Improved packaging automation and environmental protection will be two main trends at the Foodex Meatex show, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from 6-9 April.

Ishida is launching an integrated quality control (QC) and end-of-line packing system, while Packaging Automation will unveil the Eco-cut tray sealer.

Ishida's new QC and packing system includes an IX-GA-2475 x-ray inspection system, weigh price labeller, seal tester for top seal trays, and a pick-and-place system to pack the trays into outers.

The IX-GA-2475 can detect aluminium, tin, glass, stones, hard rubber, plastic, bones and shells down to 0.3mm in size in packed and unpacked fresh foods, including meat, poultry, fish and ready meals, as well as dry and frozen foods.

The latest R Series weigher for fresh meat has a circular multihead design and stainless steel rotating screws in the radial feed troughs, which allow controlled product supply for even very sticky meat to the weigh hoppers.

The seal tester features a vision system that reads label information and rejects packs where the label is missing, incorrectly positioned or contains inaccurate information or unreadable bar codes.

Ishida will also display a salad weigher and a new addition to the DACS-W checkweigher series.

Packaging Automation said the Eco-cut automatic tray sealer for film, plastic, board or foil trays would reduce film packaging waste during production by up to 33% and increase productivity by 20%.

The firm said it would keep further details under wraps until nearer the exhibition.

The Eco-cut will be shown alongside the PA182 and other machines from the Fastfill range.