James Colyer, general manager of Homcare de Mexico, Guadalupe, Mexico, will visit PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2003, October 13 to 15, at the Las Vegas Convention Center to view the latest trends in packaging machinery, materials and containers. His last visit to the Las Vegas show in 2001 led to the purchase of two new induction-sealing systems that virtually eliminated product leakage during distribution and protected against tampering.

Protecting product integrity
Founded in 1969, Homcare de Mexico is the sole producer and marketer of Swipe™ cleaning products throughout Mexico and Central America. Previously produced exclusively for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Swipe is a versatile yet powerful cleanser appropriate for both industrial and household use. Packaged in plastic containers, Swipe is now available in more than 30 countries in North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

During distribution throughout Mexico and Central America, the bottles may be trucked over diverse terrain, ranging from sea-level altitudes to mountainous regions located 10,000 feet above sea level. These variations cause pressure changes that affect the air present in the headspace of each cleanser bottle, which can ultimately cause leaks.

In 2001, Colyer went to PACK EXPO Las Vegas to find a packaging solution that would allow delivery in top condition of his high-quality cleaning products to customers. "I needed a cost-effective sealing solution that would ensure product integrity and prevent leaks," Colyer says.

At PACK EXPO Las Vegas, Colyer reviewed a large number of bottle-sealing options. "The show is well-organized, and I was able to investigate an impressive range of systems all under one roof," Colyer states. "Live demonstrations on the show floor allowed me to compare available technology and select the systems that best met my company's needs."

After researching a number of different options, Homcare de Mexico purchased a Super SealTM induction cap sealing system as well as a manual/hand operated Compak™ Junior model, both from Enercon Industries Corp.

Innovative technology
Homcare de Mexico's transition to the new technology was seamless. Colyer says, "Enercon's induction-sealing technology is user-friendly and works well within our existing packaging operations."

Before leaving the packaging line, cleaner bottles are conveyed under the sealing head of the Super Seal induction sealer. There, the sealer releases an electrical current, creating an electromagnetic field that hermetically seals foil membrane closures to each bottle's mouth. The induction sealer is used for high-volume applications, while the Compak Junior induction sealer, a tabletop model of the larger technology, is used for low-volume applications.

One feature that was especially important to Homcare de Mexico was the all-in-one sealing head. Homcare de Mexico offers a variety of different cleaning products, packaged in bottles of different shapes and sizes and requiring 24-, 28- or 34-mm caps. The all-in-one sealing head pivots, lengthening the induction field so it can seal caps up to 120 mm dia. This innovation eliminates the need for packaging engineers to change flat coils to tunnel coils to accommodate various cap sizes and shapes. Colyer states, "This valuable feature saves time and minimizes the chance for operator error."

Having no prior experience with induction-sealing technology, Homcare de Mexico has found that technical support and customer service from Enercon is essential to operations. Through a local partner in nearby Monterey, Mexico, Enercon was able to offer Homcare de Mexico customer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The bottom line
The two induction sealers that Homcare de Mexico purchased have proven to be very sound investments. Induction sealing has protected products from tampering and, most importantly, protected against product leakage. Colyer says, "We were so happy with the technology that we purchased an additional Super Seal system at a later date."

In October, 2003, Colyer will return to PACK EXPO Las Vegas to familiarize himself with the latest technological developments in cleaner packaging. More than 18,000 visitors from more than 75 countries are expected to join him to view the newest packaging innovations on display at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2003.

More information is available:

Tradeshow: Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), 703/243-8555. Circle No. 216.

Induction sealer: Enercon Industries Corp., 262/255-6070. Circle No. 217.