At its headquarters, food container manufacturer Kotronis Plastics (Efpalio / Greece; www.kotronis-plastics.gr) has added 21 “El-Exis SP” packaging machines from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag (Schwaig / Germany; www.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu), with five more on order as of December 2019, as well as eight all-electric “IntElect” models. The additions bring the injection moulding fleet at Kotronis’ 33,000 m² facility to 50 machines.

The Greek company produces more than 350m plastic containers annually for deli salads, yoghurt, feta cheese, spreads, antipasti and ice cream. Around 40% of its packaging production is sent to international markets. Kotronis is a family-run company established in 1971 that currently has 160 employees. According to Sumitomo, the thin-wall injection-moulded cups for Greek-style yoghurt containers make up a market that accounts for 7.3% of Greek products on the global market, with Greece being the world’s fourth largest yoghurt-exporting country.

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and Kotronis are exploring further integration of robots, automation equipment and solutions for visual mould control and higher-level control systems. Integrated within the machinery lineup are in-mould labelling systems. The Greek specialist recently developed a new packaging barrier in collaboration with a compatriot feta cheese producer that uses brine to extend shelf life without the use of preservatives. Kotronis is also testing biodegradable packaging concepts.