Author: Louise Coetzee

USS Pactech installed a fully integrated vacuum packaging system for a meat packaging plant

In the landscape of food packaging, ensuring product freshness, extending shelf life and maintaining visual appeal are paramount. Supervac, a leader in vacuum packaging solutions, addresses these challenges with innovative technologies accessible in South Africa through USS Pactech.​

Comprehensive vacuum packaging solutions

With over 55 years of expertise, Supervac offers a holistic approach to vacuum packaging. Their product range includes vacuum packaging machines, shrinking, cooling and drying equipment, filling aids and automation solutions. This comprehensive suite ensures that food products retain their quality, safety and visual appeal throughout their shelf life.​

Key features and advantages

• Double bi-active sealing: Supervac machines employ a high-pressure sealing system that provides two superior seals to every bag, virtually eliminating leakers and ensuring product integrity. ​
• Efficient shrink technology: Their shrink tanks deliver consistent results while consuming less power, enhancing the appearance and durability of packaged products. ​
• Compact and hygienic design: The compact solutions create space in the packaging area, and the use of stainless steel in all machine areas ensures longevity and simplifies sanitisation. ​
• Optimised process times: Features like the expansion air cushion in the vacuum chamber optimise cycle times, balancing efficiency with gentle product handling.

Diverse applications

Supervac’s solutions cater to a wide array of food products, including fresh meat, processed meat products, cheese, fish and seafood, poultry and other applications. This versatility makes their machines suitable for various sectors within the food industry. ​

Supervac in South Africa through USS Pactech

Recognising the unique needs of the African market, USS Pactech has partnered with Supervac to offer these state-of-the-art packaging solutions locally. Over the years, USS Pactech has been supplying and servicing packaging equipment to the FMCG and pharmaceutical industries in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction aligns seamlessly with Supervac’s ethos. ​

Case Study: Future-proofing pork packaging – A South African success story

Background: Adapting to growth in a competitive market

A leading South African pork producer, specialising in everything from ham to fresh meat, needed to upgrade its packaging capabilities to keep pace with an ambitious growth strategy. With plans to expand into new markets, the company required a more efficient, scalable and future-ready packaging solution.

Their existing setup, which was a combination of double chamber machines, and a traditional manual shrink tank, was no longer sufficient to meet the increasing demand for higher capacity, improved shelf life and superior product presentation.

Challenges: The need for an advanced packaging line

The client was looking for a state-of-the-art packaging line that would:

• Increase production capacity without expanding floor space.
• Enhance product presentation for better retail appeal.
• Extend shelf life to improve distribution efficiency.
• Reduce operator dependency, ensuring consistency and precision.
• Allow for future automation, keeping the system adaptable for growth.

At the same time, the solution had to be cost-effective, energy-efficient and able to meet the highest food safety and quality standards.

Solution: A high-performance, scalable packaging system

To address these challenges, a fully integrated vacuum packaging solution was implemented, incorporating cutting-edge Supervac technology.

• GK 862 with pouch punching knives: Ensures a precise, high-quality product presentation, minimising packaging waste.
• Password-protected settings: Standardises packaging performance, guaranteeing consistent vacuum sealing regardless of the operator’s experience.
• Split belt system: Designed for seamless future automation and single person loading, allowing the client to scale production as needed.
• AT 15 shrink tank: Operates at lower temperatures compared to spray tunnels, is fully insulated and prevents unnecessary heat exposure in the packaging area, ensuring optimal food safety and energy efficiency.
• AC 15 cooling tank: Provides a cold shock process, extending shelf life while maintaining vibrant colour intensity, ensuring products appear fresher for longer by lowering the product surface temperature as fast as possible.
• BL 15 Dryer: Automates packaging drying to be able to label immediately, optimising workflow and efficiency.
• Additional pump capacity: The best way to achieve low end vacuum as fast as possible while increasing throughput in the future without requiring major system changes.

Results: A packaging line built for the future

With this advanced packaging system, the South African pork producer is now fully equipped for long-term success, ensuring premium product quality, operational efficiency, and a strong competitive edge in new and existing markets.

For businesses looking to upgrade their packaging solutions, USS Pactech offers industry-leading Supervac technology in South Africa – tailored for efficiency, precision, and growth.

