KHS develops new machine processing can toppers made of cardboard

In relation to the open topper solution, whilst still working very closely with Smurfit Kappa, KHS found it important to also find a solution that is independent of the blank manufacturer in order to offer its customers maximum flexibility and freedom when choosing their packaging materials suppliers. A range of freely selectable options is also available when it comes to processing. Accordingly, the new cardboard packer can be used for both standard and sleek can formats holding between 250 and 580 milliliters. The alternative to classic plastic film or plastic rings also manages various sizes of multipack containing four, six or eight containers.

Adhesive is not used during processing; the pack is kept stable by the punched and folded cardboard topper. “This means that the cardboard satisfies the highest demands for sustainability. It’s made of renewable raw materials and is fully recyclable and biodegradable,” says Storbeck. With this the KHS Group is once again pursuing its goal to close the materials loop in the interest of a circular economy. The packer also has extremely low energy consumption.

As an option, the CNP machine can be equipped with a camera-controlled orientation module. The advantage here according to KHS is that with the help of the module cans can be individually and precisely positioned within the pack. This gives beverage producers and retailers a number of clear benefits, especially in product marketing, says the company. The option of individual can alignment makes the brand more visible to consumers, heightening the product’s presence at the point of sale. The cardboard topper also provides extra space for advertising messages.

Although the Innopack Kisters CNP is a new development from KHS, it is based on proven technology. The first six meters of the machine, for example, are identical to the Innopack Nature MultiPack now established on the market. Moreover, the modular Carton Nature Packer can easily be integrated into existing lines. In order to ideally tailor the machine to individual requirements, KHS offers its customers and all other interested parties a comprehensive consultancy service – from planning through configuration to implementation of the system.

With its new development, KHS is consistently complying with its philosophy of offering its clients flexible machinery that can process an extremely broad spectrum of secondary packaging – in full accordance with the wishes and requirements of the bottler or canner. “Optimising our systems and saving on materials and energy as a result have long been among our core activities,” says Storbeck. “In the Carton Nature Packer we offer the beverage industry yet another system that’s fit for the future.”

For more information, visit: www.khs.com/en/media.