Technological watch
Sumitomo Demag injection moulding machines installed at Greek food packaging specialist
Sumitomo Demag injection moulding machines installed at Greek food packaging specialistKotronis' injection moulding facility in Efpalio / Greece produces food packaging (Photo: Kotronis)At its headquarters, food container manufacturer Kotronis Plastics (Efpalio / Greece; www.kotronis-plastics.gr) has added 21 â??El-Exis SPâ? packaging machines from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag (Schwaig / Germany; www.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu), with five more on order as of December 2019, as well as eight all-electric â??IntElectâ? models. The additions bring the injection moulding fleet at Kotronisâ?? 33,000 m2 facility to 50 machines.
The Greek company produces more than 350m plastic containers annually for deli salads, yoghurt, feta cheese, spreads, antipasti and ice cream. Around 40% of its packaging production is sent to international markets. Kotronis is a family-run company established in 1971 that currently has 160 employees. According to Sumitomo, the thin-wall injection moulded cups for Greek-style yoghurt containers make up a market that accounts for 7.3% of Greek products on the global market, with Greece being the worldâ??s fourth largest yoghurt-exporting country.
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and Kotronis are exploring further integration of robots, automation equipment and solutions for visual mould control and higher-level control systems. Integrated within the machinery lineup are in-mould labelling systems. The Greek specialist recently developed a new packaging barrier in collaboration with a compatriot feta cheese producer that uses brine to extend shelf life without the use of preservatives. Kotronis is also testing biodegradable packaging concepts.03.01.2020 Plasteurope.com [244108-0]
The Greek company produces more than 350m plastic containers annually for deli salads, yoghurt, feta cheese, spreads, antipasti and ice cream. Around 40% of its packaging production is sent to international markets. Kotronis is a family-run company established in 1971 that currently has 160 employees. According to Sumitomo, the thin-wall injection moulded cups for Greek-style yoghurt containers make up a market that accounts for 7.3% of Greek products on the global market, with Greece being the worldâ??s fourth largest yoghurt-exporting country.
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and Kotronis are exploring further integration of robots, automation equipment and solutions for visual mould control and higher-level control systems. Integrated within the machinery lineup are in-mould labelling systems. The Greek specialist recently developed a new packaging barrier in collaboration with a compatriot feta cheese producer that uses brine to extend shelf life without the use of preservatives. Kotronis is also testing biodegradable packaging concepts.03.01.2020 Plasteurope.com [244108-0]
This project has received funding from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 837761.
