Van Genechten supports new eco cartons with multipack machine launch

The new machine is being launched by VG Automation, which is part of the Van Genechten Packaging Group – the largest independent folding carton producers in Europe. Click on the video below to view the machine in action.

VG Automation decided to build the new VG ComPack because of continued interest in its previous generation multipack machine and to support the commercial development of the newly developed Eco Plus Pack.

Dirk van den Driessche, managing director of VG Automation, told DairyReporter.com that clients liked the performance of the old machine. The new VG ComPack therefore retains many of the stand-out features of the old model including how it glued carton packs on top of yoghurt multipacks rather than the bottom. Van den Driessche said this system helps prevent yoghurts from falling out of the bottom and ensures that operators can check the seal.

In addition, the managing director said that like the last generation machine, the VG ComPack supports a wide variety of formats.

Designed for thermoformed tubs, the machine handles packs from 1x4 to 8x8 including 1x4, 2x3, 2x4, (1 level) and 4+4, 6+6, 8+8 (2 levels.) It can also be used for the classical standard pack, the Eco Pack and the newly developed Eco Plus Pack.

Eco Plus Pack ​

Compatibility with the new Eco Plus Pack was one of the main reasons for building the VG ComPack. Van den Driessche said the machine will showcase the carton innovation from Van Genechten Packaging and complement its commercial development.

The Eco Plus Pack reduces the surface of the carton used on multipacks by between 14 and 27 per cent depending on the format size. It achieves this reduction with an asymmetric design that cuts away at the material on the back of the carton while keeping the top and the front of the pack fully covered.

Van Genechten Packaging claims that the design slashes material use without compromising on security of packs or the space given over for communication with the customer.

In building the VG ComPack, resurrecting a popular multipack machine and making it compatible with the Eco Plus Pack was not the only priority. VG Automation also wanted to improve on existing designs and worked with France-based Lamart Groupe to share expertise and build the new machine.

Some of the highlight features of this work include a changeover time of less than 5 minutes, full automation, a smaller electricity box, and easy handling and maintenance. All areas of the machine can be reached with ease by an operator.

The VG ComPack can be tailored to the needs of clients, and with some adaption can be used for individual pots, Erca pots, and bottles.