Maxco Supply Inc. has announced in a press statement the release of its new Micro Flute, Tri-Wall Container, which is said to be stronger, lighter and more eco-friendly.
For four decades, Maxco has been an innovator in packaging design and manufacturing for the agricultural industry, and claims this “ground-breaking” new product is no exception.
The bliss wrap will be a 7-ply sheet using an NEE flute configuration and the ends will be manufactured by laminating two triple wall EBB sheets together, which will allow Maxco to further increase the sustainability of the carton by reducing basis weight by using lighter weight liners and mediums, while increasing stacking strength and performance in cold storage conditions.
“Lightweight liners and Micro Flutes are common in Europe, but we have not been able to locate anyone globally that has created a Micro Flute, Tri-Wall Container,” said Max Flaming, Maxco president and CEO. “Our mission is to produce a grape container that reduces bottom sag, increases top to bottom performance, and will withstand long-term storage.”
Though known for its independent vision, Maxco’s Mark Flaming, vice-president of sales revealed that customer requests are what drive many of the company’s innovations.
“In addition to our core industries of tree fruit, grape and citrus, we are growing in the strawberry industry,” Mr Mark Flaming continued. “Our Micro Flute Container will work very well for grapes, and it also creates new packaging options that should enhance packing strawberries in various weather conditions.”
Joe Sepe, general manager, added: “We have produced prototype containers that exceed 5,000lbs top to bottom. Our previous containers did not exceed 3,500lbs top to bottom strength.”
“We are testing various combinations of lightweight liners and mediums to determine the optimum performance for this project. Water resistance and strength are what we are looking for in liners and mediums. We will not use wax impregnation, because we want a totally recyclable container. “
Another important characteristic of the new Tri-Wall configuration is the smooth exterior created by using micro flutes, which virtually eliminate flute lines, allowing for cleaner, brighter graphics and printing to grab consumers’ attention.
To take advantage of the new Tri-Wall material, Maxco is installing a new 7-color die cutter and printer with both UV and flexographic printing in all 7 stations, as well as dryers in all stations.
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