At the PackExpo/ProcessExpo 2008 exhibition in Chicago – USA (9 to 13 November 2008), CFS Aquarius treated their visitors to innovations that lifecycle performance promise. The new fast, flexible and compact CFS SmartPacker TwinTube C high speed bagging system and the CFS Aquarius Quality Assurance system that automatically checks each lollipop on wrapping quality. In hall F1 and F2 CFS Aquarius was co-exhibiting with Bainbridge and Associates, visitors experienced how confectionery packaging and quality control performance could be improved now and over time. These innovations increase operational efficiency – and therefore lower costs.

CFS SmartPacker TwinTube C delivers more performance per square foot
The SmartPacker TwinTube C operates two parallel forming tubes from a single drive, achieving combined speeds of up to 400 bags (weighing 10 to 50 g) per minute. It can also run a film reel for each drive, meaning calorie packs of different widths and appearance can be simultaneously filled. Says Stan van Vegchel, Director Sales & Customer support, “Many confectionery manufacturers still have conventional lines running at 100 to 120 bags per minute. In this case, they could replace three machines with a single SmartPacker TwinTube C. The initial investment is lower than for two typical 150 bags-per-minute lines, and thanks to the reduced operator and maintenance requirements, the cost of ownership is also reduced. The net result is a lower cost per bag and a fast return on investment”. Where factory floor space is limited, the compact SmartPacker TwinTube C also leaves room for other equipment. Van Vegchel adds,  “As the industry consolidates, manufacturers are tending to move production to fewer sites, so productivity per square meter is becoming more important.”

Integrated Quality Assurance for high-speed wrapping machines
To maximize the quality of your lollipop production you need quality assurance in your production line. CFS Aquarius introduces a Quality Assurance System that automatically checks each lollipop on wrapping quality. The system is available as an option for the CFS Aquarius BunchWrapper 600, and it will become available for other machines in the future.

Minimize labour costs
Unlike conventional quality checking, the CFS Aquarius Quality Assurance System is integrated into the lollipop-wrapping machine. It automatically checks every lollipop on wrapping material and wrapping quality. A lollipop that does not meet the requirements is automatically rejected and removed. The potential cost savings are substantial in terms of the fewer operator-hours needed to manually check the wrapping quality. The efficiency of the wrapping processes is increased, giving customers a choice of a higher capacity or faster production.

CFS Lifecycle Performance
CFS Aquarius is part of CFS and specialises in the lollipop, confectionery and sugar cube industry. Being part of this organisation Aquarius benefits of a worldwide network of customer centres and can offer top-quality support and consultancy services.

CFS specialises in performance-focused solutions for the food industry, from a single machine or packaging material to a complete production line for the preparation, marination, processing, slicing and packaging of primarily meat, poultry, fish, seafood and cheese based products.

CFS offers Lifecycle Performance, supporting the performance of food processors here and now and in the longer term. Operational challenges such as variety and flexibility, cost per kg / pack, food safety and environment, are the basis of CFS' product and packaging innovation for improving output and reducing operating cost of food processors.