Range and Reliability in Powder Packaging: Nichrome

Powder packaging is not easy. Different powders come with their own challenges. Some are free flowing, others are not. Some, like flour, cause a dusty environment. Certain powders like agro-chemicals can turn explosive with certain gases and an electrical spark. Product changeovers can cause cross-contamination issues.

Then, different customers have different expectations. Some have limited floor space; some want multiple types of pouch formats and package quantities. Many demand versatility so the same machine can be used for varied products. Some plants do only small sachet packaging; others do bulk packaging. Few prefer Horizontal-Form-Fill-Seal (HFFS) machines while others like Vertical-Form-Fill-Seal (VFFS) technology.

Nichrome has an automated powder packaging solution to suit every need and challenge. As a reputed automatic filling machine manufacturer and experienced provider of integrated packaging solutions, Nichrome's technology expertise and indepth knowledge of different industries and applications. Nichrome offers a wide range of spice packaging machines, coffee packaging machines, tea packaging machines, pharmaceutical packaging machines and other powder filling machines. Nichrome can also customise and adapt solutions for specific requirements.

The Nichrome range for powder packaging includes:

Vertical-Form-Fill-Seal (VFFS) Machines

Excel 400 Plus Servo Auger: Easily integrated to upstream or downstream machines/systems this versatile machine offers many pouch formats and has an optimum bagger speed of 80 pouches per minute, depending on the pack size and product bulk density.

Sprint 250 Plus Servo Auger: Sprint 250 Plus Servo Auger: For pouch quantities up to 2 Kgs, Nichrome’s Sprint 250 Plus offers speed (up to 120 pouches per minute), accuracy and efficiency for flexible packaging of a wide variety of powders besides snacks & grains.

Maxima 200/400: With a compact design, Maxima 200/400 has a small footprint and produces single or perforated chain of pouches. A PLC-based control system and optional interface with PC & data processors make the Maxima 200/400 a favourite with powder manufacturers.

Horizontal-Form-Fill-Seal (VFFS) Machines

T Series: Nichrome offers HFFS packaging machines from Totpack, Spain. T110, T140 and T170 offer new generation linear technology with compact design. They offer a range of pouch formats with superior pouch aesthetics. Well designed duplex modules are available for higher outputs.

Multilane Machines

Multilane Stickpack with Multi Head Servo Auger: Packs free-flowing powders such as milk powder, coffee powder, salt, sugar, tea/coffee premixes in single-serve stick packs - popular among food chains, travel and hospitality industries.

Conclusion
For a comprehensive range of automated powder packaging machines, few can match the portfolio of Nichrome. Nichrome's powder filling machines are high speed, high performance machines providing accuracy, durability and dependable performance for years. They are easy to clean and maintain, offering versatility with easy changeover.  So if you need a packaging machine manufacturer with proven expertise in powder packaging, contact Nichrome today.

Nichrome Vertipack 320 for cost-efficient Pulses Packaging

In India, increasing population and growing use in the food processing industry are driving continuous growth in the pulses market. Pulses are a staple of the Indian diet, especially for a significant section of India's population which is vegetarian and relies on pulses for its source of protein. There is also a revived interest in pulses as they are considered healthier than wheat or rice flour, and are being used increasingly for making 'healthy' snacks, mithai, etc.

Pulses are marketed as a raw whole as well as dehusked split. For marketing of pulses, quality of product becomes of prime importance. Cleaned and well-graded whole grains fetch higher prices. For dehusked splits, better packaging is required to reduce post-milling losses and to increase acceptability of consumers.

Deterioration and losses of products, during transport and storage depend upon a series of physical, chemical, biological and human factors. Proper packaging is an important element in reducing losses.

Stand Up Pouches for Pulses, growing in popularity

While flexible packaging in general is the popular packaging for pulses, cereals and grains, the Stand Up Pouch has grabbed the attention of brands to better promote, protect, and drive sales of their products. From production to purchase, stand up pouches offer multiple benefits to both manufacturers and consumers.

The main benefits include:

Durability: Stand up pouches are prepared from extremely durable materials which cannot be crushed, damaged or smashed like glass, cardboard or paper can.

Protection: Stand up pouches offer excellent barrier properties, protecting the pulses from moisture, oxygen, light, odours, infestations, etc. and thereby improving shelf life. Puncture-resistant films can be used to safeguard your products during transport & warehousing.

Visibility: Through use of transparent pouches or window pouches, companies can let buyers see the contents of the pack, thereby inspiring confidence.

Branding: Through Rotogravure printing or flexographic printing, one can print bright colours and graphics to strengthen brand presentation and build strong visual appeal for sales.

