LEOMINSTER, MASS. — Filling and packing equipment solutions manufacturer IMA Food North America engineered a cup fill-seal system with an emphasis on sterilization characteristics that extend a product’s shelf life.

IMA described its Hamba Flexline as a “high-performance, fully servo-controlled fill-seal machine with industry-leading sterilization technology.” The designers completely enclosed the machine to offer sterile air overpressure.

The company identified the system’s aseptic production as its distinguishing feature, and said the Hamba Flexline is designed for high-speed operation, with a stainless steel build that complements its sterilization capabilities.

“Following an ionization station that removes potential static loads, the insides of all cups are treated with hydrogen peroxide and subsequently dried with sterile air,” IMA explained. “During this process, the cups are elevated to achieve satisfactory decontamination of slats and cups underneath the cup rim.”

The machine’s designers also shared that if applications don’t require hydrogen peroxide, the system can utilize UV and pulsed light technology.

The Hamba Flexline’s product applications include yogurts, spreadable cheeses, puddings, baby foods and other products packaged in cups. IMA said the machine can run up to 12 cups per cycle in either single-lane or double-land setups that allow the system to fill and seal as many as 57,600 cups per hour. The equipment manufacturer added that the machine can handle cups up to 180 mm in diameter and 150 mm in height.

IMA also noted that efficiency features include automatic format changes, push-button recipe control and the option to change lids without line stoppage.

The system includes sterilization options downstream, such as a “light decontamination system with 90-degree pick and place movement.” And filling nozzles may be cleaned or sterilized in place between runs. The company said disinfection stations can be designed to accommodate a range of eco-conscious packaging materials, including PET, PP and paper.

“The Hamba Flexline is the flagship solution that solidifies IMA Food as a true leader in enhanced, sterilizable fill-seal cup technology,” IMA Food North America president Patrick Carroll said. “In a food category where brand differentiation can be difficult to achieve on busy supermarket shelves, the shelf-life extension and sophisticated clean-fill presentation made possible by the Hamba Flexline helps our customers build trust and brand loyalty.”