interpack 2023: unpacking the future of automation with PMMI
tna solutions will showcase its processing and packaging solutions for food manufacturers at booth C56 & D56, Hall 14, via a fully functioning virtual factory that enables remote planning, scoping and testing of production lines, reducing carbon footprint and downtime.
Also, for the first time in Europe, tna will be exhibiting the latest iteration of its flagship vertical form fill and seal (VFFS) packaging system, the tna robag 3e, complemented by the tna auto-splice 3. Combined, this ‘Perfect Pair’ can increase production uptime by up to 5% with only a 200mm increase in overall floor space.
tna’s proprietary sustainability calculator will also be available for visitors to assess how the use of single-serration jaws on VFFS packaging systems can help to reduce film consumption and enhance sustainability credentials.
“Our purpose is to help our customers to realise ambitious sustainability goals and create a greener, more prosperous world,” said Nadia Taylor, co-founder and director at tna solutions. “To cater for the growing aspirations of both brands and individuals towards a circular economy, we are very proud to apply our diverse capabilities and food industry experience to create solutions that improve the environmental footprint of manufacturing operations.”
The tna sustainability corner will also showcase the capabilities of the tna robag to run a range of industry compliant sustainable film materials. It also demonstrates an integrated line for snack producers featuring the aforementioned tna robag 3e, and the tna auto-splice 3 with EtherCAT real-time protocol and an integrated display controller system.
The latest software relays information from the tna checkweigher or from the product in-seal inspection to inform operators on the optimal weighing bucket configuration for prompt troubleshooting, significantly reducing rejects, product and material waste. As a result, snack manufacturers can now produce up to 2,800 more bags per line per day with minimal downtime and only 200 millimetres added to the VFFS system footprint.
tna experts will guide visitors through possible changes that can drive meaningful improvements in reducing environmental impact, such as the tna robag 3e, which lowers product waste levels to 0.1%, and offers a more efficient, sustainable packaging operation. With the world’s smallest VFFS footprint, the system delivers energy savings of up to 20% thanks to its enhanced productivity and intuitive power saving software, which automatically shuts the system down when not in use.
To further support snack producers on their sustainability journey, tna will showcase single-serration jaws that help to reduce the consumption of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), a recyclable but non-biodegradable material. The sustainability calculator, available throughout the show, allows snack producers to evaluate potential film savings. For example, single-serration jaws enable a 5-millimetre material saving per seal. On VFFS systems that produce 150 bags per minute, these savings translate into 2.26 million bags per month. In a factory of 10 packaging lines, operating at least 12 hours a day, it results in almost 390 kilometres of film saved a month.
“As demand for energy-efficient and sustainable operations continues to grow, our customers are seeking solutions to measure and manage the environmental impact of their production plants,” comments Eric Geling, chief sales officer at tna solutions. “We at tna believe that what is good for the environment can also be good for the bottom line. Reducing energy, waste and streamlining processing inevitably has a positive impact on product yield and line efficiency.”
Sustainability is high on tna’s agenda and is a key area on display at the stand. As a responsible processing and packaging solutions supplier, tna always has a firm eye on the trends that continue to shape the future. Visitors to the booth will have a chance to understand how tna can help them to take full advantage of the latest technological advancements, software upgrades and sustainable material options.
