PLF International is pleased to announce the granting of a European Union patent for its innovative concept for evacuating, gassing and seaming of cans for the infant formula market.
The newly-patented process breaks with the more traditional vacuum, gassing and seaming process developed by Indosa 30 years ago by separating it into two distinct operations, during which residual oxygen is removed from filled cans and replaced with an inert gas, before moving on to a seaming station.
The PLF concept offers several major benefits to customers, firstly by employing the PLF vacuum head that seals the can during the evacuation process, this removes the need for a clinched can and prevents powder from getting into the seams. Secondly, by carrying out the evacuation and gassing in a separate process, a single seamer can be used instead of multiple seaming heads, this greatly reduces changeover times and overall flexibility.
Following the 2022 launch of the Virtus, JBT Global Director, Amedeo Scapin, said the newly-patented VGS™ system offers “another breakthrough in the available technology that genuinely offers real benefits to our customers and further builds on PLF International’s already impressive portfolio of industry-leading technologies.”
“With the patenting of PLF VGS™, PLF International solidifies once more its position as a frontrunner in providing advanced solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, hygiene, and quality for customers worldwide,” he said.