There’s a growing demand for efficient, high-quality tray sealing in ready meal production. This is being driven in large part by the consumer preference for ready meals that maintain freshness, flavour, and nutritional value. Strict regulatory demands and sustainability concerns are also having a bearing, with manufacturers keen to integrate tray sealing solutions for reduced energy consumption and operational costs. This applies particularly to the producers of ready meals for the airline and foodservice sectors.
As the compact tray sealer that’s big on performance, Ishida’s QX-800 is the ideal solution for the fulfillment of ready meal demands. Read on as we explore the transformative features and real-world applications of the next-generation tray sealer, with other Ishida solutions also being presented.
Real-World Applications: Ready Meals for Airlines and Foodservice
From the limited shelf life to the need for convenience and portion control, specific requirements must be met in the delivery of ready meals for the airline and foodservice markets. Freshness and safety must be maintained, with portions having to be limited for the control of costs and fulfillment of customer expectations. Running on tight schedules and with short turnaround times, such meal providers depend on packaging and sealing efficiency. High throughput must be ensured with no compromise of quality. Sustainability commitments must also be met through the delivery of ready meals in recyclable and lightweight packaging materials.
Specialising in the production of fresh vegetables, Frais Emincés is one of a number of companies that have had to overcome such challenges. Having opted to introduce ready-to-eat fresh produce meals, they recognised the need for more precise sealing and portion control. This was achieved through the combined integration of Ishida’s fresh food and multihead weighers. These technologies have made a great difference, ensuring product safety and quality across demanding environments.
Tray Seal Quality, MAP Performance, and Line Throughput
Complete with 7 7-impression tool, Ishida’s QX-800 is presented as the next-level solution to the varied demands of the airline and foodservice markets. It has been specifically designed to enhance efficiency, boost performance, and reduce waste in the sealing of packaged foods. All the benefits of advanced automation are assured, with the QX-800 enabling the smartest use of floorspace, materials, and budget.
Together with its increased capacity, the QX-800 also allows for faster throughput, with cycle speeds of 25 cycles seal only / 17 MAP. This is also an innovative solution for the sealing of packs in different formats, including seal only, MAP (gas flush, vacuum gas), and skinpack. The QX-800 delivers on the sustainability front too, with its market-leading energy consumption and support for eco-friendly packaging materials. There’s the potential to save £1,000s per year through the integration of this advanced machine.
Additional benefits of the QX-800 tray sealer include:
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Improved production line visibility thanks to the compact and low-profile design
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Reduced downtime in changing between different pack formats
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Smooth tray and product handling via the patented transfer system
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Adaptability to variable pack sizes and high SKU complexity
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Rapid processing, with the 7-impression tool enabling the sealing of up to 175 trays per minute
Optimising seal integrity and consistency, the QX-800 is the ideal solution for the satisfaction of strict quality standards demanded by airlines and foodservice suppliers.
As Tara O’Connor, Ishida’s Tray Sealer Product Manager, said, “the QX-800 has been designed [to] tackle industry challenges, from rising costs to operational efficiency and sustainability targets. It delivers on everything our customers already love, [with its] compact design, low energy consumption, fast tool changeover times, smart intuitive controls, and industry 5.0 monitoring capabilities. The QX-800 has the increased speed, capacity, and efficiency that our customers need.”
Advanced Solutions from Ishida
Of course, the QX-800 is one of a wider range of Ishida solutions that can be integrated for such purposes as increased throughput and quality assurance. For instance, the Italy-based Menu opted to invest in two fresh food weighers for the suitable portion control of olives, which are then packaged in sealed cans. This would allow for more accurate weighing, with optimum efficiency and minimal giveaway. It’s an example of particular relevance to the processing of airline and foodservice products, which also require precise portion control and sealing.
Through investment in such advanced solutions, food producers are able to meet such challenges as assured seal quality, flexibility, and sustainability. The realisation of these benefits reflects Ishida’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. For Ishida it’s a matter of technological transformation being smarter, faster, and together.
Get in touch if you’d like to explore the benefits of Ishida’s advanced technologies.