Convenience: With add-ons like resealable closures, stand up pouches offer a better customer experience. You can choose from handles, spouts, tear notches, press-to-close, zip lock, etc. for added convenience.

Economy: Stand up pouches are cost-effective, low-weight packs that deliver substantial savings in distribution. You can store more packs in less space, and it takes less time, fuel and labour to transport it.

Excel Vertipack 320 for Stand Up Pouch Packaging

Excel Vertipack 320 is India's first vertical pouch packaging machine! Yet another versatile innovation from Nichrome, Excel Vertipack 320 has been developed for packaging pulses, grains and cereals besides dry fruits, snacks, pasta, etc. in a variety of stand up pouches with or without zipper.

With its high speed performance, sturdy design, online check weigher & metal detector, compatibility with multiple fillers, and a host of other features, Excel Vertipack 320 assures you robust performance with unmatched versatility.

Excel Vertipack 320 is a truly versatile automated packaging machine, with a wide range of both applications and pouch formats. Other than the stand up pouch, Excel Vertipack 320 packs in CSPP, Gusset, Gusset with D cut, 3-side seal pouch, Pentaseal and Quad Seal formats.

Depending on the pouch size and format, Excel Vertipack 320 delivers a bagger speed of 45-55 pouches per minute.

Main features

• Produces standee pouches with or without zipper.

• Flexibility to pack products in variety of pouch formats in short changeover.

• Produces pouches on one side/both side heat sealable packing material.

• Sturdy & versatile design.

• Pneumatically operated horizontal & vertical sealing system.

• Servo motor driven belt draw-off for paper pulling.

• Built in safety door guards with machine off interlock.

• Use of AC geared motor with VFD for paper & zip unwind.

• Optimized paper path.

• Aesthetically improved machine ensuring safety.

• Less operational cost due to reduced space, manpower &  energy consumption.

Optional Accessories

• Print mark scanner

• Date batch coder

• Inert gas flushing

• On line check weigher & metal detector

• Provision for zipper application

• Pouch take up conveyor

• Product feed conveyor

• Pin prick assembly

• Provision for bottom flap folding

• Platform for filler

• Manual dump arrangement with foot switch

Conclusion

Nichrome is India’s leading provider of integrated packaging solutions, offering automated packaging machines, filling systems and complete packaging systems. With over four decades of industry experience, Nichrome is powerfully positioned to design, manufacture and commission the best packaging solution for your needs.

For pulses packaging, Nichrome offers other HFFS and VFFS packaging machines such as Excel 400 Plus Intelligent Electronic Weigh Filler/Cup Filler, Sprint 250 Plus Intelligent Electronic Weigh Filler and Wing 200 E-Line Snack Pack.

Nichrome also offers integration of primary packaging machines into existing lines and secondary packaging solutions such as stacking & wrapping, bulk packing, HDPE bag filling, etc. Contact Nichrome for your pulses packaging – and ensure better sales for your product.

Choosing the Right Packaging for Your Product

Packaging plays a crucial role in marketing. It determines whether you attract customers or not, and therefore, has a direct impact on your sales. When choosing the right packaging for your product, consider the types of packaging materials available in the market.

Types of packaging material

The options include:

Flexible materials

Flexible plastic comes in many forms, shapes and variations, allowing for multiple types of customisation. It is sustainable, tough and lightweight compared to other packaging. Flexible plastic packaging are classified by the type of treatment, process or product requirement and come in different versions such as high barrier with aluminum, special material for heat treatment, modified atmosphere packaging and for hot-fill, etc.

Semi-rigid materials for vacuum-packing

This type provides a high degree of transparency and excellent preservation properties. It consists of coextrusions with a PA, PE or PP base, which can also incorporate a high barrier and peelability.

 Rigid materials

On the basis of raw material, rigid materials can be segmented into metal, glass, paper and plastic. They offer a tough and resistant option that is highly transparent and recyclable.

Given the plethora of packaging materials available in the market, how do you know which one is right for your product and business. There are some basic criteria to evaluate and decide:

Budget

Materials like glass look great but are expensive to manufacture and transport. It is also breakable. However, sometimes, for certain products, consumers are willing to pay for greater perceived value. Keeping such considerations in mind, you need to define your budget and then search the market for available options in your set price range.

Transportation

Every product requires a high level of protection to get from point A to point B. The journey from factory to consumer can be harmful, so you need a clear understanding of how your product travels. The distance and time taken, modes of transportation used, storage conditions at each step – knowing all this will help you choose a strong and durable packaging that ensures your product remains undamaged and un-contaminated in transit.

