In terms of packaging and plant technology, the global fruit sector is currently undergoing a comprehensive structural change. Greater efficiency and higher cycle rates, as well as sustainability, are particularly important.
"In view of the difficult market conditions and high production costs, it is all the more important to make production processes efficient and to increase volumes accordingly - goals that can only be achieved by investing in automation and post-harvest technology," says S&B Verpackungsmaschinen Ltd, part of the Sorma Group and responsible for sales in southern Germany.
At the last Fruit Logistica, the Sorma Group presented several new solutions on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, such as the CP810 VW5 weighing machine, which was specially designed for the preparation and packaging of TOVs. The line helps its operator to fill the partially pre-filled tray, looking for the best possible combination to reach the minimum weight requested by the customer.
"With a cycle rate around 60 trays per minute, it does the work of about 6 employees, which again is almost unique in the market."
The CP810 VW5 weighing machine
AI guarantees detection of external and internal defects
In addition to this, the launch of the Sormatech M optical sorter for the market-oriented sorting of mangoes and avocados has recently taken place. The sorting system checks the external quality and ripeness of the exotic fruit at an increased speed of 15 12 fruits/second compared to the average cycle rate of 12 fruits/second of the proven solutions on the market.
In addition, Sorma has managed to develop InstanDefect-AI, a ground breaking software process based on artificial intelligence and deep learning systems. The respective employee can flexibly access quality samples and add new parameters based on them, he said. "Thus, the machine is instructed, so to speak. External as well as internal defects can be better detected, which ultimately contributes significantly to optimized quality control and better quality."
S&B CEO Thomas Carta at Potato Europe 2022. The company is part of the Sorma Group and is responsible for sales in southern Germany.
S&B and Sorma are also working to meet the increasing demand for packaging with no or reduced plastic content by providing the appropriate plant technology. With the latest solutions, it is already possible to change packaging formats flexibly without having to purchase an additional machine. The Sormapeel line for net bags has also forced a breakthrough, he said.
"Compared to the standard bag, the plastic content of our solution is 40 percent lower and it also comes with an FSC-certified paper sleeve. As an alternative to plastic, we also offer our customers a variable-format Sormapaper line, which can be used to package a wide variety of products in mesh bags made of fully recyclable cellulose and FSC paper."
Sorma Group's trade show presence at last year's Fruit Logistica was completely dedicated to its anniversary.
Efficiency, labor savings and quality standards
"With our solutions, we aim to meet the need for efficiency, labor savings and quality standardization," they continue. "Accordingly, we offer both individual processes designed specifically for certain products and versatile complete solutions that can be flexibly adapted to numerous products. It is important to us that medium-sized companies can also increase their competitiveness thanks to our solutions, by reducing their labor costs and increasing their throughput volumes in the very first season after their investment, which has an immediate impact."
Optimism in uncertain times
As an international industry supplier, the entire Sorma Group of course also faces the current adversities, such as the Ukraine war and subsequent inflation. However, the latest macroeconomic data point to an averting of the recession in the U.S. as well as the EU, the company emphasizes.
"If inflationary pressures begin to ease again, we may soon see a recovery in the markets and, consequently, in the consumption of fruits and vegetables. There are a lot of uncertain factors in our industry. However, compared to the situation about six months ago, we are in a good position, which is why we are cautiously optimistic about the future."
Images. S&B / Sorma
For more information:
Thomas Carta
S&B Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
Industriestr. 27
D-63674 Altenstadt
Tel.: +49/6047/9637-0
Fax: +49/6047/9637-70
t.carta@sbsorma.de
www.sbsorma.de
https://sormagroup.com/en/