Tetra Pak, Lausanne, Switzerland, has launched a range of hot-melt adhesives and lubricants specifically formulated for use with its own filling machines. The adhesives, developed in partnership with adhesive producer, Henkel, offer improved bonding, lower adhesive consumption, and reduced maintenance costs for cap, straw, and secondary packaging applications.

The products were recently trialed by Al Buheira Lacnor Dairies LLP (Lacnor), the United Arab Emirates' category leader in fruit juice and dairy, with impressive results, the company reports.

"The new adhesives delivered marked improvements in operational performance," said Alfred Fernandes, production manager at Lacnor. "During the two month trial, we saw a 49% reduction in maintenance costs and our total consumption of hot melt adhesive dropped by 37%. These results would translate into annual saving of more than $100,000 across all our packaging lines, significantly offsetting the additional cost of the new adhesive."

Improvements of a similar order of magnitude have also been achieved by Tetra Pak's new range of synthetic H1 Food Grade lubricants. Initial testing found that the lubricants last up to three times longer, and wear rates are reduced with 67%, compared with conventional mineral oils. The lubricants are specifically designed for food manufacturing equipment and are certified by NSF International, an independent food assurance organization.

"Better performing consumables mean much better performance throughout the line," said Klas Wimmerstedt, director of parts, consumables, and upgrade services.

"As a trend we're seeing increased interest from customers in improving overall operational performance as the industry looks to become more efficient and control costs. This launch is an indication of our continued focus on helping customers to get the best from their equipment."