Tampa, FL (October 23, 2024) -- Signode, a leading global manufacturer of a broad range of transit packaging equipment, tools, consumables, automation and support solutions, is highlighting new equipment and industry-leading technologies at PACK EXPO International 2024. Held at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois from November 3-6, visitors to booth S-3100 will have the opportunity to see live equipment demonstrations and explore the latest additions to the expansive Signode portfolio of end-of-line transit packaging solutions.

“At PACK EXPO 2024, we are excited to demonstrate how innovation drives every aspect of our end-of-line packaging solutions, from automated equipment to packaging consumables,” said Mike Wolf, Senior Director of Signode Technologies. “The new solutions we’re introducing at the show highlight our commitment to creating easy-to-use, adaptable systems that align with the evolving challenges facing today’s manufacturers.”

New Innovative Products Highlights at PACK EXPO
For the first time at PACK EXPO, Signode will debut several new innovations in its portfolio of plastic strapping solutions including equipment, tools and consumables. Representatives will be on site to demonstrate how these advancements can add efficiency and improved productivity to your unique operation. 

Among these innovations is the fully automated SGP-5330 strapping bundler. The latest addition to the SGP series, it expands on the capabilities of its predecessor, now offering a smart touchscreen HMI and advanced IoT integration for real-time equipment monitoring and proactive maintenance.

Live Integrated Solution Demonstrations
Signode will also host live demonstrations of an integrated packaging system featuring the new GCU-3 strapping unitizer and the fully automatic Octopus® S Series stretch wrapping machine - a combination that streamlines end-of-line operations while improving load integrity throughout the distribution cycle. Equipped with up to six modular heads for enhanced flexibility and maximum throughput, the GCU-3 uses sensitive compression and variable head tension to enable the strapping of highly delicate loads. The Octopus S Series uses an “S” wrap pattern to optimize load containment and minimize film usage, enabling it to wrap up over 100 loads per hour.

The integrated demo will also incorporate custom protective packaging through Signode Engineered Solutions, such as leading Multi-Wall^TM, PDM^TM and Reddi-Pac^TM brands. Lightweight, durable, and fully customizable, Signode’s turn-key packaging solutions aim to improve output, minimize waste, and maximize efficiency for the most demanding jobs.

Signode will also be running live demos of its fully customizable Simplimatic® Robotic Palletizing Systems and Simpli-flex® Conveying Systems. Engineered for ultimate versatility, these systems provide flexible options for loading single or multiple pallets, with both multi-axis and collaborative configurations that adapt to a variety of product lines. Integrating a Simpli-flex conveyor system upstream in your operation helps set the stage for a continuous flow of materials throughout each phase of the distribution cycle, enhancing overall throughput and operational efficiency.

Signode’s comprehensive approach is further strengthened by a diverse portfolio of protective packaging, dunnage, and transit packaging solutions, all designed to elevate our customers' operations and reinforce our commitment to their ongoing success. These and all Signode offerings are backed by industry-leading service and support. Customizing solutions to meet transit packaging needs, Signode has expanded its offering to include total support through its Packaging Plus Reliability Services programs, leveraging IoT capabilities for remote monitoring and service, alongside on-site support from the Customer Experience Center in Roselle, IL. 

To learn more about Signode and the benefits of long-term partnership, visit Booth S-3100 at PACK EXPO, or visit www.signode.com.

More than ever before, consumers are paying more attention to the labels of the foods they are purchasing. Starting January 1, 2026, most prepackaged foods sold in Canada will be required to display a front-of-package (FOP) symbol that will help shoppers to identify products that meet or exceed thresholds for saturated fats, sugars and sodium.

Key points of interest:

• The Front-of-Pack (FOP) nutrition labelling regulation was introduced in 2022 by Health Canada as part of amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR).
• Impacted prepackaged foods include deli meats, soups, frozen meals and desserts, puddings, salad dressings, cereals and more.
• There are some exceptions, including whole or cut vegetables and fruits, select dairy products and foods with a healthy fat profile.
• The FOP nutrition symbol, presented in both English and French, includes a magnifying glass and will complement the Nutrition Facts table on the back of the package.

NSF, a leading public health and safety organization, is leading efforts to help Canadian businesses navigate the new regulation. Our support services include product reformulation, package label reviews and label redesign. On October 29 at 1PM ET, NSF will host a free webinar to explain the new regulation in depth.

