Pack Expo 2014 post-show round up

3M, Karlville partner to simplify multipack production

By Heidi Parsons

- Last updated on GMT

The Multipack Solution from 3M and Karlville uses tape instead of shrink wrap, reducing packaging waste.
The Multipack Solution from 3M and Karlville uses tape instead of shrink wrap, reducing packaging waste.
3M has introduced a system that allows manufacturers of food products and other consumer packaged goods to create product multipacks without using shrink wrap or manual pack outs.

In the US, multipacks are most often sold in wholesale club and warehouse stores such as Costco and Sam's Club, as well as discount stores and baked goods outlet shops.

3M_Karlville_Multipack_taping_machine_PackExpo_2014
Karlville's CEFMA-brand entry-level product bundling machine.

The Multipack  unites 3M’s Scotch Multipack Tape with one of two CEFMA-brand packaging machines, manufactured by Karlville Machinery Group.

The system bundles two or more individual packages into a brand owner’s choice of configurations, including stacked, side-by-side, upright and custom.

The entry-level machine, which is loaded manually, can produce 10-12 packs per minute.

William Gwynn, Karlville’s commercial director, said the inline machine can produce 20-60 packs per minute, depending on whether it is loaded manually or automatically.

Firm yet gentle

Both machines use Scotch Multipack Tape (no. 694), which may be custom-printed with a branded message or left clear to let the primary package’s brand message show through.

Both tape formats leverage adhesive technology similar to that used to create Post-It notes, said Mark Dussel, marketing manager for 3M’s US bundling, reinforcing and diversified products. He added, the tape can be repositioned or removed without damaging the primary packaging — even on products as fragile as loaves of bread.

The system uses far less material than shrink wrap (up to 50% less), reducing costs for the manufacturer and waste for the end-user, Dussel said.

In addition, Karlville’s Gwynn told FoodProductionDaily the CEFMA machines are energy-efficient, easy to run, and more easily integrated into production lines than typical shrink-wrapping equipment.

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