Sensitive dairy drive: GEA Procomac’s big push at Interpack 2014

27-Apr-2014 - Last updated on 29-Apr-2014 at 11:32 GMT

GEA Procomac's ABF Blow Fill (the ABF 4C on show at Interpack is GEA's ultraclean version)

GEA Procomac insists its main focus at Interpack 2014 will be sensitive dairy products, with machines and packaging on show designed to handle milks, milk-based drinks, drinkable yogurt and probiotics.

The company says that consumer demand for convenience, taste and high nutritional value has led to it developing innovations at Interpack such as its White & Safe bottles.

Designed specifically for ESL and UHT milk applications, these bottles feature light barrier additive concentrations; GEA Procomac will also promote filling valves for liquid dairy filling – for drinks both with and without particulates.

Ultra-lightweight PET designs

Two Extended Shelf Life (ESL) filling machines are also slated for launch at Interpack this year – the Integrated Blow Fill ABF 4C and the WhiteBloc.

The ABF 4C blows PET bottles from decontaminated preforms then fills them at low, medium or high speeds (depending on the application), and is suited to screw cap or alufoil closures.

Pre-form pre-sterilisation means that bottles do not suffer from deformation or shrinkage, so creative, ultra-lightweight designs can be produced.

Show comes at ‘perfect time’ for GEA Procomac

The WhiteBloc system works with HDPE and PET ready-formed bottles, and along with ABF 4C uses GEA Procomac’s ‘Clean Box’ design, which surrounds the filling bloc to improve hygiene.

Valentina Manelli, GEA Procomac spokeswoman, told BeverageDaily.com: “The beverage market worldwide is growing and the demand for sensitive dairy products is growing fastest of all.

“The Interpack exhibition is arriving at the perfect time to disclose to the dairy industry the GEA Procomac new range of equipment which has been specifically designed for this peculiar sector.

Asked why Interpack was important within the context of GEA Procomac’s show calendar, Manelli added: “This exhibition is the most important worldwide event for all the manufacturers of any kind of packaging equipment for the dairy and food industry.”