Packaging innovation to optimise your supply chain

Packaging is no longer limited to the pouch, box, strip or any other material that holds and protects the product. It’s an entire system of preparing products for safe, efficient and cost-effective movement throughout the supply chain.

Industry is now aware that packaging is not just the work of designers and marketing departments who focus on brand recognition and driving sales. Their emphasis is on developing packaging that grabs attention on crowded retail shelves.

With attention on driving sales and brand recognition, not much emphasis is placed on or trailer utilization of the package itself.

Packaging plays a crucial role in supply chain management. It affects the physical distribution of the package. Logistics demands packages that can be easily handled throughout all processes and by the consumer. Packaging also affects production, which prefers one size of packaging for all products to minimize time, material, and labor costs.

Package optimization makes the difference.

Package optimization is an activity that seeks to make the product’s packaging more supply chain friendly. By making small changes, packaging can be made more ergonomically and sustainable, saving time, material and money that can make a big difference to the company’s supply chain. This in turn, leads to maximized return on investment.

Product’s Packaging

Here are three basic ways to optimize your packaging:

1.Choose the right materials: It’s important to make smart decisions about the proper primary, secondary and tertiary packaging to help your product and its packaging navigate the different stages and environments it will travel.

Materials that are expensive or difficult to use could add time and money to your supply chain. The good news is, you can often reduce or change your packaging materials without compromising the quality of your product or the perception of your brand.

2.Think sustainability: Package optimisation is an opportunity to go green and promote sustainable business practices. You can find ways to use less material and/or find materials with reduced carbon footprint. This will help you save money and the environment — while enhancing your company’s image as an environmentally responsible corporate citizen.

3. Optimise shipment costs: When it comes to shipment from factory to retail shelf or consumer, the size and weight of your boxes impacts your logistics costs. Optimising your product package ensures you optimize the space and weight occupied in transportation and storage, so you can transport more products — saving both time and shipping costs.

How Nichrome helped saved millions with packaging optimisation

Nichrome, India is leading integrated packaging solutions provider recently came up with a small optimization idea that resulted in impressive benefits for its client. As an expert with over 4 decades in the business, Nichrome understands that the benefits of an optimized package are amplified throughout the distribution cycle.

Integrated Packaging Solutions

For a renowned milk producer and marketer in Pune, Nichrome suggested they alter the size of their milk pouch by a few millimeters, making it a rectangular shape. This minute change in the primary packaging not only makes the pouch stand out amongst the other square pouches in the market, it also means more SKUs can be fitted in a typical crate and further, more pouches in a truck. Besides the cost savings in packaging material, even greater savings have resulted from decreased handling, storage and transportation costs.

Conclusion

It’s not easy optimising your package. Ideally, companies should get their marketing, technical and logistics experts to collaborate and develop solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce wastage and lower shipping costs while protecting and promoting your product. Wasteful, environmentally damaging practices are unacceptable — both for business and the earth.

Partnering with a packaging expert like Nichrome can help. From pouch formats and packaging material for primary packaging, secondary packaging and tertiary packaging, Nichrome collaborates to add value and deliver the optimal solution.

www.nichrome.com

Flexible and Efficient Packaging Solutions

Vertical Form Fill Seal Machines – this automatic filling Machine can be used for the packaging of Solid, Liquid and Viscous, Food or Non-food products

  1 )Excel Plus Series

     Salient Features -:

• Automation equipped with CE Marked PLC controller & Touch Screen HMI
• Servo Motor driven bag length control systems
• Belt draw-off system for positive and accurate film pulling
• Pneumatic / Servo Motor driven system  for horizontal sealing mechanism
• Motorized precise film reel unwinding mechanism
• Print mark scanner
• Static charge eliminator
• Adjustable storke of cross sealing jaws for optimum performance
• Quick & easy size change over
• Designed ad per stringent quality standards
• Integration to upstream and downstream machines / systems
• Built-in Jumbo Roll Trolley suitable for max.600 mm dia./ 60 kg weight

         ·          Fillers -:

• Servo Auger Filler
• Multi-head Weigh Filler
• Liner Intelligent Electronic Weigh Filler
• Volumetric Cup Filler
• Swing on filler to offer common solution for Powder & Grains

 Optional Accessories

• Rectangular Forming Size Parts
• Side Gusset Mechanism & Block Bottom Device
• Splicing Table for quick film joining
• Straight Line Cut Facility
• Impulse Constant Change-over System
• Gift / Leaflet Insertion System

