Preserving Quality: 3 Ways Automated Solutions Enhance Shelf Life and Freshness in Pet Food Packaging

Creating nutritious and flavorful pet food is only part of the equation, how it is handled and packaged plays a crucial role in maintaining its integrity. In this blog post, we’ll delve into three ways automated container handling solutions can help revolutionize pet food packaging, and elevate the industry standard for preserving quality so that every pet receives the best.

1. Precision in Handling

Airtight seals for dry kibble and vacuum-sealed for wet food are critical to extending the shelf life of pet food by preventing moisture and air exposure. When your automation is operating at high speeds, these containers need to be accurately placed under the form-fill-seal equipment and other like operations. Timing screws help orchestrate the movement of containers with precision, accurately positioning each container under the equipment needed to create a tight seal, helping make sure the equipment never misses the container. Consistency in sealing also enhances product safety, protecting pet food from external contaminants that could compromise its quality.

2. Readability and Scanning Accuracy

Efficiency in production is key to delivering pet food promptly while maintaining its freshness. Automated container handling solutions streamline the entire packaging process, from filling and sealing to labeling and palletizing. By reducing manual intervention, these systems minimize the risk of human error and provide a seamless flow of operations. With a well-optimized production line, manufacturers can meet market demands efficiently, guaranteeing that every package leaving the facility is of the highest quality and freshness.

3. Regulatory Compliance

Precision in date coding is crucial for both manufacturers and pet owners. A product lacking a correct code date in unable to meet inspection standards, resulting in potentially costly errors over time. But what do you do when your line is running at over 1000 CPM and it’s impossible to manually orient each container by hand? Automation.

This rotary system is designed to accept a single lane of split cup round containers from a backlog at a rate of 350 containers per minute and will orient them so the split/tabs are leading. While in the screw, the containers will be pre oriented based on physical geometry and inspected for current orientation. When in the turret area, the containers will either be rotated 180 degrees or pass through based on initial inspection in timing screw area. Containers that require orientation will be oriented via mechanical/electrical process. Each station of the turret will use a clutch that will engage/disengage as required base on orientation requirements. Containers that enter our system with the correct orientation will transfer through the orientor but will not require orienting.

For example, we had a past customer that needed to orient pet food on their line running at very high speeds. Our team of experts designed a solution to keep up with production and help boost efficiency on their line.

Furthermore, these automated systems contribute to enhanced traceability, allowing for quick and efficient tracking of production batches in case of recalls or quality control measures.

When it comes to preserving pet food freshness automated solutions bring all paws on deck to make sure that every pet food package maintains its quality, freshness, and safety throughout its journey from production to our beloved pets.

Looking to incorporate code dating solutions into your line? Fill out this form and we would be happy to assist you!