Contact us today to learn how we can optimise your packaging line.

An innovative solution

The collaboration between SN Maschinenbau and SÜDPACK marks a significant stride in the packaging industry’s journey toward sustainability. Their developmental partnership introduces an economical and sustainable overall concept for the in-house production of recyclable spout pouches.
SN Maschinenbau and SÜDPACK have entered a developmental partnership to create an innovative overall concept for the in-house production of stand-up pouches with spouts designed for packaging pasty and liquid products. The concept is intended for food producers and fillers who have up to now been using pre-made spout pouches.

With their innovative solution for the in-house production of stand-up pouches with spouts, the two cooperation partners are breaking new ground and providing the producers and fillers of thick and thin fluid products, such as fruit purées, baby food and other liquids, with a sustainable and economical alternative to pre-made pouches.

The overall concept relies on powerful packaging technology and high-performance, recyclable packaging components made of polypropylene that are perfectly coordinated and offer users not only simple handling, but also maximum process and packaging reliability. The concept is also pioneering in terms of quality, economic profitability and flexibility, and offers sustainability as an extra benefit thanks to the use of recyclable monomaterials.

ATTRACTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO PREMADE POUCHES

“With the overall concept, we are offering our customers an attractive alternative to high cost pre-made pouches, the processing and filling of which often entails a great deal of logistical effort. Our solution makes it possible for the producers and fillers of pasty and liquid food products to manufacture spout pouches in-house that can be filled and sealed as usual on their existing filling machines. Our concept is based on a user- friendly pouch making machine combined with films and spouts that are perfectly coordinated, which means they can be reliably processed, “explained Lutz Neugebauer, product manager at SÜDPACK.

“The film can be processed from the reel, which provides many advantages in terms of efficiency and economic profitability without having to make compromises when it comes to quality,” elaborated Neugebauer. This makes the concept an economically attractive overall solution for all production qualities.

FOCUS ON RECYCLABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

The PP-based Pure-Line films used in this packaging concept are classified as recyclable due to their monostructure. In combination with the PP spouts that are currently on the market, the result is a recyclable spout pouch. And thanks to its heat resistance, the pouch can also be used for hotfilling and pasteurisation. Moreover, the films can be equipped with different barrier functions to suit the products that are to be packaged. The film material was developed based on SÜDPACK’s many years of expertise, particularly in producing innovative sealing layers.

MAXIMUM PACKAGING EFFICIENCY AND RELIABILITY

On the SPM 50 horizontal pouch making machine from SN Maschinenbau, the spout pouches are manufactured horizontally from the film reel and the spouts are sealed in. They are then automatically inserted into the commercially available rail systems and are stored on a transport cart. Every rail can then be easily and ergonomically inserted into the existing pouch-filling machines to allow filling of the empty spout pouches. Compared to pre-made pouches, this significantly simplifies handling and allows staff to process an increased number of pouches more efficiently, for example because the time-consuming process of separating the rails is eliminated.

The low-maintenance machine is highly efficient and can be used in tight production spaces thanks to its compact design. This allows flexible placement, either right next to the filling machine or on its own in a separate room. Pouch production can be insourced easily because the machine is extremely user-friendly and can usually be operated by the existing staff. One of the many advantages is that the reel change requires minimal set-up time and must be performed at most once every shift. The SPM 50 from SN Maschinenbau makes up to 4,200 pouches per hour and can achieve continuous production of over 30,000 spout pouches per eight-hour shift with just one film reel.

This results in an annual production volume of seven million spout pouches in one shift operation and up to 21 million in three-shift operation. “The factors mentioned above make investing in this pouch concept highly viable in economic terms. In combination with substantially improved ergonomics for spout and rail handling and a high level of flexibility regarding different pouch and spout designs, the SPM 50 is an excellent investment that can also enhance your own value creation”, explains Thomas Fuest, director global sales at SN Mashinenbau.

SAVINGS IN LOGISTICS AND HANDLING

Producing pouches on site eliminates the complex handling and logistics needed for finished pouches, which would usually be delivered on rails in cardboard boxes. The space that is necessary for reels is roughly one third of what is needed for pre-made spout pouches. In addition to reduced transport costs, this also simplifies warehousing. Furthermore, the cardboard packaging from pre-made pouches is no longer required.

