Expertise right down the line

KHS is sending out a clear signal to the North American market: at this year’s Pack Expo in Chicago, the filling and packaging specialist’s US subsidiary will be showcasing its range of dynamic and innovative products. From October 18 to 21, the focus will be on pioneering technologies that provide precise answers to the current ecological and economic challenges of the regional beverage industry.

The North American market is developing at speed – the demand for maximum flexibility coupled with lower resource consumption is higher than ever, claims David Darbant, CSO of KHS USA. ‘In the modern beverage industry, the whole package counts more than ever before: packaging systems must balance efficiency, flexibility, sustainability and cost pressure.’

On its stand, KHS will be highlighting the interconnected line concept. The turnkey supplier will show how coordinated high performance technologies smoothly dovetail with one another to effortlessly meet demanding market requirements such as sustainable use of materials and maximum increases in efficiency.

One prime example of this integrated approach is KHS’ futureproof Plasmax barrier technology. In this process, PET bottles are given a wafer thin, glass like interior coating that perfectly protects oxygen sensitive products, extending their shelf lives by a factor of up to ten. Beverage producers thus profit from the vast weight benefits of PET without having to compromise on product quality. As a result, production line capacities can be more evenly utilized throughout the season, productivity can be increased and product loss from expired best-before dates avoided. This system also greatly benefits the circular economy, as the bottles remain 100% recyclable.

The KHS portfolio also includes its innovative Nature MultiPack. This packaging system joins beverage cans or PET containers together using nothing more than a few strategically placed dots of adhesive and a convenient carrying handle to form a stable yet easy to handle pack. Compared to conventional secondary packaging, this technology reduces the quantity of consumables needed by up to 85%. Despite the greatly minimised use of material, the pack remains extremely robust – and not only gives consumers full carrying convenience but also enables them to easily share a drink or two with friends.

KHS USA’s extensive portfolio of services establishes a foundation for futureproof production. To specifically help customers qualify their workforce, the mechanical engineering company has set up its Virtual Training Centre (VTC). With the help of the digital learning platform, operators and engineers can access practical expert knowledge and best practice examples.

KHS ConnectApp marks a further milestone when it comes to transparent production processes. The application collates all relevant machine information and technical documentation and provides secure direct access to service resources and operative support. This gives line operators maximum transparency, noticeably shorter response times and a reliable basis upon which to plan workforce assignment in the long term.

By focusing on intuitive digital tools and user friendly machine designs, the company is catering for one of the most pressing challenges of the North American market: the acute shortage of skilled workers. Standardised operating concepts, self-explanatory graphic user interfaces and software assisted troubleshooting cut the amount of training required for new personnel down to a minimum and prevent costly downtime.

In view of ever stricter legislation governing extended producer responsibility (EPR) and tougher packaging regulations, in the USA material efficiency and weight reduction are gaining hugely in significance. With over 150 years of innovative experience in its core areas of expertise, namely blow moulding, filling, labelling and packaging, KHS helps its clientele to harmonise sustainability and cost- ffectiveness throughout the entire value chain.

‘KHS resolutely invests in its local production, logistics and service infrastructure to maximise parts availability and the overall performance of customer lines,’ emphasised David Darbant. ‘With our in-depth technical expertise and consistent mindset, we create cooperative partnerships on an equal footing and generate long-term added value on the North American market.’’

The KHS Group will be presenting its systems and solutions on S-2114 at Pack Expo.