BakPac at Bakers has put in place two Totani automatic spout inserters at its site in Brentwood, UK, as part of an investment of more than £500,000 ($681,988.68), increasing output for custom printed spouted pouches.
The equipment was delivered to the site, where Totani engineers carried out installation and commissioning over four days.
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A further week was used for operator training.
Both units are now being used for customer production, with additional trials and training continuing as output increases.
The added machinery increases capacity for digitally printed spouted pouches and broadens production options for medium and longer runs.
The machines can handle both top and corner spouts.
Initial formats include 10mm, 17.5mm and 21.5mm spouts on pouch sizes ranging from 50ml to five litres.
BakPac is focusing on uses in alcohol and ready-mixed cocktails, automotive products, beauty and wellness, food and condiments, health supplements, and household products.
The machines have been incorporated into the company’s existing digital print and pouch converting workflow.
The recyclable Mono material is said to have performed well on the equipment, supporting recyclable spouted pouch production.
The company is weighing further investment in automatic spout inserters as demand for spouted pouches grows.
BakPac at Bakers managing director Steve Baker said: “Spouted pouches are a really exciting area for BakPac. The refill market in the UK is still at an early stage, but we believe it is a question of when, not if, demand grows. We wanted to invest now, get really good at the process and make sure we have the capacity and capability in place before the market really accelerates.
“There is also a strong trade supply opportunity here. We know there are other UK pouch producers and trade customers who may not have dedicated spout insertion capability, or the capacity to take on higher-volume spouted pouch work. By investing in two Totani machines from the start, we are putting BakPac in a position to support brands directly, but also to offer a high-quality trade solution as demand for spouted formats grows.”
