Packaging manufacturers Ilapak have released a weighing machine designed to combat waste by using “softer handling' gear.
According to anti-waste campaigners Wrap, 100,000 tonnes of fresh fruit and veg are wasted during the manufacturing process each year, around 11 per cent of the total manufacturing food waste figure.
Ilapak’s Weightronic 1200 SF can switch between different products, and uses “special Soft Fill” design features, with low drop heights for weighing buckets, to prevent bruising the fruit and veg.
Tony McDonald, director of sales and marketing at Ilapak said: “Many retailers are removing loose fruit and veg due to shoppers rummaging through trays to select the ‘best’ looking produce, leading to higher spoilage and waste.
“Consequently, fresh produce packers are seeking systems that integrate a gentler weighing and a filling line that can accommodate different retail tray configurations, for example, four apples, six jacket potatoes or a twin pack of kiwi fruits.”
The machine’s versatility also means that users can manage multiple product lines on one machine.
“Rather than being limited to one product type, the Weightronic 1200 SF enables manufacturers to widen their packing operations and flex to seasonal fresh produce demands,” adds McDonald.
