New Gentle Box Filler+ designed for delicate fruits combines Compac's trademark gentle handling with high throughput

Posted by Marijke Bellemans on Dec 18, 2020 2:49:09 PM

Compac, part of the TOMRA Food family, extends its box filling platform offering with the new-generation Gentle Box Filler+ model developed specifically for the most delicate produce. It combines faster throughput with the industry-leading gentle handling that is the hallmark of Compac's original box filler design. The significantly higher throughput translates into more added value for the packer's operation due to the greater productivity, efficiency and flexibility, as well as a smaller initial investment – with the gentlest handling.

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Designed for Pure Gentleness

The new Gentle Box Filler+ (GBF+) platform builds on Compac's proven and successful original design and further improves its throughput with additional automation components. It gently deposits the fruit into the bottom of the pack and uses vibration to settle it very delicately, preventing damage during the filling process. This makes it ideal for first-class bulk packing of produce such as kiwifruit and stone fruit, which bruise easily, and for repacked and ripe produce, that are softer and more susceptible to damage in handling. It is also the best solution for pre-grading setback packing of produce, which is handled twice – once for pre-grading into single-grade containers, then a second time for packaging into the final container.

"Compac's GBF original design provides the gentlest loose filling available on the market, which explains its continued success," explains Paul Ramson, Director, Solutions Architecture Product Management at Compac. "Today, we have box fillers topping one million boxes filled. The new-generation GBF+ builds on this experience. It is just as delicate in its handling of the fruit, and it works faster. For example, in a typical New Zealand kiwifruit application, it roughly doubles the throughput that can be achieved – with no compromise on the quality of the product. We have tested it extensively in-house and validated it in a 10-filler installation at a New Zealand packhouse."

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Superior quality with more efficiency, more productivity and lower costs

The high throughput means that a packer needs fewer outlets to achieve their volume of packout, so the sizer doesn't need as much length, resulting in a smaller footprint. This gives the packhouse greater flexibility to diversify the product line to meet changing consumer demand.

Another advantage is that fewer fillers will be required, resulting in operating and financial benefits for the packer: on the one hand, the initial investment in equipment will be smaller; on the other, fewer people will manage, operate and maintain them.

The GBF+ also integrates seamlessly with the customer's upstream and downstream materials handling equipment, as well as Compac's systems to ensure full pack and batch traceability.

The right box filler for every need

The new GBF+ extends our offering of box fillers, enabling Compac to match the solution to the packhouse's specific requirements precisely. It has the in-house expertise to conduct simulations and advise on the best model for the fruit type, box size, size and grade being packed. This consultative engagement is an essential component of the added value Compac offers customers.

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Topics: News article, Equipment & Technology

Marijke Bellemans

Written by Marijke Bellemans

Marketing Communications Manager - TOMRA Food

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