Airtight shelf appeal: Ulma launches flow wrapper for modified atmosphere cheese packs
14 Jul 2021 --- Ulma has added a new model of flow-pack packaging machine with side-sealing and shrink wrap film to its catalog. Called Artic SS C, the new flow wrapper is designed for cheese portions in modified atmosphere packaging for direct sale to consumers.
Typically, flow-pack machines require lengthwise and crosswise seals on the cutting side. Arctic SS C replaces these with seals in the same place as the cheese rind, giving the end product a “more visually pleasing” appearance.
Opting out of lengthwise and crosswise seals also avoids the risk of leakage, which counters food waste. The launch follows Ulma’s introduction of a new wrapping machine for vacuum-wrapping meat and cheese products in June.
Meanwhile, demand for cheese packaging remains strong. The USDA Economic Research Service highlights that US dairy consumption has hit a “rate never seen before,” driven by strong domestic demand for cheese.
Environmental and branding benefits
Ulma affirms its entire packaging process is designed to optimize the packaging’s wrapping material, reducing the shrink wrap film’s thickness to 21 microns.
Eliminating lengthwise and crosswise seals also frees up space for labels, such as cover perforations, easy-open labels and on-pack promotions.
In June, Ulma also launched a new automatic vacuum-wrapping machine for meat and cheese called FV 55 SD.
The machines come with a forming mold, which adapts to the size of each portion. When the portions are wrapped in film and the packaging has been sealed, they are passed through a hot air shrink tunnel, which gives the packaged product an “exceptional final appearance,” Ulma maintains.
Ulma has considerable experience in removing excess air from food packaging, as evidenced by its vacuum-sealed cereal packs, presented in May.
Vacuum sealing and thermoforming technologies continue to gather speed, with Amcor, Ishida Europe, Multivac and GEA also unveiling advanced solutions.
By Anni Schleicher
