RAPAK: Responding to Globalisation

Tne2759 RAPAK: Responding to globalisation Rapak is currently number one in the fast growing market of bag-in-box technology and liquid packaging filling systems, and particularly for aseptic filling markets including tomato paste.

Rapak, a part of DS Smith Plastics Division (which belongs to the international packaging group DS Smith Plc) is currently number one in the fast growing market of bag-in-box technology and liquid packaging filling systems. Rapak’s expertise in this field is truly world-class, benefiting as it does from the integration of technologies developed by its different manufacturing plants, located throughout Europe, the United States and the Asia-Pacific region.

Expertise in aseptic filling On its different production sites, Rapak manufactures a complete range of semi- automatic filling machines to suit bag sizes from 2 litres to 1000 litres as well as fully- automatic machines for bags from 2 litres to 20 litres. Among the different technologies developed by Rapak, the patented aseptic double membrane filling system, Intasept®, is central to Rapak’s leading position in a range of aseptic filling markets including tomato paste, fruit purée, fruit juice and dairy products. Intasept® creates a totally steam sterilised environment around a unique double-membrane filling gland, avoiding the need for a chemical sterilising agent. The Intasept® system transfers the product into bags with a 6/12 month guaranteed shelf life at ambient temperature before opening. The Rapak range also includes other aseptic filling technologies like the Steri-Pak™ system, designed for customers with more standard applications using bags with a gland and a cap.

Products aligned with market needs throughout the world One of the main advantages Rapak offers its customers is the international scope of its products, catering for liquid packaging requirements which are becoming increasingly globalised. For example, among the many European customers who have already adopted the patented Intasept® technology is the leading French group Cidou, who after thorough testing, has chosen this technology and is currently deploying it on a large scale. Cidou has acquired two fully automatic filling machines for fruit juice and flavoured milk in 3,5 and 10 litre bags, with the addition of a special tap also designed and manufactured by Rapak.

On the other side of the world, in the Philippines, Thaïland and Malaysia, Rapak is experiencing a high demand for its aseptic filling machines used for packaging pineapple, coconut milk, mango and other exotic fruit juices and purées.

Bespoke solutions for international customers Whilst Rapak has implemented a strategic programme of acquisition in order to create new commercial opportunities across the world, it has also stayed close to its customers, listening very carefully to what they are saying about their international needs. In effect, this means tailoring solutions for each company, subjecting requirements to a completely customised feasibility study. The result, thanks to the modular design of Rapak filling systems, is that their engineers are able to design bespoke systems, taking into account all the data included in the specification requirements.

Rapak’s new offering, and its presence on a worldwide basis, provides international customers with an outstanding advantage since Rapak can support their development and supply products and services on a global scale. This is the reason why most large international food groups are customers of Rapak.

Excellent prospects for growth According to Pierre Ferraci, Rapak Business Development Manager, “Today we have all the assets we need to position Rapak as the most innovative company in the worldwide market for liquid packaging and filling systems. The explosion of growth in the European bag-in-box market provides Rapak with an unprecedented opportunity and, in particular, our patented Intasept® technology allows us to meet the requirements of the aseptic filling markets perfectly. In this very favourable environment, we remain strongly committed to the objectives on which our success has always been based, a strict quality control policy with no compromise and the desire to ensure that all our customers are completely satisfied.”