When it comes to flexibility, the concept for in-house spout pouch production also provides substantial benefits. The machine can be flexibly adapted to produce pouches of various shapes and sizes, as well as for the processing of different materials. This allows producers to quickly adapt to changes in demand and shortens their lead times and time to market. Last but not least, the concept can offer added value by providing more resilience in case of disruption in the supply chain.

USS Pactech
www.usspactech.co.za

SN Maschinenbau
www.sn-packaging.com

SÜDPACK
www.suedpack.com

This article first appeared in SA Food Review, March 2024

The Edward Snell facility installs high-performance CFT machines

Edward Snell & Co. is one of South Africa’s most established and respected liquor companies, with a legacy that dates back to the mid-1800s. The company’s origins began unexpectedly when a ship en route to Argentina was forced to dock in Cape Town. Among the passengers was Edward Snell, a young entrepreneur who would go on to shape the South African spirits industry.

Snell initially joined Thompson Walter and Co., a Cape Town-based shipping firm, but quickly saw a broader opportunity. In 1848, he launched his own business in Durban: Edward Snell & Co. The company began as an import-export firm and shipping agent, capitalising on Durban’s strategic location and growing port traffic.

Over the following decades, the company evolved through the leadership of successive generations of the Snell and Hooper families. By the early 20th century, Edward Snell & Co. had transformed into a limited liability company and expanded its product range to include imported wines, spirits, and beers. Today, the company remains a proudly family-run business under the leadership of President David Hooper, continuing its commitment to quality, heritage, and innovation.

Meeting challenges in a shifting economic landscape

Like many businesses in South Africa, Edward Snell & Co. has had to navigate a complex economic environment. With slow GDP growth, high unemployment and limited consumer spending, local market conditions have posed significant challenges to the spirits industry.

According to Bayanda Cwazibe, Production Manager at Edward Snell, these challenges have inspired the company to focus on improving productivity and operational efficiency. “We’ve recently invested in new production equipment that allows us to increase quality, reduce downtime and position the business for long-term growth,” says Cwazibe. “Even with the current market constraints, we’re planning ahead for expansion.”

Why Edward Snell & Co. chose USS Pactech

To meet their production and quality goals, Edward Snell & Co. required equipment that was not only efficient but also reliable and scalable. That’s where USS Pactech came in.

Having worked with USS Pactech previously, the team at Edward Snell trusted their guidance and industry expertise. “USS Pactech introduced us to CFT Group and facilitated a seamless consultation and evaluation process,” explains Cwazibe.

Today, the Edward Snell facility is home to two high-performance CFT Magic Rinser/Filler/Capper Tribloc machines. These machines are critical to the production of the company’s growing spirits portfolio and are perfectly matched to the capacity requirements of their two main bottling lines.

Optimising production with CFT technology

The CFT Magic Tribloc machines offer a range of benefits that align with Edward Snell’s goals:

• Integrated rinsing, filling, and capping for streamlined operation
• High-speed automation that supports increased throughput
• Precision filling that ensures product consistency and reduces waste
• Compact, efficient design that saves space and energy

With these capabilities, Edward Snell is better equipped to maintain the highest quality standards while improving production efficiency.

A strategic partnership for long-term growth

Looking ahead, Edward Snell & Co. has ambitious plans to grow its market share within South Africa and expand further into other African markets, and the partnership with USS Pactech and CFT Group is instrumental in achieving these goals.

USS Pactech: Supporting beverage innovation across Africa

As a trusted equipment and solutions provider, USS Pactech is proud to support companies like Edward Snell & Co. in their journey toward operational excellence and market growth. Our close partnerships with globally respected manufacturers like CFT Group allow us to offer Southern African producers access to cutting-edge technology, technical expertise and local service support.

Whether you’re upgrading a single line or building a new facility, USS Pactech is committed to providing end-to-end support – from consultation and equipment selection to commissioning and maintenance.

To learn more about how USS Pactech can support your production goals, get in touch with our team today.