"This regulation is the first of its kind for our nation and will impact thousands of food businesses," says Michelle Anstey, Regulatory Affairs Manager at NSF. "Though the Front-of-Pack symbol will not be required until January 1, 2026, many businesses are already adapting to the new regulation in order to meet production timelines and ensure on-time compliance."

TAUNTON, MA – Harpak-ULMA, a leading provider of smart, connected packaging solutions, has announced a strategic U.S and Canadian distribution agreement with Cabinplant to partner for its sales, services and support for the company’s renowned multihead fixed-weight packaging solutions. Cabinplant provides innovative, efficient, and tailored food processing solutions capable of managing the entire pre-packaging process; from initial bulk product distribution to product feeding and highly accurate portioning and weighing for fresh, frozen or processed meat, poultry, dairy, seafood, fruits, vegetables, convenience foods – and even pet food – packaging processes. Combining Cabinplant’s capabilities with Harpak-ULMA’s existing slate of smart, connected packaging platforms, automation, package design, accredited training, and national support network results in one of the most comprehensive, modular portfolios of integrated, automated food packaging solutions available from a single vendor today in this region.

“Expanding our solution footprint to embrace more units of production for a customer makes a lot of sense because it lifts the burden of interoperability from the buyer”, commented Kevin Roach, Harpak-ULMA CEO. “A single, automated pre-integrated solution reduces the risk and time typically associated with patching together technology from multiple vendors.  Not only that, but it also eliminates onsite testing iterations, improves machine performance, simplifies diagnostics, and streamlines the entire planning, install and startup process to deliver optimized production sooner. That translates into faster time to market, better ROI, and faster payback than more complex, multi-vendor solutions – on top of the return customers realize by implementing more efficient and accurate fixed weight packaging automation.”

The agreement significantly increases the range of automation and packaging combinations available to Harpak-ULMA’s served markets. Cabinplant’s North American customer base gains access to pre-integrated Harpak-ULMA packaging platforms as well as the company’s extended services offerings such as package design, Harpak-ULMA [training] Academy, and OEE monitoring, plus an extensive North American support services and parts supply operation.

The value of multihead weighing is derived from a combination of automated pre-packaging product processing, distribution and feeding, highly accurate portioning, and dramatically lower manual labor costs.  Lars Ryholl, Cabinplant CEO commented, “Delivering food products at a fixed weight without automation poses significant challenges due to the natural variability in product size and yield management complexities. Traditional, manually intensive packaging processes are notoriously inefficient and costly, both in terms of labor and product “give-away” which can run up to 5-6% of packaging yield. Cabinplant’s Solutions ensures the customer the lowest give-away on the market — which is substantial in terms of profit optimization, not to mention the significant labor savings.”

In keeping with Harpak-ULMA’s philosophy of delivering smart, connected packaging solutions, Cabinplant’s solutions will be pre-integrated to allow for seamless plug-and-play connectivity with the company’s existing automation and packaging platforms. A consistent digital thread across production enables real-time packaging visibility, exposing key information to advanced manufacturing software applications designed to drive production performance improvements. Harpak-ULMA’s OEE monitoring and Augmented Reality Solutions will expand to include the Cabinplant line. In addition to ensuring seamless connectivity with its own automation equipment, the company plans to offer open, pre-configured integration compatible with virtually any vendor's packaging equipment. Integrated systems are not only easier to operate and maintain, but they also improve overall solution modularity, elevating Producer flexibility, thus improving their ability to meet evolving retailer and market demands.

Roach added, “We’re thrilled to welcome Cabinplant to our family of packaging platforms and automation solutions.  It’s a value-add play for both existing and prospective customers. We are particularly excited by the variety of feeding and weighing configuration options they create for our tray seal, thermoformer, vertical form fill/seal, flow wrap and carton solutions. That kind of customizable, modular packaging approach is very much in line with how we see the market evolving across every one of the industries we serve. We believe that the ability to deliver highly accurate, automated portioning is very much in demand, not only in case-ready applications, butin fresh or frozen prepared foods and packaged meats or seafood. The fact that their accuracy is so good as to all but eliminate product giveaway, will turn a lot of heads.”

