The KHS Group announces an extensive presentation of its expertise in filling lines and packaging at the interpack trade fair in Düsseldorf. The systems supplier from Dortmund will showcase the benefits of coordinated solutions, from sustainable packaging formats to efficient turnkey lines. A key element of the display will be the KHS Innopack Kisters machine from the Advanced series with the new BottleClip cardboard handle application option, which will be shown for the first time. The cardboard handle complements the existing KHS portfolio that includes packaging systems such as Nature MultiPack and PET bottles KHS Supreme and KHS Premium Lite.
According to the company, many purchasing decisions are made directly in front of the retail shelf, with packaging often being the impulse that determines the consumer's choice. At the same time, as KHS CEO Kai Acker emphasizes, for the beverage producer the product's success starts much earlier. "Consumers and beverage producers want packaging that combines ecological and economic benefits with optimum product protection and carrying convenience." In this approach, packaging is an important element of KHS's holistic line concept. "We offer our customers perfectly tuned turnkey systems, precisely tailored to their requirements and to market demands. Our line concept ensures process flexibility, reliability and cost effectiveness" adds Acker.
Innopack Kisters TSP Advanced and BottleClip cardboard handle
One of the main exhibits at the trade fair will be the KHS Innopack Kisters TSP Advanced machine. This well-established solution provides a high level of flexibility in packing PET bottles, glass bottles and cans on trays, in film as well as on trays or pads with film. For interpack, KHS specialists have expanded the range of possible applications to include a particularly sustainable alternative to plastic-based carrying rings. The fully automatic machine can now form multipacks of PET bottles using the BottleClip handle made of cardboard.
The BottleClip option is available for all KHS Kisters machines in the Advanced series. The use of a cardboard handle enables a reduction in plastic consumption in multipack packaging while maintaining transport and display functions. This solution is in line with KHS's strategy of broadening the range of packaging formats based on environmentally friendly materials.
Extended portfolio of packaging systems
In addition to the BottleClip module, KHS will also present other packaging solutions at interpack, including the internationally proven Nature MultiPack system. This technology joins cans and PET bottles into robust multipacks using small dots of adhesive. Using adhesion instead of conventional secondary packaging reduces material consumption while ensuring pack stability and carrying convenience. If required, each individual container can be easily detached from the rest of the pack.
In the PET bottle segment, KHS has recently launched two new solutions. The KHS Supreme bottle is aimed at oxygen-sensitive beverages. It combines the properties of glass and PET through the globally proven Plasmax barrier, an extremely thin layer of silicon oxide applied to the inner surface of the PET bottle. This coating is designed to limit oxygen ingress and thus protect the product from oxidation.
The KHS Premium Lite bottle was developed together with Husky Technologies. It combines minimal material consumption with high-quality aesthetics. The 0.25-liter bottle weighs 6.2 g and has been designed for operation at high filling speeds. This solution illustrates the direction in which lightweight PET packaging is developing while maintaining the process parameters required by modern filling lines.
The KHS Innopack Kisters TSP Advanced gives operators maximum flexibility, packing PET and glass bottles and cans on trays, in film as well as on trays or pads and film.
Service offering and digital line support
KHS complements its line and packaging offering with an extensive service package designed to ensure high line availability and process stability over the long term, with low total cost of ownership (TCO). The company highlights the importance of close cooperation with its customers. "We always focus on the individual requirements of our customers, whether it is the design of a turnkey line or the overhaul of an existing machine. In this way we ensure consistently high quality, reliable performance and maximum efficiency and flexibility" says CEO Kai Acker.
In this context, the KHS ConnectApp Guide application is being further developed. Following optimization, the software is intended to support users with integrated bills of materials and dynamic maintenance tasks scheduled on the basis of operating hours. The KHS Connect customer portal and the associated ConnectApp Guide app are part of KHS's digital service portfolio.
This portfolio also includes the Innoline Basic Line Monitoring software for line monitoring, three-dimensional line design, the ReDiS remote diagnostics and maintenance system and an Augmented Reality Service. The use of digital tools is intended to support users in maintaining plant performance, shortening downtimes and planning service activities.
Presentation at interpack trade fair
The KHS Group will present its systems and solutions at the interpack trade fair in Düsseldorf in Hall 13 at booth A31 from May 7 to 13. Visitors will be able to familiarize themselves with the company's complete offering that includes packaging technologies, turnkey lines, service solutions and digital tools supporting operation in the beverage industry.
