Empack and StePacPPC present Multiseal technology for sealing cherry and blueberry packaging

Empack Group is launching the "Multiseal" technology to optimize the sealing of cherry and blueberry packages, with the aim of ensuring their preservation during transportation to China. Ximena Calderón, General Manager of Empack, stated: "We are introducing Multiseal, an integrated solution that aims to automate the sealing of Map cherry packages so that they can arrive preserved and in excellent condition for commercialization in China." The company's value revolves around four pillars: high-quality inputs and equipment, technical service to maintain the required functioning of the equipment, integration capabilities to deliver comprehensive package solutions, and physical and digital communication of the equipment. Nicolás Vidal, Postharvest Area Manager at Empack, explained: "In the postharvest area, we focus exclusively on preservation. Our goal is to extend the shelf life of fresh products, explore new markets, and move towards automation." A key part of Empack's success is its close collaboration with StePacPPC, an Israeli company with extensive experience in modified atmosphere packaging. Both companies work together to develop innovative solutions tailored to the market. Ivo Tunchel, Business Development Manager at StepacPPC, said: "Our contribution in postharvest and collaboration with Empack involved developing new polymers that can work in flowpack machines, enabling faster operation and higher productivity. The partnership between both companies was crucial, as they had the technical expertise in segregation, and we had the technical expertise in polymers." An example of their collaboration is the resealable heat-sealing solutions, specifically designed for cherries (similar solutions exist for other fruit species). This feature allows the film to be opened, closed again, and thereby regenerate the modified atmosphere. The Origin of MultisealThe Multiseal technology emerged as a response to labor shortages and low productivity in certain sectors of the industry, exacerbated by the pandemic. Empack sought an integrated solution to unleash the full potential of the flowpack equipment, doubling productivity in the sealing, capping, and labeling process. However, the high productivity capacity of the equipment required a continuous supply, which was resolved by implementing the Multiseal solution. The Postharvest Area Manager at Empack explained: "We currently have an extremely productive machine, but we can't feed or empty it to its full potential because we are working with a single size." To address this issue, Empack sought an integrated solution that could fully utilize the productivity potential of the flowpack equipment without losing product traceability. Vidal emphasized: "We believe that a cherry season comprises between 700 to 800 hours of operation, and with average productivity, we think we can exceed one million boxes per machine. The truth is, without the 'Multiseal' solution, we fall far short of that."