Automated Bagging Solutions

At USS Pactech, we understand that efficiency, automation and precision are key to staying competitive in high-volume production environments. That’s why we’re proud to present the ILERSAC L from our partners at TMI – an advanced automatic bagging solution engineered to transform your open-mouth bagging line.

A complete, automated solution

The ILERSAC L isn’t just a bagging machine, it’s part of a fully integrated system designed to optimise every stage of the packaging process. In a recent installation, two ILERSAC L units were combined with the ILERPAL W palletizer and ILERGIR stretch wrapper, creating a seamless, automated line for bagging, palletizing and wrapping.

This setup delivers a powerful trifecta: faster throughput, lower labour requirements, and a clean, dust-free working environment – all while maintaining excellent product handling and consistency.

Designed for versatility and precision

The ILERSAC L is a high-performance automatic bagging machine suitable for open-mouth bags, whether flat or with side gussets. Capable of handling up to 850 bags per hour, this solution is ideal for industries handling powder or granular materials such as:

• Agri-food
• Food manufacturing
• Chemical production

Its adaptability to various bag types and materials makes it a preferred choice for manufacturers looking to streamline operations without compromising on quality.

Key benefits of the ILERSAC L:

• Clean, dust-free environment – Perfect for hygiene-sensitive applications.
• Fully automated process – Reduces manual intervention and boosts consistency.
• Exceptional handling – Offers high reliability and control for filled bags.
• Flexible format changeovers – Allows for fast adaptation to new products or bag sizes.
• User-friendly maintenance – Accessible design for easy cleaning and upkeep.
• High precision – Guarantees consistent weight and sealing in every cycle.

Technical specifications at a glance

• Handles bags ranging from 5 to 50 kg
• Compatible with paper, plastic, or laminated raffia
• Automatic filling, sealing, and bag removal
• Equipped with an intuitive HMI interface
• Supports various weighing and dosing configurations

Future-proof your production line

With the ILERSAC L, your operation gains more than just a machine, it gains a smarter, more agile workflow that’s ready for the demands of modern industry. Whether you’re in agri-processing or chemical packaging, this system will drive improvements in output, quality and cost-efficiency.

For more information, contact the USS Pactech team today.

The beverage industry is one of the most competitive and fast-moving sectors in South Africa. Beverage manufacturers must constantly balance production efficiency, product quality and packaging innovation while keeping costs under control. At USS Pactech, we partner with world-leading equipment manufacturers to bring local producers the latest technologies in beverage processing, filling, packaging, and palletising solutions.

We don’t manufacture equipment neither do we co-pack – instead, we act as the exclusive distributor and technical partner for a portfolio of internationally recognised OEMs. This ensures that our customers have access to proven, reliable and high-performance machines that keep their production lines running at global standards.

Beverage processing equipment we supply

1. Beverage labelling machines

Labelling is critical for branding, compliance and traceability. USS Pactech supplies automatic labelling machines designed for glass bottles, PET bottles and cans. These systems can handle pressure-sensitive labels, sleeve labels, and wraparound labels, ensuring flexibility for different product types.

2. Beverage de-palletizing and palletizing systems

Efficient de-palletizing and palletizing are the backbone of any beverage production line. USS Pactech offers robotic and conventional palletizers that safely and efficiently move bottles, cans and cases from pallets to production lines (and back again). This improves line efficiency while reducing labour requirements.

3. Beverage shrink wrapping and cluster pack machines

Shrink wrappers and cluster pack machines are essential for bundling bottles, cans and multipacks. USS Pactech supplies high-speed shrink wrapping and cluster pack systems capable of handling various formats – from 6-packs to large trays – ensuring packaging is secure, cost-effective and shelf-ready.

4. Case packing and tray packing equipment

For secondary packaging, USS Pactech provides case packers and tray packers. These machines automatically load bottles or cans into cartons or trays, ensuring uniform packaging that simplifies transport and storage.

5. Beverage filling and capping solutions

At the heart of every beverage plant is the filling and capping line. USS Pactech supplies:

• Bottle rinsers: ensuring hygienic preparation before filling.
• Fillers: precision filling for carbonated and still beverages.
• Cappers: reliable sealing for PET, glass or aluminium bottles.

This complete set of rinser-filler-capper combinations allows beverage manufacturers to maintain quality, minimise waste and maximise output.

