Bosch biscuits packaging system keeps up with consumers’ ‘growing appetite’

The biscuit packaging system was designed for the efficient and flexible packaging of crackers and biscuits in slug packs.

Employing around 6,200 associates worldwide, Bosch recorded double-digit growth with 1.3bn euros in sales ($1.5bn) last year, and completed three acquisitions in the food sector, including Osgood Industries, Kliklok-Woodman Corporation in the US and Kliklok International in the UK.

Packaging different shapes with fast changeovers​

The packaging system includes a Smart Measuring Loader, a Smart Slug Feeder and a Pack 301 LS horizontal flow wrapper, according to Bosch’s technical director, Craig Collett.

“Depending on the manufacturer’s requirements, this new technology is capable to handle a wide range of products including rectangular, square, round as well as sandwich biscuits with fast changeovers,”​ he said.

Bosch decided not to disclose the price of the machine, but said “it is critical [for manufacturers] to consider the total cost of ownership when selecting a packaging system, not just the initial purchase price.”​

Increasing demand for modular design ​

Collett told BakeryandSnacks there is an increasing demand for modular design for food packaging equipment.

Manufacturers want scalable solutions and flexible layout configurations, because it allows them to expand production capacity and increase the level of automation as needed, he added.

“It allows them to grow their lines from manual to fully-automated feeding, all at their own speed,”​ Collett said.

Growing food market fuels more flexible equipment creation​

Bakery and snack markets have steadily grown over the past five years, and it motivates the demand for higher degree of flexibility, Collett explained.

“With over $406bn worth of revenue, the biscuit manufacturers need larger ovens, more flexible production lines and quicker change-over time to keep up with the growing appetite of their consumers.”​

Other key factors packaging facilities should consider include consumer-friendly features, such as an easy-to-open or single-serve package that fits an on-the-go lifestyle, and food safety, Collett said.