Brima: Pack packaging machines, ongoing innovation in vegetable handling
For the innovative development of the packaging systems BrimaPack is nominated for Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2014 with the “Extended shelf life packaging for Broccoli”.
Broccoli extended shelf life packaging consists of two unique elements BrimaFilm AF and NicePack packing systems.
The new BrimaFilm AF has been exclusively developed to increase the shelf life of Broccoli and other Brassicas such as Cauliflower, Cabbage... The Extension of the shelf life is at least 5 – 8 days (at 18 degrees centigrade). This reached in a natural way by creating an optimal atmosphere for Broccoli storage and display. The Anti fogging characteristics and packing design further enhance the fresh produce image.
The film is optimized for Broccoli, without expensive perforation, without adding any chemicals or gasses and without substances applied in the film in order to absorb ethylene released from the product.
The substantial reduction of packaging cost, as well as an improved product image and taste lead to lower distribution and recall costs.
BrimaFilm AF is specially developed to be used on the comapy's unique VePack 200-PHBR packing machine. Film is available in three different widths: 550, 600 and 650 mm. So it can be used for all sizes of broccoli in the different weight classes. Similar results on shelf life extension have been reached with Cauliflower.
The company's state of the art, self propelled harvesting and packaging systems are favoured by large growers in Northern Europe. Over the years the company has gathered a solid know-how in development, production and implementation of customer oriented solutions in the agricultural and food industry all over the world. The machines are used in the warehouses and directly in the open field. Brazilian heat and drought, as well as the cold and wet English climate cannot harm the systems. Some even operate 7 days per week and 24 hours per day.
The range covers a wide group; from harvesting rigs, packaging machines and grading lines including all logistics solutions.
BrimaPack is specialised in packaging of the single, products such as: Iceberg lettuce, Broccoli, Cabbage, Melons, etc.
For these products two different series of packaging machines have been developed: StretchPack; the VePack S machine series for Stretch film, and NicePack; the VePack P machine series, for CPP type films.
The advantage of the both machines is that the produce is wrapped and closed in the packaging film without use of further materials such as punnets or clips.
The StretchPack is mainly used for packaging of the Broccoli, Cauliflower, (China) Cabbage… StretchPack guarantees the highest possible packing quality and product visibility at the lowest film costs. With a single packing machine one person can realize the same output as 5 people packing by hand. At the same time shelf life and film costs do not change. The machines can be used stand alone, or can be integrated in a complete logistic solution. The capacity of the single machine is up to 1250 heads per hour. The overall performance of complete solutions depends on the number of integrated individual machines.
The NicePack was originally designed for Iceberg Lettuce. Because of machine and special film developments, the systems now can also be used for the packaging of Broccoli, Cauliflower, Melons and other fruit & vegetables.
The new (CPP) packaging film has been developed for the optimal use of machines and for a longer shelf life.
The products which have been packed in the NicePack have an innovative packing design: closed but breathable, a tight packing with a seal at the butt.
With one NicePack up to 1000 products per hour can be packed. By using of multiple machines, the system output can be multiplied.
Thanks to the ridged design of the NicePack, the machines can operate inside a packing facility or can be mounted on self propelled harvesting machines to harvest, grade, pack and label the produce directly in the field, which makes our machines unique in the world.
Range of the NicePack series exists of various models and types; manually operated or with horizontal or vertical in feed systems which automatically feed the produce into the packaging machines. For Broccoli and Melons there are dedicated models.
The most cost effective way of packing Iceberg Lettuce is to do it directly in the field. For this BrimaPack has developed the modular VePack 200-PRV machine with a vertical in feed system. At field level the workers cut & clean the lettuce and place it in the in feed system. The produce is then transported to the packing units.
These solutions however are not suitable for small/midsize growers.
To be able to serve these growers BrimaPack has developed a new harvesting system, type Rover. The new, agile, and compact Rover concept will be introduced at Fruit Logistica 2014.
The maximum capacity is up to 3,000 heads/hour.
What makes the system unique is that the drive system while harvesting is fully electric. After completion of the harvest the system can be folded in less than 15 minutes and towed to the next field as one compact trailer unit.
BrimaPack will be presented at the Fruit Logistica 2014 in Hall 3.1, Booth B-05.
For more information::
BrimaPack BV
Ron van de Pavert
M +31 (0) 653 923 417
T +31 (0) 315 640 731
Email: info@brimapack.com
www.brimapack.com