The system, which comprises a 3D digital scanning microscope along with AMS software, has been installed in a dedicated pre-press area on the shop floor.
Parkside print and lamination specialist Mark Benson said: “What we wanted to ensure was ease of use and clear integration into our pre-press process. This allows an anilox to be delivered to the pre-press area quickly, be cleaned and checked using the AniCAM, and returned for use on press within eight minutes.”
The company has also invested in a Sandon SoftClean Duo Ultrasonic Anilox cleaner. Operating alongside the Troika solution, the new cleaning programme has released more than 50 hours of additional production capacity per month and saved in excess of 1 million linear metres of material per year in reduced setup times.
Benson said: “This investment enables our team to measure and control a key component in our pre-press process quickly and swiftly and is now one less variable for us to think about, as we push the boundaries forward in flexo.”
Parkside also revealed plans to install a similar setup at its Asian manufacturing operation in Selangor, Malaysia.
Benson added: “Parkside has a continuous programme of investment underway. We are committed to employing the latest technologies within the business to assure our customers of best in class print performance.”
Parkside has also developed a 100%-recyclable PET tray and lid pack for food manufacturer Addo, comprising a clear tray and heat-seal lidding film laminate with built-in reclose technology suitable for sealing to APET trays. The pack will be used for Addo’s range of mini sausage rolls and pasties for Tesco.
According to Parkside, the new design delivers improved barrier performance to keep the products fresher for longer, as well as utilising a single polymer design ideal for consumer recycling.
Addo Food Group packaging technologist Paul Tomkins said: “As a business, we pride ourselves on being innovators and industry leaders in the chilled savoury pastry market. The new packaging created by Parkside fits perfectly with our ethos and has enabled us to provide our customers with a fully recyclable and user-friendly pack.”
The new reclose feature is intended to help consumers reduce waste by preventing the product from drying out after opening. It also enables the consumer to avoid the use of additional plastics, such as cling film, to protect the food once opened.
Parkside new business development manager Staci Bye said: “This was a great project for us to be involved in and we are incredibly proud of the finished solution which meets two vital consumer trends in terms of sustainability and convenience - something not often achieved in a single design.”
