Case Histories

Learn more about Cryovac® Performance Shrink Films

Hamilton based boutique chocolate manufacturer, Donovans Chocolates, had been finding increased customer demand to have their boxed product overwrapped in shrink film as a tamper evident closure. To meet this requirement the customer purchased a second hand machine to run in conjunction with a PVC film.

The wrapper was a "hood" style L-bar that seals the film and shrinks it around the product without use of a separate tunnel. The assumption made by the customer was that any piece of shrink equipment fits with any end use application.

Hood machines are often lightly constructed and better suited to low volume use, running at approx 4 packs per minute with a regular operator. The operating temperature of a hood machine can vary as more or less product is run.

After a short period it became apparent to Donovans that this machine did not suit the company’s operation. They began to experience a high failure rate that dramatically reduced their real productivity and rapidly became frustrated with the level of rework. The use of a hood machine can be quite operator dependent so they had specific staff members dedicated to the use of the shrink wrapper and began to try other materials to isolate the cause of the rewraps.

When despatch of completed orders became threatened they were ready to give up shrink packing altogether and pass on business that required shrink film overwrap.

A timely call to CRYOVAC Sealed Air allowed them to discuss these issues and it was agreed that a L-bar and tunnel combination be tried.

The improvement in productivity was significant and immediate with the use of a Heat Seal HS115 machine. Donovans found that operator technique was virtually eliminated due to the alternative sealing arrangement on the HS115 and the separate tunnel that runs a belt conveyor through a thermostatically controlled heat chamber.

The base packing speed was increased to 8 packs per minute with minimal repack.

Donovans also converted to CRYOVAC D955P centrefold shrink film. This film is factory preperforated with rows of small vent holes. This ensures a consistent air release during shrink to produce neater packages and fewer tendencies for burn through due to excess heat.

So both machine and material was more user friendly!!

With growth of shrink-wrap in Donovans business they have now had the HS115 upgraded with addition of a product exit conveyor to further improve packaging speeds.

When Donovans is ready to step up to automatic equipment for production rates in excess of 25 packs per minute, CRYOVAC will be ready to supply the right machine for the job.

Learn more about Cryovac® Performance Shrink Films