Solution Center

Linking up with the market

How can packaging machine downtime be reduced? Why does the tray film rip out of the chain during thermoforming? Which pack styles will be in demand in the future? Wipak's Solution Center was launched at the beginning of the year with the aim of building a bridge between today and tomorrow, between film processing and packaging trends, by holding practical seminars and workshops.

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"Fire questions at us," says Reinhard Ruhland, encouraging the participants at the packaging technology workshop to delve into the subject-matter. For instance, the transport chain in the packaging machine fails to grip the film properly. The film is not drawn down to the bottom of the mould or is formed unevenly. Ruhland is in his element – not out of malicious joy at others' misfortunes, but because he knows what kind of problems machine operators come up against and how he can help with troubleshooting. "Our new Solution Center," says the Technical Service Manager, "is meant to live up to its name and provide solutions. We give practical support to remedy problems arising with packaging machines."

In many cases the appropriate solutions are demonstrated directly on the machines. Wipak's in-house pilot packaging facility in Walsrode, Germany, is equipped with all kinds of commonly used machinery ranging from automatic thermoforming lines, horizontal and vertical form/fill/seal (flowpack) machines to vacuum packing appliances. "This practical approach is of benefit to both parties," says Ruhland. "Machine operators can put the tips into practice in their plants the very next day. And we gain vital market-related information. This knowledge enables us to improve processes and materials and to boost developments accordingly."

The Solution Center is a workshop and innovation forum rolled into one. The list of topics tailored to the specific needs of the participants is therefore very diverse. The subjects dealt with not only relate to the present, but also focus on the future. For example, Wipak offers purchasing and marketing managers innovation workshops where new forms of packaging are investigated. The significance of packaging in the supply chain, the part it will play in the marketing mix of the future (product, price, place and promotion), and how it can increase efficiency in the packaging process are only a few of the issues involved.

Visionary though this approach undoubtedly is, the practical aspects are given the full attention they require. Manufacturers and the retail trade are constantly on the lookout for new ways of standing out among competitor products. However, creative packaging concepts can often only be realized with high technical and financial input. This is where the Solution Center comes into play. "We provide an insight into film development and production processes, we check the technical feasibility of a novel idea, look jointly for alternatives, convert notions into viable options and indicate the performance capabilities of film packaging." The Solution Center therefore acts as a bridge – linking developments and the target market and accelerating the "time-to-market" process.

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For information on seminars/workshops:

Reinhard Ruhland

Tel. +49 5161-442642

reinhard.ruhland@wipak.com