British packaging specialist Macpac boosts metal detection systems

UK-based thermoforming packaging specialists Macpac has further enhanced its quality control and product safety through installing a new metal detection system at its advanced facilities in Stockport, greater Manchester, writes Neill Barston.

The Ceia THS21 900 KHZ line includes a 1500mm conveyor, feeding small stacks of finished thermoformed packs through the system’s 450mm (width) x 300mm (height) aperture prior to packing and despatch, with the business operating across a number of market segments, including developing products targeting the confectionery and snacks sectors.

As the company explained, if the ultra high frequency unit detects metal, a signal stops the conveyor and rejects the contaminated product. Fully HACCP and GMP compliant and ISO 9001 certified, the CEIA THS21 model offers a high level of detection on all magnetic and non-magnetic metals including stainless steel. It can detect fragments of non-ferrous and ferrous metals down to 1.2mm and stainless steel down to 1.5mm.

Notably, the company designs and manufactures a wide range of high performance thermoformed packaging, including bespoke trays, box inserts, clam packs and flow wrap trays. The functional, high strength and 100% recyclable packs are produced from rPET with a minimum of 80% recycled content. It has gained British Retail Consortium Consumer Goods for Packaging Materials accreditation, and has specialised in delivering bespoke designs.

Simon Firth, sales manager commented: ““Macpac’s ongoing commitment to quality was a key driver in the decision to install a metal detection system. We reviewed several suppliers and chose the CEIA because it was the best technology for our application with highly accurate metal detection and superior reliability.
Adding this piece of equipment gives us the capacity to ensure tighter checks can be made as and when required.”