A vertical form, fill and seal (VFFS) machine designed for packaging fresh produce, especially salads - the robag 3 320 single jaw, stainless steel VFFS machine - was on display at the tna stand in Berlin.

The machine is designed to offer efficient and gentle produce packaging, from bulk packaging to single-serving or bagged kits. The robag 3 320 is capable of bagging at speeds of 50bpm, with a reject level below three per cent. The non-stop rotary action of the robag 3’s rotary jaws compresses packaging film in a continuous motion using constant, unvarying pressure to form a consistent, bonded seal.

The resulting high-quality seal dramatically reduces reject levels and boosts sustained freshness, to maximise output and increase product shelf life.

“We developed this machine in the last 18 months, specifically for salad companies,” said sales manager James Hosford. “We currently have two installations in France and Spain, packing baby leaf and mixed leaves like spinach and rocket, and so far they are running successfully. They have a high speed and output, thus lower reject levels.”

tna has branched into the salad market in the last 18 months, in addition to its continued growth in the snacks and confectionery industries, according to Hosford. “tna is growing annually, selling more than 300 machines in the last financial year, and in order for this projected growth to continue, we need more markets - hence salads.

“One of the main advantages of this machine for the salad market is the quick film changeovers, which is very important for salad packers responding to differing orders,” he added.

The robag 3 is manufactured in Australia, but tna has sales offices all over the world, including Hosford’s base in Birmingham.