         ·       Allied Equipment

• Dynamic Check Weigher with tendency control facility
• On-line Digital Metal Detection System
• Date / Batch Coding Devices i.e. Ink jet / Hot foil / Contact type printer / TTO
• Dust Extraction System
• PIP Systems
• Baling Machine for secondary packing       
• Flexi-block System   

 * Excel Plus Servo Auger 

Industries :SpicePackaging Machine

Applications -: Spices, A (Flour Products), Milk Powder, Nutraceuticals, Coffee Powder, Premixes, Instant Mixes, Agro Chemicals, Pesticides

*Excel Plus Multi – Head Weigher  

Industries :Snack Machine Manufacture

Application :Potato Chips, Kurkure, Macroni, Indian Namkeen, Puffed Snacks, Dry fruits, Nuts, Candies, Seeds, Soya Chunks, Breakfast Cereals, High Counts Biscuits, Pasta, Whole Spices.

 

                   

                  

*Excel Plus Intelligent Electronic Weigh Filler  

                     

           

Industries : Tea Packaging Machine

Application  -: Grains, Pulses, Rice, Sugar, Tea, Whole Spices, Seeds

*Excel Plus Cup Filler 

Application -:Grains, Pulses, Sugar, Rice, Detergent

Stimulating solutions for coffee packaging.

India is the 6th largest producer of coffee. The branded coffee trade is dominated by Nestle and Hindustan Unilever, but others like Tata and other regional players are also making inroads into this vibrant market.

Traditionally, coffee consumption in India was largely concentrated in the southern states which also contribute almost 90% of the domestic production. However, in the last 2 decades, coffee consumption has spread and grown in urban centres across the country.

Higher disposable incomes, global exposure, media penetration, changing lifestyles influenced by the West are driving the country’s taste for coffee. Easy availability of variants at retail outlets, growing cafe chains (like Barista and Cafe Coffee Day) and new product developments by national and international companies has further promoted coffee consumption in India.

The packaged coffee market comprises different variants: instant, filter, bean-to-cup and RTD (ready-to-drink). Growing appreciation of coffee has motivated big players to introduce exotic flavours besides offering a variety of coffee powders catering to all classes and price points.

RTD market is still at a nascent stage accounting for barely 1% of the total coffee market (by value) but it shows signs of growing. So far, it is dominated by Nescafe Cappuccino packs and cafe chains like Starbucks who sell private blends.

All this means there is a huge need for quality packaging that retains the flavour and freshness of the coffee powder or ready mix while enhancing the brand’s retail image. Nichrome is powerfully positioned to provide a wide variety of packaging solutions to suit different needs. As India’s leading packaging solutions manufacturer, Nichrome has four decades of industry experience and a proven reputation for innovation, manufacturing and support.

From automatic powder packaging machines, secondary packaging solutions to end-to-endintegrated packaging lines, Nichrome promises efficient solutions with effective ROI.

Nichrome offers a choice of VFFS powder filling machines such as Excel Plus Auger, Sprint Plus 250 Servo Auger, Maxima 400, and Multilane PV 215. In the HFFS format, Nichrome offers next-gen linear technology from Totpack Spain.

From single-serve stickpacks and 5 gm sachets which are preferred by the travel & hospitality sector, to bulk 25 Kg bags, Nichrome’s automatic coffee packaging machines pack them all,in pouch formats ranging from CSPP, 3-side seal & contour packs to gusset pouches, pentaseal and standup packs. These ensure the pouches are perfectly sealed, with accuracy and speed for minimal wastage. Being fully automated machines, they are economical too as they reduce need for man power, consume less electricity and are fast, assuring higher productivity!

Another advantage of Nichrome’s innovative packaging solutions is that they are versatile and can be used for other applications as well. Sugar packaging, tea packaging, whole spices, grain packaging, even detergents and pharmaceuticals can be packaged on theseautomatic filling machines.

Contact Nichrome at www.nichrome.com

Where goals meet solutions: Nichrome’s end-to-end packaging solutions

Nichrome’s end-to-end packaging solutions

For decades, Nichrome has been at the forefront of next-generation packaging technologies; a brand trusted for its rich legacy of pioneering innovation, extensive domain knowledge and manufacturing competency in innovative packaging systems.

Today, building on this heritage, we bring infinite possibilities to the table. For Food, Pharma and other applications, Nichrome offers integrated packaging solutions divided under three broad units: Packaging Machinery, Packaging Systems and Filling Systems.