For more information about the new Cabinplant Solutions and Harpak-ULMA's ongoing commitment to innovative, modular and smart packaging solutions, visit https://www.harpak-ulma.com/weighing-loading-portioning-equipmentor call (508) 884-2500.

EASTLAKE, OH – October 21, 2024 – JBT Corporation’s Bevcorp, a leader in beverage filling technology, proudly announces the launch of its latest innovation, the REVolution™ EV Filler. This state-of-the-art rotary EV filler represents a significant advancement in beverage filling technology, offering unparalleled precision, efficiency and versatility.

The REVolution™ EV Filler marks a new era in JBT Bevcorp's product offerings, incorporating a new-concept, pressurized product distribution manifold with a simplified, sectioned design. This innovative design allows JBT Bevcorp to streamline the manufacturing process, eliminating the need to rebuild or salvage tanks from legacy equipment. The REVolution™ EV Filler features an updated method for opening and shutting valves, with the entire filling cycle controlled and monitored by computer. This results in lowered energy use, more accurate fills, reduced foaming and increased yields, enhancing both product quality and production efficiency.

"Our new REVolution™ EV Filler is a game-changer for the beverage industry," said Cezary Mroz, Director of Technology at JBT Corporation. "By leveraging advanced EV technology and our proprietary MicrO2 Blender, we will have the capability of achieving ambient fills, which significantly improves energy efficiency, sustainability and flavor retention. This innovation not only benefits traditional carbonated beverages but also expands our capabilities to accurately fill other beverages like juices, with unsurpassed speed and reliability."

A standout feature of the REVolution™ EV Filler is the REV™ Drop-in-Drive, a patent-pending sub-system that allows the servo drive and starwheel assembly to be lifted from its column as a single assembly by loosening only a few bolts. This modular design allows for easier maintenance and quicker repairs. Additionally, REV™ ID, another patent-pending JBT Bevcorp innovation, plays a crucial role in monitoring, predicting and managing the life expectancy of machine parts. When the machine is stopped, the system writes to the embedded RFID tags, providing detailed information on the remaining life expectancy and the number of cans processed, ensuring precise tracking of the part's lifecycle. This data can be accessed at the part level, and customers are notified of the remaining life of each part.

"The REV™ Drop-in-Drive system exemplifies our commitment to customer convenience and operational efficiency," added Todd Hagopian, General Manager at JBT Bevcorp. "Customers can have a spare assembly ready to be placed into service, reducing downtime from hours to mere minutes. The commonality of the drives also means a single spare can be used across multiple systems, streamlining inventory management. Repaired REV™ Drop-in-Drive assemblies can then become the universal spares, extending the life of all REV™ Drop-in-Drives and improving operational reliability."

The REVolution™ EV Filler features the REV™ Hygienic Base, a design that harmonizes components across JBT Bevcorp's filler frames. This supports the stocking of pre-manufactured bases and promotes shorter delivery times. The REV™ Hygienic Base also incorporates the patent-pending REV™ Drop-in Drive System which in addition to its functional advantages, has a patent-pending distance adjustment that speeds installation and changeover.

Additionally, this new base design eliminates unhygienic horizontal surfaces below the product line and distributes weight and forces more evenly, reducing the overall machine weight.

Moreover, the REVolution™ EV Filler boasts an advanced traceability system (REV™ ID) for critical components, including the dispensing nozzle that are capable of being individually addressed and tracked. When paired with an appropriate coding system, individual products can be coded to include information allowing an individual container to be tracked all the way back to the valve that filled it, along with the standard batching information that is typically traced. This is particularly valuable for applications in the nutraceutical space, where product traceability is critical. JBT Bevcorp's REVolution™ EV Filler is set to redefine beverage-filling technology standards, offering advantages in precision, efficiency and versatility.

The JBT Bevcorp team will be available for on-site interviews at PACK EXPO in Chicago from Sunday, November 3rd to Wednesday, November 6th in the JBT booth, LU-7115. Further, JBT Bevcorp will be presenting on the PMMI Innovation Stage on Tuesday, November 5th at 10 a.m. where they will be discussing The Sustainability Benefits of Ambient Fills For Carbonated Beverages. This advanced REVolution™ EV Filler is projected to be available to customers in 2025. For more information, please visit www.Bevcorp.com or contact Bevcorp's sales team at sales@Bevcorp.com.