Author: Ron Crews

If you’re in the business of packaging goods into bags or packages, chances are you are always looking for ways to make your packaging line work harder for you and get more done in less time. If you’ve optimized most of the line in your workplace but still want more results, it may be time to consider adding a bucket elevator to your packaging line. Bucket elevators are machines that haul bulk materials (often powders, grains, or similar products) vertically. They can move products from light to heavy, from fine to large pieces, making them ideal for a variety of different products across a range of different industries. Its main purpose is to carry materials from one place to the next, allowing for an efficient process of packaging.

How Can they Speed Up Packaging?

Bucket elevators work to transport materials from one place—for instance, the overall supply stores—to the next station in the packaging process, like the weigher or bagger. They speed up packaging by picking up a designated amount of product in each bucket, then conveying the product up an incline to the next piece of machinery. These help speed up the packaging process as you no longer have to measure out each batch of product, and you also don’t have to worry about wasting product, since bucket elevators are meant to be used with products such as floury or small-sized bulk materials (cement, grits, sand, etc.) as well as coarse, highly abrasive materials—heavy-duty bucket elevators can transport pieces of material up to 120mm in size. In essence, they optimize the way that the products are handled, minimize waste, and ensure speedy delivery to the next packaging machine in the line.

Types of Bucket Elevators

There are a variety of different bucket elevators that are used for different types of materials. For example, there are high-capacity belt bucket elevators, heavy-duty bucket elevators, chain bucket elevators, and high capacity chain bucket elevators. These different machines offer the option of high conveying heights (greater than 175 meters, depending on the type of machine and material), are resistant to wear and to abrasive materials, and make the process of transporting bulk material quicker and easier. At High Performance Packaging, we are proud to offer our customers an array of bucket elevators from some of the industry’s top brand names, such as:

• Kamflex
• Key Technologies
• Meyer
• Unitrak
• Smalley
• FMC Food Tech
• Allen Systems
• Deamco

Purchasing used equipment is an ideal way to add top quality machinery to your packaging process without going over your company’s budget.

Contact High Performance Packaging today to learn more about the variety of used bucket elevators available for your packaging line.

Produce is one of the first food groups people think of when food packaging is mentioned. Fruits and vegetables are difficult to keep fresh unless you have the correct materials and know about proper storage.

Produce Packaging Needs

Organic foods have been increasing in popularity over the last two decades. Experts believe that between 2013 and 2018, the market for organic foods will rise an additional 14 percent. However, foods grown free of preservatives and without genetic assistance have shorter shelf lives and can lose taste more easily during transportation. They have less fungal and bacterial resistance, which can cause mold to form before products even arrive at stores.

Packaging needs to address these concerns—some of which are airborne. Plastic containers may prevent new microorganisms from compromising food products, but unless they are tightly-sealed in a vacuumed package, microorganisms are locked in with the food when sealed.

Packaging and transportation also have to meet USDA standards. Currently, there are 166 standards for 86 different kinds of produce and related food commodities. These standards check for decay, defects, dirt and contamination, firmness of the product, size, color and other qualifications based on produce type.

Sustainable Packaging

High Performance Packaging excels at meeting food transportation needs. We use a cold pasteurization technique that utilizes extremely high hydrostatic pressure. The pressure is applied over a short period of time. The procedure is environmentally friendly, does not change the nature of the food or add additional chemicals, and prolongs the lifespan of produce and the essential vitamins within the food.

The high pressure kills bacteria with an effectiveness usually reserved for high temperatures and chemicals. However, chemicals compromise the organic label and are unsafe for consumers, and high temperatures can break down food quality.

The HPP process also extends extra convenience to consumers. Ready-to-eat meals can be stored with greater freshness, and produce will last longer in the fridge, lowering the money spent each month on rotten or spoiled food.

The High Performance Packaging Advantage

The goal of High Performance Packaging is to work with food producers to meet the rising demand for nutritious and organic foods that lack additives and stay fresh for taste. For more information on how we can help with your food packaging needs, please contact us today.

If you are reading this from your computer, there is a good chance your cell phone is sitting next to the keyboard. If you live in the United States, there is a 56 percent chance your home includes a gaming console. In Britain, that number rises to 80 percent. Electronics are ubiquitous. They pervade every aspect of our daily lives.

Electronics are also delicate. Shipping and protecting electronics requires taking many different factors into account. To deliver the perfect package, all those specifications need to be addressed.

• Theft Protection. Quality packaging is not just about shipping. Retailers that offer electronics enjoy additional packaging protections because video games, SD cards and cameras are small and easy to steal. Without cumbersome packaging, they lay flat against your chest. Some retailers require magnetic strips or other alarm-compliant features. Meeting with the retailer to understand their needs is the best way to responsibly address their approach to theft protection.

• Double Over. Double over packaging is the practice of placing a box within a box. This will protect the most sensitive devices. The first box should be packed tightly to correct product shifts in transit.

• Protect the On Button. A tablet or phone that turns on during an airplane flight will generate a lot of heat. Excessive heat on a long flight may lead to a shorted product or a cabin fire.

• Follow Safety Regulations. Items shipping internationally are subject to a variety of packaging laws, especially with more volatile products like batteries. Ensure total compliance with the laws for a successful transit.

• Shield Electronics. Changes in temperature, air pressure and humidity can seriously damage electronics. Static electricity can easily build with enough friction and air pressure changes. Airtight packaging protects against oxidation in humid climates and provides dust protection from loose particles that can compromise device efficiency. Some electronics are light-sensitive, but with opaque, sealed packaging, most environmental problems can be eliminated.

High Performance Packaging works closely with clients to meet their needs by utilizing MultiVac methods in innovative ways. They have shielded packaging for electronics and offer theft protection and package tracking so clients can safely deliver their products.

Providing employees with comprehensive training is more than a great way to boost your bottom line. It is true that you will likely enjoy increased productivity and higher profit margins by adequately training your employees, but it is also vital for safety. Workers who haven’t been trained on industrial machinery may make mistakes that could cost a company time and lead to legal action. An ounce of training is worth the expense when considering how much it can save in the end.

Tips for Training

Because of the expense of the product, it’s important to weigh your pros and cons. Here are some tips for packaging equipment training to make the most out of your packaging process.

1. Onsite vs. classroom – Offering onsite training classes can often be far more beneficial than a classroom setting with documentation. Practical knowledge is what will drive competence and safety in the workplace. Ensure that all employees who will be working with a piece of equipment have a thorough understanding of its operation.
   
   Often, a combination classroom/onsite training class will be the best solution for your workers. The classroom will impart vital knowledge about equipment components, maintenance and safety procedures while an onsite demonstration will solidify that knowledge in trainee minds.

2. Cross training – Making sure your manufacturing employees have a good understanding of several business processes protects the integrity of line times. If you can manipulate your line workers for different tasks, management won’t have to worry as much if someone has a sick day or is injured on the job. There will likely be someone available who can take over and continue.

3. Metrics – When you begin any packaging equipment training program, make sure that you have some base numbers that you can compare after the training program. The only way to continually improve your process and become more efficient is to repeatedly analyze and change.

4. Train your trainers – Your workers will only be as qualified as your trainers, so making sure that your trainers know your processes, equipment and training techniques will ensure that your workers receive the information needed for working.

High Performance Packaging offers a complete onsite training program to improve work processes and protect your bottom line.