published on 28/07/09
A team of skilled mechanical contract engineers have installed an Illig RDM70K thermoforming system at Anson Packaging’s Ely headquarters to supply rPET pots to a major food producer.
The food producer requires the pots to be 20% lighter than previous containers and Anson can now accurately control the thickness of material to a few microns.
Managing director Andrew Osborne-Smith said Illig also created bespoke tooling to better control the form of the rim of the pot during cooling and ensure the thinner-walled product remains strong.
The RDM70K also uses air flow and water cooling systems to halve compressed air and energy use and is linked to an Illig granulator so skeletal waste can be reduced in volume before it its reprocessed and extruded on-site. The system was straightforward to install and was done with little disruption to the factory and quickly and efficiently by the team of contract engineers who also oversee the maintenance needs of the customer either proactively or reactively.
Osborne-Smith said the machine was part of Anson's long-term investment programme in new technology. 'The programme is designed to improve and further our commitment to sustainability whilst continuing to increase our levels of productivity and performance,' he said.

Read the full article at Packagingnews.co.uk