Why integrated packaging systems?

Integrated packaging is critical for enhance the speed, accuracy and economy demanded by modern production. By automating and integrating packaging lines, manufacturers and packaging companies can improve the rate of production while reducing cost and enjoying quick return on investment. Other benefits include maximization of valuable human resources, waste reduction and minimization of downtime between runs.

Strategic partner for innovative packaging solutions

Innovation and engineering excellence are the pillars of Nichrome’s capabilities. As your full-service packaging partner, Nichrome combines products, equipment and strategic guidance to deliver smart packaging solutions. Whether you are just beginning to automate, augmenting n existing packaging system or looking for turnkey packaging solution, we have the in-house capabilities to address your challenges and cater to your specific needs. No matter what your budget or project scope, our skilled team delivers the insight and expertise to help design, install, commission and maintain your entire packaging line.

We partner to understand your goals and objectives, and provide recommendations to help with your safety & hygiene requirements, packaging design, marketing initiatives, cost optimisation and much more. With sound project design capabilities, strong R&D, and single-source convenience, Nichrome provides automated packaging solutions right from pre-packaging and primary packaging, to secondary packaging and tertiary or end-of-line solutions.

Nichrome also provides post-commissioning support through a strong nation-wide network of service engineers who ensure timely assistance when required. Furthermore, Nichrome makes spare parts accessible and affordable to minimize downtime and enhance durability and productivity for enterprises of all sizes.

www.nichrome.com

Complete packaging solutions backed by 4 decades of expertise: Nichrome

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.

Complete Packaging Solutions

Today, armed with four decades of experience in primary packaging and indepth understanding of diverse industry needs and challenges, Nichrome has the know-how and manufacturing capability to deliver end-to-end automated packaging lines for a wide variety of applications.

At Nichrome, customers can access integrated packaging solutions with single-source convenience. Nichrome offers solutions for:

1.          Pre-primary packaging
2.          Primary packaging
3.          Secondary packaging
4.          Tertiary packaging

Depending on specific customer needs, Nichrome can deliver:

1.          Project design from concept to commissioning
2.          Integration of new machines in existing lines
3.          Customization of solutions to suit individual requirements   

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, customers benefit from enhanced accuracy and reduction in waste and human errors.  Factory owners can increase product line efficiency and productivity without having to employ more people. Fully automated systems further decrease downtime. This saves money and maximizes ROI. 

Milk & dairy packaging, grain packaging, snacks packaging, powder packaging, sugar and salt packaging, oil packaging, ready-to-eat packaging – Nichrome’s proven prowess covers almost every food industry.

Contact Nichrome for customized integrated packaging solutions that transform productivity in your factory, and optimize your investment. www.nichrome.com

Pack Powdered Food to Extend Its Shelf Life

The Indian food processing industry accounts for 32 per cent of the country’s total food market, 14 per cent of manufacturing GDP, 13 per cent of India’s exports and six per cent of total industrial investment. The Indian food industry is poised for huge growth, increasing its contribution to world food trade every year. In India, the food sector has emerged as a high-growth and high-profit sector due to its immense potential for value addition, particularly within the food processing industry

Powder Packaging is in vogue to counter the quick rotting and contamination of food items in their whole natural form. Today right from tea, sugar, coffee to drink mixes, spices, milk, etc. come to our grocery outlet in the form of powder. The trend has actually reduced the extensive wastage of food and food products which are microbiologically sensitive or those which have a very short life cycle. The powdered form of these food and food products can have a longer shelf life while enriching its taste and nutrition value. For e.g. spice packaging, tea packaging and sugar packaging solutions help in increasing the shelf life of the product while intelligently enhancing its brand value. Gone are the days when lose sugar could easily be sold simply wrapped in a paper bag. These days sugar is packed in attractive sachets prominently displaying its brand presence. Smart coffee packaging helped the manufacturers find their way into countries and regions where people traditionally drank tea for rejuvenation. Sachet packaging solutions have thus become popular with more evolved and market savvy manufacturers in India.
.Any random manufacturer of powdered mixes provides the food industry and retail customers with a wide variety of blended powders, including bakery mixes, spice blends and even dehydrated fruits and vegetables. Their blends of dry powders are found in grocery stores, super markets and malls.
Intelligent packaging forms an integral part of marketing strategy of any processed food brand or a manufacturer.
Nichrome Packaging Solutions partners you in promoting your brand through intelligent food packaging solutions. Through our 38 years of extensive packaging experience, we work closely with your team and help determine the proper film structure guaranteeing that the right material and oxygen barriers are used to maximize the shelf life of your product.
We also give support solutions for blending and formulating in customized packaging orders. In addition, Nichrome provides technical support for any secondary packaging necessary to complete your project, including display design & assembly, multi-packs, shrink wrapping, club packs etc.

