12). Also, the spacing of the
packs on the strip can be adjusted depending on pack design and bag
size, to ensure that they can be presented to their best advantage
in the store. An extended length of tape at the top of each strip
can also be created to allow for additional merchandising or
pricing information to be included. Up to ten settings can be
stored in the P-SPA's memory for easy call-up at the touch of a
button.
In addition, the Ishida strip tape does not require bags to have
a hole or a Euro-slot, thus freeing food manufacturers and packers
from having to specify bagmakers with these facilities.
The P-SPA also delivers environmental benefits as the weight of
the strip is only 3.8g compared to the typical 17g for traditional
plastic strips, thereby greatly reducing the weight of packaging
and the amount sent to landfill.
The P-SPA operation is very simple so operators can be trained
on the machine in under one hour. Once familiar with the machine
and its operation, a typical packer should be able to handle up to
about 50 bags (or 5 strips of 10 bags) a minute.
Strip-packs are an excellent format for impulse purchases and
because they do not take up shelf space, they provide the ideal
opportunity for a product to gain a first retail listing. They can
also be used for special promotions or placed strategically next to
complementary items in any part of the supermarket, for example
snacks next to the beer section. Such benefits mean that a
correctly merchandised strip can deliver up to 30% increase in
sales.