Branding

Often times, manufacturers choose packaging that is an extension of their branding. For instance, if your USP is the organic or vegan aspect, you may consider packaging made from recycled, eco-friendly material. Also, packaging should look attractive and appeal to consumers. Flexible packaging offers some advantages in this regard, as it offers excellent printing possibilities and larger space for branding which helps your product stand out on crowded retail shelves.

Package size & shape

Single sale, single-serve, multipack, bulk – your product probably comes in different sizes. You need a packaging material that can adapt to each size with consistency and versatility. Size and shape are important when it comes to shipping and distribution. You should try and find the most ergonomic, convenient and cost-effective shape and size – and select material that helps you achieve these goals.

Sustainability

It’s important that you choose materials that comply with industry regulations, minimize environmental pollution and offer long term sustainability. Flexible packaging and shrink films are lightweight so they are cheaper to ship than bulkier, heavier packaging. If you’re into e-commerce, you need to consider packaging options that protect your product in transit while being easy and safe to dispose of.

Further, automated packaging systems offer speed, minimize wastage and cost-efficiency that makes food packaging or pharma packaging more sustainable. It makes smart business sense to evaluate all the various materials available, and pick the most sustainable one.

Monitor your Nichrome packaging machine, from anywhere, any time

Nichrome’s packaging machines now come with a unique feature: Data-over-Internet. Just login from your phone or laptop anytime, anywhere – and access your Nichrome packaging machine.

With a view to enable constant monitoring of your automated packaging machine, Nichrome has developed the “data logger”. This smart monitoring system uses the IoT to put superior controls at your fingertips.

VFFS Machines Excel Plus Series Excel Plus Servo Auger

The logger includes sensors that are magnetically attached to the machinery. The sensors constantly measure key parameters and transmit the readings via Bluetooth to a central unit. Multiple users from different locations can access this single server to retrieve and update their data.

The main aim of the use of data logger is to ensure that valuable machinery and the process are constantly monitored. Each & every parameter of the machine can be monitored. Unexpected faults can be detected in real time, and with data generated by the data logger, customers can address the issue quickly to minimise damage and downtime.

Customers benefit from reliable and consistent data collection, prompt trouble shooting and maximized machine uptime.

The data logger is just another innovation from Nichrome, India’s leading packaging machine manufacturer with four decades of expertise to their credit. Since Nichrome developed India’s first indigenous milk pouch packaging machine four decades ago, it has continued to innovate and introduce new machines and new features that enable its customers to achieve high productivity and cost-efficiency in their packaging process.

Today, besides primary packaging machines, Nichrome offers clients cutting edge solutions, end-to-end. Secondary and tertiary packaging, packaging project integration, turnkey project design and implementation – Nichrome offers it all. For the latest, most efficient packaging solutions, talk to Nichrome.

Visit for more details: www.nichrome.com

Nichrome Powder Packaging On the Spice Trail

Last year, of India’s estimated Rs40,000 crore spices market, just about 15% was branded and dominated by brands such as Catch, Badshah, Everest, MDH, MTR and Ramdev, among others, according to a study by Technopak Advisors.

However the branded spices market is booming as consumers grow increasingly concerned about quality, purity and brand. Spice exports from India too are on the rise. As per the Economic Times, spices export from India has seen a staggering 129% growth in the last fiscal year.

Horizontal Form Fill Seal Machines HFFS Series T-200

The Indian spices market is projected to reach approximately USD 18 billion by 2020 with growth in the sector is expected to be led by branded spices and spice mixes. The Indian government is aggressively promoting spice exports through various initiatives such as setting up of spice parks. Spice Parks offer common processing facilities to both producers and exporters.

No wonder, large packaged goods companies like ITC Ltd., Kohinoor and Tata Chemicals Ltd., the maker of branded salt and pulses, have stepped into the spices segment during the past couple of years.

Besides modern retail and kirana shops, branded masalas are being sold through specialty stores like meat shops and online marketplaces like Amazon and Big Basket. There is a huge market for smaller packs and single-use pouches.

Think branded spice powders, and Nichrome must inevitably come to mind. A leader in automatic powder packaging machines, Nichrome has four decades of experience and proven expertise in pouch packaging technology.

Depending on your individual needs and challenges, Nichrome offers a wide range of VFFS machines and HFFS machines for powder packaging. One of the best sellers is undoubtedly the CE-compliant Maxima 400. With its compact design and PLC-based control system, Maxima 400 efficiently packs blended spices, ground spices and a host of other powders such as dairy whitener, soup powders, pre-mix powders and even granular products. Humidity and contaminants are kept out; freshness and flavor are locked in.