A good powder packaging machine will protect powdered items, like spices, sugar, coffee, tea etc., from biological, chemical, and physical damages.

Biological protection

Protects from micro-organisms (pathogens & spoiling agents), rodents, insects, etc., eventually preventing diseases as well as spoilage

Chemical protection

Minimizes the chances of compositional changes that can occur due to environmental effects; such as losing moisture or exposure to excessive moisture, exposure to various gases, light and so on.

Physical Protection

Protects from any mechanical damage during its transportation from one place to other

MARKETING THROUGH BETTER AND CONVINIENT PACKAGING

 Packaging undoubtedly is the face of your product and brand. Nichrome’s powder packaging solutions offer various flexible, easy-to-use, easy-to-handle, and attractive pouch formats that help your product and brand stand out in the retail as well as international market.

Here are some of the flexible pouch types that we fill for dry food powders:

• Vertical Pouch with Fin Seal
• Horizontal Pouch with 3 or 4 sided seals
• Pre-made Pouches
• Zipper Pouches
• Sachets
• Pillow Pouches
• Gusseted Pouches
• Stand-up Pouches

Let us manage your next pouching project and prove that Nichrome is truly flexible, reliable, innovative and responsive.
Some of our blend and fill pouching solutions include:

• Cake/Pancake Mixes
• Seasonings
• Salts/Sea salts
• Spices
• Baking Powders
• Trail Mixes
• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Health & nutrition Supplements

For more information on automatic powder packing solutions visit us at http://www.nichrome.com/

Packed Goodness And How It Reaches You

You certainly relish the first whiff of your favourite blend of coffee as you rip away at the tedious packaging. Because, just for a moment, you feel exceptional and almost enlivened, as though someone far away had meticulously picked those particular beans specifically for you and expertly created the perfect blend, just to suit your singular preference. You almost forget about the premium you’ve paid for that extraordinary feeling that lasts only a few seconds. But have you wondered who protects that memorable fragrance and guarantees that it reaches you unsullied? Or how much research and engineering skill goes into ensuring that the special spice, that is so essential to your closely guarded recipe of chicken curry, smells exactly the way you like it when you open the packet?

The answer to that would be the packaging machine manufacturers who spend a considerable amount of their R&D budget to ensure that packed perishables retain their aroma, taste and freshness till they reach the end user. They tirelessly look for innovative packaging solutions and devise what they call powder filling machines and powder packaging machines that help manufacturers of an extensive range of powdered and free-flowing granulated products fill up and seal little packets of powdered joy, ready to be shipped across the world.

Powder filling machines and powder packaging machines are vastly different from the machines used to fill and pack other types of products, like those in solid, paste or liquid form. In fact, with the advancement in automated technology, powder filling and packaging machines can be specifically calibrated to suit the exact requirements of the concerned product. Packaging machine manufacturers are now able to distinctively formulate integrated packaging solutions in the form of precision machinery that caters to the very specific and individualistic requirements of manufacturers of all sorts of powders. For instance, would you have guessed that tea packaging machines are quite different from coffee packaging machines?

But why would someone invest so heavily in R&D and automated technology just to make sure that a packet of ginger-powder smells exactly the way the manufacturer intended it to when the packet is opened by the chef? Obviously, automatic filling machines and automatic packaging machines have a lot to do with the elimination manual labour from the filling and packaging process. This, not only considerably reduces the time taken to fill up and seal each packet or sachet, greatly increasing the efficiency of the entire production process, but is also relatively error-free and accounts for far less wastage of the product. Hence, most of the products you come across on your super-market shelves are machine filled and packaged in order to achieve greater accuracy and consistency across product-batches, thereby creating a higher brand value; because packaging machine manufacturers know that every time you pick up a sambar packet of a specific brand you are expecting the same taste, aroma and texture, as well as quantity and quality.

Hence, I rest my case for automatic filling and packaging machines, knowing that the next time you open a carton of juice or a sachet of fruity shampoo, you will surely think about the packaging machine manufacturers, like Nichrome, that come up with innovative packaging solutions to help retain that freshness or that fragrance you truly relish.