Packaging Machinery - News, Technology and Reviews

New innovations in chocolate packaging are being introduced at a rapid pace to capture a greater market share in the confectioneries industry. Improved packaging that ensures the preservation of the chocolate in the best condition possible is an important key to boost sales.

Machinery and Technology

Continuous research and development is leading to consistent technological advancements in chocolate packaging machinery. The primary attributes of efficient equipments are technological capabilities, requirements of labor, safety standards, maintenance costs, and serviceability and capital cost.

Other parameters such as adaptability into the packaging process, and fuel efficiency are also assigned considerable importance while evaluating such machinery.

Chocolate packaging machinery used comprise of the following types:

• Vertical form, fill and seal machines.
• Case and tray forming machines.
• Wrapping machines.
• Product labeling and marking machines.
• Inspection and weight checking machines.
• Conveying and accumulating equipment.

A majority of the world’s leading chocolate brands use advanced versions of the initial packaging systems which is the vertical form, fill, seal, pouches, and horizontal flow wrappers.

The first prototypes of these machines have been improved upon by equipping them with additional features like:

• Versatile bag forming unit.
• Picture centering capability on the pack by a photo-mark.
• Thermal printer.
• Discharge conveyor.
• Safety sensors.

Therefore, instead of using different packaging units, modern technology has allowed the integration of the various packaging units. This has lead to cost efficiency and higher output resulting in increased sales.

Chocolate Packaging Materials

The packaging material used in chocolates play an essential role in preserving the quality of the product. Chocolate packaging materials consists of numerous types:

• Oriented Polypropylene film- a transparent film with moisture and fat barrier.
• Pearly-zed Oriented Polypropylene film or cogitated core - an opaque material which is mainly used for bar wraps as it possesses the stiffness of glassine.
• Vacuum Metalized Polypropylene film which has increased moisture barrier and a metallic-like appearance primarily used in pouches.
• Thin aluminum foil used for packing chocolate.
• Engraved and embellished metal containers for holding larger quantities of chocolate.
• Moralized paper and cardboard cartons used for merchandising chocolate boxes.

In today’s world, refined aesthetics of packaging and greater preservative capabilities helps to gain the edge over competitors. Alternative packaging materials are being increasingly used like:

• Plastic vials with internal moisture scavengers to preserve sugar-shell-coated chocolates.
• Table-top paperboard cartons.
• Formed aluminum in which the package also acts as a mold.