Maxima 400 has a modular structure and small footprint, and offer a bagger speed of 400 pouches per minute, in single CSPP or perforated chain of CSPP pouches. Filler options like Servo Auger and twin cup filler are available, and you enjoy the flexibility to pack different products with different quantities on each head.

MAXIMA 400 WITH SERVO AUGER

To exploit the huge potential of the branded spices market, partner with Nichrome for fast, accurate and airtight pouch packaging of your products.

Visit for more: www.nichrome.com

Brewing profits for the tea industry: Nichrome’s end-to-end packaging solutions

End-to-End Packaging Solutions

Nichrome is well known as a manufacturer of primary packaging machines for a variety of applications. Coffee packaging machines, Spice packaging machines, Liquid filling machines, Snacks packaging machines, Shampoo packing machines, Tea packaging machines and many more.

However, with its decades in the industry, and indepth knowledge of different industries and their challenges, Nichrome today is supremely poised to offer integrated end-to-end packaging solutions for the tea industry. That too, with single-source convenience and service support few companies can provide.

Coffee Packaging Machine

Whether you require standard industrial packaging solutions or custom-made alternatives, consumer-sized packaging or bulk-sized packaging, Nichrome is your one-stop-shop for turnkey packaging lines.

The Different Stages of a typical tea packaging line:

1. Raw material Receipt: there is lack of consistency in the receiving of raw material at the factory, hence in this step, a consistent maintenance of quality is ensured.

2. Intermediate Storage:  this step ensures constant feed to the processing system.

3. Processing machinery: in this step, raw product is processed into final finished product.

4. Intermediate Storage of Finished product: in this step, the finished product is stored for primary packaging processing.

5. Primary/Retail Packaging of processed/finished product: in this step, the finished product is packed into its primary packaging form.

6. Secondary Packaging System:  in this step, the primary the primary packaged product is collated or and stacked together into bigger packs.

7. Tertiary Packaging System: this is the final step in the system where final wholesale packs are packed.

For the tea industry, Nichrome offers a full range of Pre-Packaging Solutions such as Intermediary storage equipment, Product cleaning & grading equipment, Blending equipment, processing equipment for tea, Food safety equipment and Conveying accessories. In Post-Packaging Solutions, equipment includes Food safety equipment, Pouch collation, Conveying accessories, online check weigher, and Cartoning/ baling machines.

Nichrome’s Pre and Post Packaging equipment form a Complete System Solution Project. Individual equipment can also be customized and integrated with existing equipment. Such Integrated Packaging Solutions definitely result in enhanced speed and accuracy, reduced labour costs, and increased overall productivity for a profitable business outcome – not just for tea, but for rice, oil, milk and detergent among others.

Nichrome: End-to-end packaging solutions with single-source convenience

END-TO-END PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

Complete Packaging Solutions

For marketers, packaging is crucial for the success of the business. If you sell and transport a product around the country or internationally, you’ll know that good packaging is one of those vital factors – without it, the outcome could be disastrous.

At Nichrome, we offer integrated packaging solutions with single-source convenience. Nichrome is a pioneer of the packaging industry in India; a business built upon the values of innovation, efficiency, reliability and affordability. Since its inception in 1977, Nichrome has been working relentlessly to deliver cutting-edge technologies and excellent customer service – at competitive prices.

Today, armed with 4 decades of experience in Primary Packaging, Nichrome is powerfully positioned to design and deliver complete packaging solutions. Pre-primary, primary, secondary, tertiary – Nichrome’s expertise covers the entire packaging line. Project design from concept to commissioning, integration of new machines in existing lines, customization of solutions to suit individual needs and challenges – Nichrome offers it all, under one roof.

By integrating and automating tasks on the packaging line, the rate of productivity rises while operation costs reduce. While the speed of the package line improves immensely, there are other benefits too.

Increased efficiencyAutomated, integrated packaging lines increase the speed and accuracy of operations, providing better precision with little human error. What’s more, employees can focus on areas that require more minute attention.

Waste reductionWhen it comes to packaging in secondary and tertiary packaging, there can be a higher rate of misfeeding, miscalculations, wastage and other human errors. Integrated packaging can help reduce that human error.

Maximization of human resourcesIntegrated packaging solutions help packagers to increase product line efficiency and productivity without having to employ more. This saves money, and also maximizes ROI. Moreover, integrated packaging lines drastically reduce injuries to manpower and enhance well being.

Minimization of downtimeEarlier, product changeovers posed downtime’s of up to three hours. With modern technology and state of the art package integration, downtime’s are reduced substantially and can be done within minutes.

For integrated packaging solutions that result in increased and timely productivity for a profitable business outcome, contact Nichrome. www.nichrome.com