Jan Strijbos, Prins Verpakkingstechniek: "In the entire vegetable sector, but particularly for potatoes, we see the demand for beautiful and luxurious packaging grow. We see that Belgium has a head start on The Netherlands with regard to packaging. To anticipate this trend, we have the MBG 300 for two years already. This is a pre-made pouch machine, that fills a pre-shaped bag and then closes. The material can be paper, foil, or paper laminate with or without perforation. The machine is suited to process all kinds of models and materials. The advantage is the use of a pre-shaped bag is a much better end result. The manner of treatment is also better for the quality of the product."
Evo-serie
Prins Verpakkingstechniek is present at the coming Interpom Primeurs in Kortrijk, and will, beside the MBG 300, also demonstrate a packing machine from the Evo-serie. Jan: "We noticed there was a demand from the sector for physical smaller machines that work with roll foil. It is a machine with a low drop distance, which is important in processing potatoes. The Evo-serie is an economic investment, easy for small companies to begin with. This one is easier to adjust because of its size, and is better suited for making short runs." Both machines can be used for other products beside potatoes.
Paper laminate
Strijbos: "Beside the growing demand for beautiful and luxurious packaging, we also see a trend in paper laminate packaging. It is difficult to turn a roll of paper laminate into beautiful bags. If you have pre-made packaging of paper laminate, the bag will be much more beautiful than when made from a roll. We also see that environmental friendly is hot, and that people want to be rid of plastic, but end users do not always realize the advantages of plastic. Plastic can extend the shelf life of a product, and a short shelf life is also harmful to the environment. A completely paper packaging is difficult, particularly when potatoes are still a bit moist. In the packaging industry, we have to find a good balance in the use of materials and the taxation of the environment."
Prins Verpakkingstechniek supplies, besides packaging machines, also complete systems including weigh equipment and entire engineering. Jan: "We supply the complete project management from dosing to boxing. If possible, we supply the primary packaging as one package. A packaging machine often comes together with dosing equipment, and our strength is offering the entire package, and tailoring it to the wishes of the customer.