Packaging ¦ IDM
Cardboard instead of plastic
The British company, Premier Foods,
accomplishes an innovative packaging and
palletising solution for dessert cups
Goal was a state-of-the-art multipack format
The first packaging line from A+F went into operation at the Lifton
site back in 2012. Since then, a number of other projects have been
completed in joint cooperation, the last of which was at the beginning
of 2022. “The most recent collaboration was for the development
of a state-of-the-art multipack format for our popular dessert
cups. In this project we wanted to simultaneously change over
to a more sustainable case solution,” comments Graeme Strike,
project manager at Ambrosia. At that time, the filled cups were
September/October 2022 ¦ international-dairy.com · 13
Author: Michael Hafer, A+F Automation und Fördertechnik GmbH
No longer wanting to sell its dessert cups in shrinkwrapped
plastic trays, the British company, Premier
Foods, decided to invest in a combined packaging and
palletising centre. Here the cups are now packed in cardboard
cases usiang tray erectors and sleeving machines and then
palletised fully automatically. The palletising centre simultaneously
handles two additional packaging lines. The entire plant was successfully
approved in February 2022. Read on for a more detailed
portrait.
As one of the largest listed food companies in the UK, Premier
Foods employs a workforce of over 4,000 people at 15 production
sites and different branches across the UK. Some 96 percent of
the products are made in the UK. The raw materials are supplied
to the maximum possible extent by British merchants and farmers.
Rice pudding, other puddings and desserts
The brand portfolio of Premier Foods is divided into four main
categories, these being: flavours and seasonings; sauces and accompaniments;
convenience foods, snacks and soups; and lastly
aseptically packaged desserts. In addition, the corporate group
makes products such as cakes and desserts to order for many food
retailers in the UK.
At the Ambrosia Creamery, Premier Foods makes the UK’s
most popular rice pudding and pudding desserts, as well as a host
of other desserts. The company itself dates back to 1917. The production
site is located in the village of Lifton, in the heart of the
county of Devon in southwest England.
Graeme Strike,
Project Manager
at Ambrosia:
The development
project with
A+F had to be
carried out under
the difficult
circumstances of
the UK having
left the EU and
the Covid
pandemic
/international-dairy.com
