In this case study we will go through how Maxpack Machinery technology is being used in the packaging of the #1 selling edible cookies in the United States as well as infused gummies.
In the last couple of years, the cannabis edibles industry has grown significantly. We’ve noticed this not only in the media but also because of the penetration in marketplaces. New segments, new products and new brands spark up all the time. According to the report “Cannabis Edibles Market – Global Industry Analysis” by Zion Market Research, the global cannabis edibles market was valued at approximately USD 1984.6 million in 2018 and is expected to generate around USD 13,654.3 million by 2025, at a CAGR of around 30.5% between 2019 and 2025.
It is however important to highlight that most of the Cannabis segments are still in a growth stage. For instance, according to the report “Cannabis Market Update: Unique Packaging Challenges for THC and CBD Products” from PMMI 92.9% of CBD manufacturing companies are categorized as “low tier” so they have sales under $1M or are available in less than 100 stores.
Lucky for these high-growth startups there’s a packaging machinery manufacturer like Maxpack Machinery that has an innovation philosophy that enables these startups to have access to relatable products that offer value, technology and convenience with accessible pricing options.
In this particular case, we worked together with a leading contract packing or copacking company that packages pioneer cannabis edible products such as baked cookies and infused gummies, among other products.
Below we’ve listed the details of the project for you to review:
Requirements
- Products: Cannabis edibles
- Product Type: Cannabis infused baked cookies and gummies.
- Volumes: Volumes from 72 g. to 159 g.
- Requested Speed: 40 Bags Per Minute (BPM)(Speed varies per volume and product type)
- Packaging type: Pillow bags
- Material Type: Laminated
- Weighing system: Multihead weigher
Specific requirements and solution:
- Maxpack MFT 7 Ultimate Range bagging machine SS304# frame and contact parts for pillow bags, Siemens S7-1200 PLC and KTP900 HMI, Horizontal Servo Jaw movement, Vacuum Pulling belts with Becker vacuum pump and with dual servo movement.
- Maxpack 14-Head Weigher 2.5L dimpled Bucket 304# frame and contact parts, Vibration Cone, Allen Bradley Micrologix 1400 PLC and Siemens TP900 HMI
- Timing Hopper for weigher
- Weigher supporting platform AISI304# frame
- S-Shape Bucket Conveyor with Vibration Feeder AISI#304 frame
- Rotary pouch accumulating table diam 1.200mm AISI304#
- Checkweigher CW-200 AISI3034# with reject system (optional)
- TTO Date printer for Vertical Bagger with Mounting Holder (optional)
- Take-away Conveyor AISI304# with speed control for bagger
Conclusion:
The biggest challenge the copacker was facing was finding equipment that was versatile enough to handle baked cookies, gummies and other premium superfood snack products. After gathering and analyzing all the requirements provided by the client we concluded that the best equipment to handle the multiple packaging challenge was a VFFS Maxpack MFT 7 Ultimate Range bagger which has the biggest range of bag width in the industry. Additionaly it comes with customized sealing jaws, Innolock feature and integrated TTO along with a Maxpack multihead weigher scale with 14 heads 2.5L hoppers, dimpled surface and vibrating cone.
Important to denote that cannabis gummies must be infused and not tumbled in order to flow correctly in the multihead weigher; cannabis infused oils tend to be very sticky. For heavy sugar coated gummies or products with stickier characteristics we may use multihead weighers with special coatings and obtuse angles to reduce surface time.
A key component of this project was the use of child-resistant pillow bags that are made with thick tri-laminated foil materials. Our engineers had to costume make sealing jaws capable of sealing this specific type of material while versatile enough to work with standard laminated films, considering the client is a co-packer. In addition, it was requested that the VFFS Maxpack MFT 7 Ultimate Range bagger include the new feature for Innolock (face zipper) pillow bags.
At Maxpack we love these challenges and we see them as an additional opportunity for us to shine vs our competitors. Especially when it comes to equipment accessibility where we definitely are the industry disruptor.
For more information on the VFFS Maxpack MFT 7 Ultimate Range baggers or any of our many offerings, please contact us at sales@maxpackmachinery.com or give us a call at +1 (305) 424-1661. You can also visit our online machinery catalogue by clicking here.
To check out other segments within the food industry that we can create solutions for click here.
Also, check out the new Exclusive Offers section of our website for exclusive loyalty and financing programs you may qualify for.