WHEN YOU RELY ON SOMETHING for your livelihood, you need to take care of it. That's especially true when it needs to be packaged up and shipped. Because potatoes are our way of life, they need the utmost care when handling during the packaging process. That's why you should be on the lookout for the latest and the best bagging and packaging products that will safely transport those precious tubers from the conveyor belt to the retailer. Below we've listed just a few of the best products out there for packaging up your precious commodity.
Editor's Note: This list is by no means comprehensive. If you know of more smart bagging or packaging products that can be included in our magazine, please email tbaum@potatogrower.com.
IDAHO PACKAGE COMPANY
BLACK AND WHITE LIGHT DIFFUSING FILM
Synopsis: This is also a laminated film that diffuses harmful light rays that cause greening in potatoes. The film is used in a Fox Combo bag that is partially mesh and partially film. The bag comes fully wicketed so it can be run on automated bagging equipment. The retailer displays the product film side up and gets the benefit from point-of-sale graphics printed on the bag and the light diffusion and protection from greening that allows for longer shelf life of the potatoes. The outer layer of the lamination is white, which further enhances the graphics. The mesh side allows for transmission of moisture and atmosphere so the product breathes properly to also extend shelf life. The package is fully recyclable after use. There are several large retail chains currently using or moving to this product to help reduce shrink at the store level.
Phone: (208) 529-0891
Fax: (208) 523-5922
Web: www.idahopackage.com
THOMAS E. MOORE, INC.
TEM 1060 SERIES BAGGER
Synopsis: Thomas E. Moore, Inc. has built their reputation by providing quality products in all the industries they serve and will continue to offer only the best to their customers. Nowhere is that more true than with the TEM 1060 Series Bagger. The 1060 can weigh and bag up to 600 bags per hour, and can handle bags 20 to 100 pounds. Not only does the 1060 feature a padded input hopper and bagging station with air-operated bag clamps, but there are plenty of "duals"-dual weigh hoppers with air-operated exit feed, dual flighted incline feed belts and dual independent weighing mechanisms and programmable logic control for increased reliability and output speed.
Phone: (302) 653-2000
Fax: (302) 653-3476
Web: www.thomasmoore.com
CHINOOK EQUIPMENT, INC.
PROCHECK SYSTEM
Synopsis: The Procheck System carton check-weigher from Chinook Equipment will automatically check cartons in motion as they pass over the check scale. Rejects are automatically diverted to a parallel reweigh station where an operator can adjust the weight of the carton on a separate static scale.
After necessary adjustments in weight are made the carton is returned by the operator to again go over the automatic check-weigher and on to the carton closer. This system also includes automatic traffic control so that only one carton at a time is on the check-weigher. Operator can be freed up to do other work as this system can be set up to allow ten or more cartons to be held in the re-weigh area.
Phone: (800) 219-2245
Fax: (208) 331-1264
NNZ, INC.
SPUD SHADE BAGS
Synopsis: "Green" is all the rage nowadays, but not on your potatoes. Spud Shade anti-greening poly bags use a patented co-extrusion film process that laminates regular poly to a special opaque black poly on the front of the bag, thus blocking out all UV light. The back of the bag is clear to allow customers to see the product. Since the front is opaque, it gives the packer the benefit of using the full front for marketing.
Phone: 800-634-7666
Web: www.nnz.com
VOLM COMPANIES, INC.
VOLMPACK HIGH-SPEED BALER
Synopsis: Volm Companies, Inc. manufactures a diverse line of automated food packaging equipment. Fresh produce and vegetables can be accurately weighed, which increases your productivity and reduces operational costs. Bags of any type (mesh, poly, paper, burlap) can be formed, filled and sealed using vffs machinery. Various bag closers and automatic balers are also available.
The Volmpack High-Speed Baler is the first automatic baler to include a manufacturer's performance guarantee. Volm believes in the production rates it can handle, so they back it up with a strong statement of support.
Phone: (715) 623-4717
Web: www.volmbag.com
ERNST MANUFACTURING CO.
ERNST EXPANDING ROLL-SIZER
Synopsis: The Ernst Expanding adjustable Roll-Sizer is designed to speedily size produce by means of precision controlled rollers. Spacing of rollers is regulated by control handles conveniently placed on the sides of the sizer. Smallest sizes are removed first, then each larger size is removed progressively as the produce flows through the sizer. Produce is carried away by conveyor belts passing through the sizer. Most Ernst sizers have over 200 bearings, to prevent wear. It is not uncommon to find Ernst Sizers working in the field for over 30 years. The Ernst sizer achieves its accuracy by having the same size opening between its rollers throughout the one drop-out size.
Phone: (877) 376-7885
Web: www.ernstmfg.com