Miller Magazine Issue: 142 October 2021

52 MILLER / OCTOber 2021 NEWS The use of ultrasonic sealing technology in a valve bag packer has now become standard at Behn + Bates. On the one hand, this prevents the loss of product, and on the other hand, it en- sures that no foreign substances can enter the bag through the welded bag opening. Hygiene, improved product protection, sustainability, and the conservation of resources - these are the topics that are primarily important in the food industry today. Looking back over the past ten years, one is particular- ly struck by the strong focus on hygiene, the demand for the use of certified components, and improved product protection. In this context, the use of ultrasonic sealing technology in a valve bag packer has now become stan- dard at Behn + Bates. On the one hand, this prevents the loss of product, and on the other hand, it ensures that no foreign substances can enter the bag through the weld- ed bag opening. In terms of sustainability and conservation of resources in the food industry, the Behn + Bates experts believe that the focus will definitely remain on the topic of ener- gy management. In this area, work is continuously being done on optimization possibilities. The topic of bag ma- terial will also continue to play a central role. First and foremost is the demand for recyclability of the material so that it can be returned to the recycling cycle. In view of the growing world population and dwindling food re- sources, packaging with as little loss as possible is im- mensely important. In practice, this means reducing the amount of material trickling down the filling chute and hermetically sealing the bag. "It is our responsibility to manage resources carefully and keep them cohesive," is the view of B+B Managing Director Michael Vennebusch. However, he says, the company is also aware that it can- not rely on recycled material in the high-care sector. The fear of contamination is too great. It can be observed that the sustainability discussion has also led to the paper bag experiencing a certain re- naissance. The trend is not only toward plastic. Where the products allow it, the paper bag will once again be used to a greater extent. However, one has to look at the bag material as a whole, i.e., it must start with the energy used for production. Plastics do not perform as badly as is always assumed. Behn + Bates’ ultrasonic sealing technology ensures hygienic packaging