Matrix Q&A for Packaging Technology Today

Matrix (https://www.matrixpm.com/), a ProMach brand, is an industry leading manufacturer of rugged, cost competitive, and easy-to-use vertical form fill seal (VFFS) equipment for all types of flexible packaging. The brand operates as a master distributor of INVpack stickpack and sachet machines and Pacraft pre-made pouch packaging machines. Its packaging solutions are used around the world in diverse industries including food, beverage, consumer goods, pharmaceutical, and others.

What types of bagging products are consumers and retailers demanding? How is this demand impacting recent trends in equipment design?

Presentation is everything; the key is to get eyes on your products. Stand-up pouches have become a go-to-choice for many popular consumer brands due to their attractive presentation. Flexible packaging allows stand-up pouches to display on shelves with an unobstructed view of the product. When paired with colorful, eye-catching package designs, stand-up pouches stand out when displayed on store shelves. Flexible pouches that are popular in the food industries include stickpacks, small pillow packs, flat sachets, quad, gusset, flat bottom and other pouch formats for dry or frozen products. These pouches, designed with an airtight closure, have a one-time use, meaning once they are opened and the product removed, it’s discarded.

How has the push toward healthier foods impacted package design?

A trend that has remained strong over the past several years is the push toward healthier food options, and many of these are packaged in personalized, on-the-go single-serving packets. Vertical form fill seal machines are a perfect solution for filling these types of packets because they offer reliable, repeatable flexible packaging for a variety of solid and liquid food products. Of course, whether the size of the package is large or small, ensuring that foods remain fresh and safe to eat over the course of their expected shelf life falls on the integrity of the package’s seal.

What goes into making a successful bag seal?

The key to making a successful seal for these types of pouches is providing enough dwell time to allow the film to seal. A good example is found on our Matrix MVC-300 vertical form fill seal machine. The MVC-300 uses a continuous-motion, high-speed jaw system, which is unique from other vertical form fill seal machines. Traditional machines stop the film so its seams can be properly sealed. Although this takes only a fraction of a second, it does hamper the machine’s overall speed. With the MVC-300, the film never stops. The high-speed jaw system cuts the film and provides just enough dwell time for the three pouch seams to seal properly, all while the film is in motion. Since the film never stops, the MVC-300 can reach output speeds of up to 180 pouches per minute.

How important is it to consider the equipment’s flexibility or future capability in packaging equipment purchasing?

You need to know as a company where you want to be in five or 10 years. There are different offerings on each piece of equipment, and more complex machinery can do more things. If you want to take advantage of additional machine features either now or in the future, you’ll want to be looking for the equipment that will satisfy those anticipated needs or have the option to add them at a later date. Equipment is a big purchase for most companies, so you must look a few years down the road.

Is it important to know all the requirements before looking at a purchase?

You are going to be unsatisfied with a piece of equipment if you did not figure out exactly what you need before buying; the machine will not perform to your expectations. The best way to get started is having those conversations with a supplier. They have the experience to make sure you select the right solution for your application, as well as addressing future needs. ProMach prides itself on the ability to consultatively sell equipment, and make sure the solution meets or exceeds your expectations. Performing your due diligence and asking questions up front will help guide you to the right partner and the right solution.

How important is cost?

Cost is important, but it is more about matching equipment to the application. Some applications that may be more straightforward in nature may not require an expensive, top-of-the line machine. Many suppliers offer solutions ranging from entry-level with low to medium output, to robust, heavy-duty machines capable of packaging 150+ products per minute. Depending on your application, the machine and its series that you purchase is designed to grow with you. The takeaway here is to identify your application and match the right machine for that need, while being cognizant of how that machine or its family series can grow with you as your production needs expand. Packaging machines vary greatly in price. Chances are you will be running this machine for years to come, so do your research and buy a quality machine that is going to last the long haul.

Other cost considerations are materials (tray/film/etc.), down time, and support. When considering packaging machinery suppliers, make sure you’re finding a partner who will get the job done right to keep your equipment performing at its peak for years to come. Buying quality machinery should result in less downtime. Support by your supplier should also include machine operation and maintenance training, empowering your team to keep your production output and quality high.

Can you discuss the different types of closure methods, and how vertical form fill seal machines integrate with films that do have these types of closures?

There are several different styles of pouch seals that require the ability to be resealed. A slider, zip-lock or Velcro design are probably the most popular styles for resealable pouches. For these designs, the consumer rips the top portion of the bag and discards it, then opens the seal to access product. The consumer simply uses the zipper to open and close as needed.

Some vertical form fill seal machines are designed to work with numerous packaging closures. The key to creating effective packaging closures is the packaging OEM working closely with film manufacturers to ensure the machinery and the solutions they offer will work seamlessly with a variety of films.

What has been the impact of sustainability in packaging design?

Consumers today are demanding their brands of choice be more responsible and better stewards of the environment. This extends to their packaging as well. To achieve this commitment, Matrix works closely with its customers to provide packaging systems that accomplish their sustainability goals.

Matrix has always worked proactively to make sure the footprint of our machines is small. This works well to help save our customers space on the facility floor and cuts down on film and waste during change-over. We actively work with our customers whenever we can to help them meet their sustainability aspirations.

Some of the more recent trends of sustainable packaging include the demand for on-the-go convenience, food safety, less product waste and reusable bags/pouches. The Matrix MVC-300 vertical form fill seal machine, for one, can run compostable and recycled films efficiently. Its machinery also has a smaller footprint and AutoPro™ programming technology that aids in reducing waste and excess bags during changeovers by up to 50%. These features, along with many others, allow Matrix to help its customers to work on achieving their sustainability goals with their target audiences.

Is there ever a time where it makes sense to hire a co-packer instead of purchasing your own equipment?

If you are running a new SKU or performing a trial run of a product, why set up an entire line if you do not know if it is going to be successful? In this type of instance, using a co-packer can make sense. If your line normally runs, for example, 12-ounce bags, but you are looking to diversify by offering a smaller bag with a limited quantity, working with a co-packer can be a great way to achieve those production goals. Using a co-packer also alleviates concerns such as staffing or adding equipment to package your products. In certain instances, using a co-packer can be a smart route to take.

Christine Duncan | Marketing Director, Flexibles & Trays, ProMach (https://www.promachbuilt.com/)

Christine.Duncan@promachbuilt.com