6. Beverage inspection solutions

USS Pactech also supplies specialised inspection systems to ensure consistent product quality and compliance throughout the beverage production process. These systems include:

• Container inspection: Detects defects, contaminants, or foreign bodies in empty bottles and cans.
• Fill level control: Ensures correct fill levels and flags under- or over-filled products.
• Leak detection: In-line and non-destructive leak detection systems for bottle integrity.
• Closure & label checks: Verifies presence and positioning of caps, labels, and features like foam or fill visibility.

Why partner with USS Pactech?

• Trusted global partnerships: We supply machines from world-class OEMs, ensuring cutting-edge technology and proven performance.
• Local knowledge: With decades of experience in Southern Africa, we understand the challenges local beverage manufacturers face.
• After-sales support: Beyond equipment supply, USS Pactech provides installation, commissioning, training and ongoing technical service.
• Scalable solutions: Whether you are a craft producer or a high-volume bottling plant, our solutions can be tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What types of beverages can USS Pactech’s equipment handle?

Our machines are suitable for carbonated soft drinks, bottled water, juices, alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits), energy drinks and more.

Q2: Do you manufacture the machines yourselves?

No. USS Pactech supplies equipment through our international principals, leading OEMs with decades of expertise in beverage equipment manufacturing.

Q3: Can your equipment be integrated into existing production lines?

Yes. Our solutions are designed to integrate with both new and existing lines, ensuring seamless automation and efficiency gains.

Q4: Do you provide service and maintenance?

Absolutely. We offer full after-sales support, including installation, training, technical support, and spare parts.

Q5: What’s the advantage of sourcing through USS Pactech instead of directly from manufacturers?

We provide local support, faster turnaround times, and industry expertise. You get access to global technology with South African service and accountability.

The beverage industry demands speed, reliability, and innovation. By partnering with USS Pactech, manufacturers gain access to world-class beverage labelling, de-palletizing and palletizing, shrink wrapping, cluster packing, case packing, tray packing, bottle rinsing, filling, capping, and inspection equipment.

Our mission is to help beverage producers stay competitive by delivering the technology and support they need to thrive.

To discuss your specific requirements, contact us today.

In the meat-processing industry, product safety, shelf life, and efficient resource use are top priorities. A leading German manufacturer of meat and sausage products has upgraded its packaging line with a Supervac vacuum packaging system – achieving consistent packaging quality, reduced material use, and enhanced energy efficiency.

Optimised hygiene and product protection

Meat and sausage products are particularly sensitive to oxygen exposure and temperature variations. The producer sought a packaging solution that would ensure both maximum hygiene and extended shelf life. Supervac’s continuous belt-fed vacuum chamber system provided the ideal answer.

The new system automatically removes air, seals the product in high-barrier film, and maintains optimal vacuum pressure. This ensures minimal residual oxygen – protecting against spoilage and maintaining the natural colour and texture of meat. The fully stainless-steel design also allows for easy cleaning and hygiene compliance according to EU and HACCP standards.

Efficiency through automation

The packaging line integrates Supervac’s automatic vacuum sealing system with pre-existing conveyors and cooling units. The automation has eliminated manual handling steps, significantly reducing labour input while increasing daily throughput.

Operators benefit from a consistent, user-friendly workflow, with automated belt feeding, vacuuming and sealing functions ensuring uniform pack presentation. The result is a more efficient process that supports both high-volume output and product traceability.

Sustainable and resource-conscious performance

Energy and material efficiency played a central role in the system design. Supervac’s technology enables up to 30% film savings thanks to optimised film cutting and sealing parameters. The vacuum pump system is engineered for low energy consumption, while the chamber’s design reduces cycle times for faster production and less downtime.

By implementing this solution, the German processor achieved measurable reductions in energy use and packaging waste – aligning with modern sustainability goals across the European food industry.

Supervac solutions, represented in South Africa by USS Pactech

For meat and sausage producers in South Africa, USS Pactech offers local access to Supervac’s world-leading vacuum packaging systems. From small processors to large-scale manufacturers, USS Pactech provides reliable, hygienic, and efficient packaging solutions backed by technical expertise and after-sales support.