Made of 70-micron-thick coextruded polyethylene film, the bags are formed, filled, and sealed at speeds of approximately 45/min, using vertical f/f/s machinery from Sandiacre Packaging Machinery. As the rollstock film unwinds, the presealed transdirectional zippers are applied onto the film. After bag forming and filling, the top seal of the bag and the zipper are simultaneously sealed together.
Graham Cheesbrough, managing director for Blue Keld, comments, “We realized there was a real market for premium ice. People who invest in quality beverages, such as high-end whisky and natural mineral waters, do not want to compromise the delicate flavor of their drinks with ice made from inferior water. We use only spring water to make our ice and wanted packaging that would reflect the high-quality of our product. The resealable bag has helped differentiate our brand from the competition, and consumers have responded very well to the packaging convenience.”
Cheesbrough adds, “We have nothing but praise for the quality of Zip-Pak’s technology and technical support. Streamlined production is key to keeping our ice in top condition, with no melting or damage. Zip-Pak’s technical support has allowed us to produce and fill resealable bags at high speeds so that we can effectively meet growing demand with quality product.” —Judy Rice
