Miller Magazine Issue: 143 November 2021

70 COVER STORY MILLER / november 2021 as efficient as possible, the Schubert line uses a special- ly developed sealing technology: “First, the flowpack’s longitudinal seam is closed by means of ultrasonic seal- ing. Then a heat-sealing system with a flying cross-seal- ing unit is used,” Dominique Spitz explains the process. The flying sealing unit adjusts itself fully automatically to the speed of the upstream pick & place robots for each flowpack. This ensures a high sealing quality with con- stant sealing times. Fast format changes without expertise If a format change is required, only a few manual op- erations are necessary. Whether forming shoulders, driv- ers, robot tools or tray magazines – all format parts are easy to exchange and immediately ready for use without requiring subsequent adjustment. A changeover there- fore takes less than half an hour. “The operator can eas- ily perform the format changeover by themselves and do not have to rely on support from technicians,” Dom- inique Spitz highlights. The machine then restarts and immediately packs into the new formats. The change of the flowpack film during operation is also supported by a corresponding automatic mechanism. Ready for a sustainable future Flexible robot technology and fast format changes are advantages that are already paying off today for the traditional Alsatian bakery – while equipping the company for the future: The flowpacker can not only process the usual laminated films, but also mono films, which are being used more and more frequently in the market – especially because of their ease of recycling. “However, it is already foreseeable that the develop- ment in packaging technology will continue, especially in the direction of paper-based films,” Dominique Spitz confirms. Schubert’s packaging line is also prepared for this. If the Alsacian customer decides to use recyclable paper-based packaging materials or new developments such as compostable films, the flow-wrapping machine can quite simply remain in use. Even the sealing unit is ideally equipped for the future: It can process pa- per-based packaging as well as plastic films. Whatever the direction in which customers’ wishes may develop, thanks to Schubert, the customer in the Alsace region is ideally prepared for innovation. Alsatian pastries for connoisseurs Over 100 years of experience in traditional craftsman- ship and a wide range of products are what distinguish this small Alsatian bakery. High-quality ingredients, some of them organic, recipes handed down from generation to generation and a feel for customer tastes are the for- mula that ensures long-term success – thanks to modern production methods and investments in the future. In the meantime, the biscuits from Alsace are not only appre- ciated all over France, but also in many other countries. Facts & figures • Compact machine layout. • 9 different product formats. • Efficiency of 98%. • Output of up to 100 flowpacks per minute. • Sustainable packaging materials.