KHS prepares to launch shrink pack innovations at Interpack

During the week long event in May, Germany-based KHS will be showcasing a new generation of shrink tunnels, a shrink packer manipulating unit that wraps without shrinkage holes and online film printing for the coding of shrink packs.

Starting with the new KHS shrink tunnels, they have a modular design with a basic platform that can be extended as required to add different functions.

The tunnels feature hot air nozzles that can be adjusted individually so that the ideal air flow and positioning can be set for different pack formats.

In addition, the heating chamber uses ventilators whose flow behavior has been improved so that energy use is reduced. KHS estimates that the new technology will result in energy consumption savings of 10 to 15 per cent.

To make energy cost savings of up to 50 per cent, KHS said the shrink tunnels can be heated by gas instead of classical electrical heating.

Shrink film without holes​

Alongside the shrink tunnels, KHS has developed a shrink packer manipulating unit that wraps containers with shrink film that has no shrinkage holes.

According to the filling and packaging systems manufacturer, this is particularly interesting for larger formats such as packs of 24 cans.

KHS claims the absence of shrinkable holes more or less eliminates the risk that containers will come loose within the shrink pack. In addition, shrink film packs can be formed and kept stable without the need for trays or cardboard.

Another shrink packaging innovation to be presented at Interpack is online film printing for the coding of shrink packs. KHS said the biggest plus point of this system is that the coding is applied inside the film packaging so that damage can be averted.

In addition to barcoding, online film printing allows other prints to be applied such as logos and product information.