An interview with Dave Wince, VP Food Processing:

Q: Why would a company want a Packaging Audit?

Dave: The packaging audit gives us a chance to work with small to midsize companies that may not have a lot of technical support available to them. The companies are open to the Flavorseal team coming in and testing our product on their machines. While we are there, we offer them the chance to have our technical team audit their facility and machines to make sure everything is working properly.

Q: What is the Packaging Audit process?

Dave: This is a pretty lengthy process – it can take hours to go through the equipment. As the equipment is running throughout the day, the technician is looking at different areas and making notes. Afterward he provides a detailed report which contains recommendations for changes, repairs, possible wear points and other concerns electronically or pneumatically with the machine.

Q: What type of issues do these audits usually uncover?

Dave: We’ve seen worn out chains causing feeding and wrinkle issues, resulting in packaging that is not appealing to the customer. Other common issues are the wrong rollstock structure for the application, poor sealing conditions, a loss of seal pressure, loose chains – those type of things.

Q: Can you give us an example of how the audit process has helped a customer?

Dave: We have a great example in Great Lakes Smoked Meats. Our audit process not only helped identify a better material for their products, which improved the looks and performance of their package.  We also recommended and collaborated to incorporate an easy-open function in their packaging, a feature their customers could really appreciate. Our technical team worked with their machines to improve efficiency and reduce down time. They were thrilled with the results because it saved them money and resulted in a more appealing product.