SEALPAC: “Further automation of packaging lines to be a major topic”
EuroMeatNews: How was the year 2017 for SEALPAC in terms of business development and what challenges do you expect from 2018?
Martijn Scheffers: In terms of turnover, 2017 was our best year ever. After several years of economic crisis, the markets across the globe are running at full speed again, although there are always exceptions due to specific circumstances. With the amount of orders on the rise, our biggest challenge will probably be to maintain our fast delivery times, but we are well prepared.
EMN: How do you think digitalization and automation will influence the packaging industry?
MS: Further automation of packaging lines will be a major topic in almost any market segment. Robot loading of products, for example, allows for a considerable increase in output and enhances hygiene. Now that the possibilities for robots to handle sensitive and precious food items are improving, complete lines solutions are in strong demand. We already see a significant growth in the sales of full line solutions, where our traysealers and thermoformers are combined with slicers, fillers, denesters or lidding systems. Naturally, this leads to an increased demand for line control. It is not uncommon these days to see factory managers check the line results on their smartphone or laptop, wherever they are. Therefore, our packaging equipment is prepared for integration in such line control software.
EMN: What consumer trends do you think will influence the equipment market for the meat industry?
MS: We see three important trends influencing the industry: reduction of food waste, sustainability and convenience. In order to reduce food waste, more and more food manufacturers add portion-packaging to their portfolio. By packaging products in separately sealed portions, optimal freshness is maintained and less food is thrown away. To address the consumer demand for increased sustainability, most retailers are searching for new packaging systems or sustainable packaging materials, such as cardboard or 100% recyclable plastic. These need to be reliably processed on our traysealers and thermoformers. In terms of convenience, consumers want ready meals and snacks that are not only securely packaged, easy to open, but also very easy to prepare. This leads to a growing demand for no-touch cooking of food in microwavable or ovenable packaging.
EMN: In what direction is industrial food packaging heading?
MS: Predominantly towards environmental-friendly packaging materials or less packaging, improved traceability and further automation in the loading area.
EMN: What is SEALPAC's concept for the exhibition Anuga FoodTec?
MS: Road to Retail: we support our customers in developing tailor-made packaging solutions that make an impression on the retail shelves.
EMN: With what innovation will you surprize the meat industry this year at Anuga FoodTec?
MS: We expect a major response to our new FlatSkin® solution. This revolutionary skin packaging system combines prolonged shelf life with a highly attractive presentation and sustainable use of materials. The FlatSkin® system uses a cardboard carrier, which can be printed on both sides. Each carrier is coated with a polymeric protective layer that provides stability to the cardboard and forms a barrier against grease, moisture and oxygen. A highly transparent barrier skin film fixates the product directly onto its flat support, which allows for excellent vertical presentation. More specific, we use our unmatched OnTrayCut system to minimize film consumption while maximizing the presentation value on the retail shelves. A peel tab simplifies the opening of the skin pack. After taking out the product, the thin polymeric layer is easily removed from the cardboard to allow for separate disposal. That is why FlatSkin® convinces in terms of sustainability. The system is suitable for a wide range of product segments. Whether sausages, cheese, fresh meat, poultry, seafood or vegetarian foods – this revolutionary vacuum packaging will turn any product into a highlight at retail.
EMN: What will be the main challenges for meat packaging in the years to come? Can you give us an overview on the packaging trends for 2018?
MS: We do see an increase in product diversity, where especially mixtures of different types of sliced meat or cheese in one consumer pack are gaining popularity.
EMN: What do you think are the main trends regarding the technology for the meat industry for 2018?
MS: We will see less and less people working on the production lines.
EMN: What will be the main challenges for the packaging market in the years to come?
MS: Further reduction of packaging materials while safeguarding both the efficiency of the packaging process and the protective function and presentation of food packaging.
EMN: What kind of strategy has SEALPAC for its after sales services? How important is your support for your customers?
MS: Sales support is probably the most important aspect of our business. Our customers cannot afford to have downtime on their production lines, as it would jeopardize their deliveries. Therefore, in each country, SEALPAC appoints carefully selected distributors that are capable of providing local advice, training and after sales service to our customers. If necessary, in addition to the on-site technical support by the distributor, SEALPAC will provide remote digital analyses and assistance, like we have been doing for many years already.
EMN: Which are the biggest markets for your company and which are the markets do you think will see a significant development in the next period?
MS: We currently see the ready meal and convenience segments growing everywhere around the globe. Geographically, SEALPAC has always been very strong in Europe, but today also countries like Japan and South Korea represent a big part of our success.
EMN: What are the company's latest investments and what are we to expect from SEALPAC in the future? Any plans for mergers and acquisitions?
MS: There are no mergers or acquisitions planned, but SEALPAC is certainly investing to facilitate existing and future growth. More information will follow soon...
EMN: What are your main objectives for this year and how do you see Sealpac in the next years?
MS: We recently started our first sales activities in South America. For the coming years, we expect to further invest in geographical expansion of our business.
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