Matters of hygiene and sustainability are becoming increasingly important, and not just in times of global epidemics. At this year's interpack (now postponed until February 2021), Gamma-Wopla and Smart-Flow were to focus on their smart and sustainable hygiene packaging solutions. With their robust, recyclable, space-saving and easy-to-clean plastic boxes and pallets, the Belgian sister companies are demonstrating how the highest hygiene requirements and environmental compatibility during transport and storage are not mutually exclusive, but can be combined with each other.
The trade fair representatives of Gamma-Wopla: Michaël Cibois, Aleksandar Petrovic and Michael Do provided information at the stand at Fruit Logistica 2020.
"The hygiene pallets SF800 HYG and SF1000 HYG from Smart-Flow meet the highest hygiene requirements of the EU standard DIN plus, were developed for use in sterile and antibacterial environments and are particularly suitable for the food, food processing and pharmaceutical industries," said a company spokesperson. They are injection moulded from virgin polyethylene in Mouscron, Belgium, and are 100% recycled at the end of their useful life and used as material for the production of pallets and boxes.
"SF800 HYG and SF1000 HYG have a closed upper and lower deck and the surfaces of the pallets are free of foreign objects, splinters and other processing defects. Dust, water or other liquids roll off the smooth and grooveless surfaces and dirt residues are prevented. In addition to this, they are resistant to washing and disinfectants and can be sterilised at short-term temperatures of up to 90° Celsius. They are cold- and heat-resistant for the temperature-controlled transport of sensitive goods and their special robustness enables permanent and sustainable reusability."
The pallet variants equiped with higher edges allow the goods or containers to be transported in a particularly stable and non-slip manner. Rounded and reinforced corners, as well as bracing, ensure safe handling. "Since pallets made of plastic are considerably lighter than the wooden variants, this also means a considerable physical relief for the employees during storage and transport."
In addition to Smart-Flow's hygiene pallets, sister company Gamma-Wopla offers a wide range of hygienic plastic containers, because the boxes are made of pure, brand-new plastic and they meet the highest standards of the food and pharmaceutical industry. "The same applies to the waterproof Gamma-Wopla containers: they can be cleaned hygienically without great effort and are suitable for numerous circulations."
Complete solution: Pallets, boxes and lids, all from Gamma-Wopla / Smart-Flow.
As an example, she cites the new plastic box P-6422: "The intelligent product design, with as few grooves and perforations as possible, is designed to meet the special needs of the agricultural and food industry, and the goods are thus better protected against possible contamination." This foldable, lockable, reinforced box was developed for a Swiss retail customer who needs it for the safe transport of vegetables, fruit and other food products between the distribution center and the retailer. The floor also has a 1 centimetre high safety area for collecting liquids. This way, the stacked plastic boxes remain protected from possible contamination."
Made to to customer requirements: Denner box with raised hinges to prevent leakage.
"Thanks to the space-saving height of the folded box of 31 mm, a cost saving of 85 percent (which means an additional filling quantity of 1,200 boxes per truck load) can be achieved during transport. The reduced weight also ensures that fewer trucks are on the road and CO2 emissions can be reduced."
For more information:
Michaël Cibois
Gamma-Wopla nv
Rue de la Royenne 78
7700 Mouscron
Belgium
Tel: +32 56 85 20 85
michael.cibois@smart-flow.com