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Customer Spotlight - Eagle Medical October 1, 2019

Question: So can you just tell me a bit about what Eagle Medical does in general? Just for the, for the record.

Answer: You bet, Eagle Medical is a contract packaging and sterilization for medical devices. And we have many customers that ship all over the world for implant grade medical devices. We have, uh, two active clean rooms with a third under construction as our expansion is taking place and we’ll be able to service much more in the medical industry and utilizing, um, the newest cleanroom technologies and following all the ISO standards. And we are also FDA regulated so that we are certified in, um, being able to operate under those conditions.

Question: So can you also explain to me what, well, just like how you ended up chatting with Richard about the machine and, and why you chose. Um, technically this is called our VacPack 2440, or actually it’s 2430, 20. I can’t remember what the nomenclature is for the validatable one, but our, our medical VacPack machine. What, what was kind of the decision, uh, what drove the decision to get this machine?

Answer: Well, the biggest thing was our, one of our largest customers is having a packaging issue with medical devices moving around in their pouches and was good, was causing some occasional problems, um, either with perforation or breaking the seal. And so they wanted a way to keep the packaging and have the product stay still in its packaging. We’re hence the vacuum need for vacuum sealer. And so with the vacuum sealer now we’re able to actually pull that down tight. And so that product no longer can move around in the package. Yeah. And uh, they fit well in, in their design boxes. And so the packaging and the product pretty much stay centered and it does not move. And even in being dropped and stuff, we’ve done testing with that and it, uh, it’s very, very effective.

Question: Can you just speak a little bit to how the testing of the machine has gone so far?
Answer: Very, very well. We, the, this Plexpack machine has been wonderful in its consistency on a pull test. We have do our verification of each of the seals to make sure they pull evenly. And to the specifications that we desire and not have a big variance between the pulls. And we have seen remarkable pull tests that vary about maybe 0.2 to 0.3 in there.

Question: This is more like a sort of general sort of content question. Why, why do the pull test? What for, for those who don’t know anything about it. Yeah. Why do those?

Answer: Well, we want to verify and to validate that the sealing process is going to meet, maintain its integrity throughout its life and traveling to make sure that product stays sterile until it ends up in the hands of the surgeon in the operating room. And that is one of the most important things is not to have issues with product or you open up the first package and hey, it’s already been opened or as punched a hole in it. So then you have to question is it still sterile because those products are being implanted into maybe people you love.
I really appreciate you taking the time. To answer a couple of questions and, and I’m glad you like the machine. So yes. And thanks very much. Richard was very helpful in, uh, in our quest to find a very good validatable vacuum sealing process. And his knowledge and experiences led us to this, uh, Plexpack machine and we have not been disappointed. Thank you so much. Appreciate it.

How Gas Flush and Traditional Vacuum Sealing Differ

While both methods preserve food by removing air from storage bags, their processes and the environments they create are different:

5 Advantages of Gas Flushing

Understanding the benefits of a sealing method is vital when choosing one for your packaging. This method offers several advantages, making it a popular choice for food manufacturers and retailers looking to boost the presentation and longevity of their products.

1. Extended Shelf Life

Nitrogen allows you to create an ideal atmosphere for products, removing all traces of oxygen. Secondly, vacuum sealing creates durable packaging that protects your products from the elements and any external contaminants, increasing product longevity and quality and keeping perishables fresh for longer.

Extending your products' shelf life reduces product losses, which is excellent for your consumers and bottom line.

2. Elevated Food Safety

Packaging your products with gas flush systems eliminates the need for chemical preservatives, reducing the risk and making your products more appealing to consumers. Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere, and we breathe it every day, making it safe for use in preserving and packaging food products.

3. Enhanced Product Appearance

The gas flush process prevents products from coloring, keeping food looking fresher for longer. Oxygen interacts with the natural pigments in many foods, particularly meat products, which can cause them to appear discolored. Nitrogen and other nonreactive gases prevent this discoloration from happening. Their nonreactivity allows food products to retain a fresh appearance, making them more appealing to buyers.

4. Protected Product Integrity

You can flush products with extra nitrogen, depending on your needs. This process provides extra cushioning for fragile products so they don't break and retain their freshness during transport, storage and packing. More robust products also benefit from this additional protection to maintain the product's structure. For medical and pharmaceutical products, gas flush vacuum sealing puts products in more ideal storage conditions so they maintain their effectiveness.

This packaging method also seals in flavors, allowing consumers a better user experience.

5. Ease of Use

Gas flush systems are quick, efficient and user-friendly. The machine is easy to install, maintain and operate. You can automate the process and customize the settings for various products. Automating your equipment frees your team to focus on other critical tasks, reduces labor costs and increases output speed.

How to Choose the Right Gas Flush Vacuum Packaging Machine

Businesses have differing packaging needs, and choosing the right high-efficiency vacuum sealing machine can be challenging. Choosing the right equipment for gas flush vacuum sealing is crucial to help your business maximize packaged products' quality and shelf life. Keep the following tips in mind to ensure you make the best decision for your business:

Production Requirements

Consider the volume of products requiring packaging throughout your operation. Explain your output requirements to your product provider so they can help you determine which type of machine is best suited to our needs. Look into the machine's operational speed, temperature range, sealing band and height adjustment capabilities to start with.

Consider your future requirements. If you expect considerable business growth, purchasing equipment that quickly becomes obsolete could cause unnecessary hassle. You can discuss the option of add-on equipment like trimmers, conveyors, embossers and printers that can complement your operations.

Packaging Environment

Depending on your product, you may have stringent safety and hygiene regulations to consider. Your chosen equipment should be designed for easy cleaning to maintain compliance in your workspace.

Package Quality and Appearance

Packaging affects whether consumers purchase your products. Your packaging should be attractive and functional to build trust in your brand and demonstrate the quality of the product inside. Consider how your packages are displayed and how consumers use your products. The right packaging equipment should provide a visually appealing result that represents your products and encourages purchases.

Maintenance and Ease of Operation

Consider how easy it will be to set up, use and maintain your machine. These factors can affect your costs, efficiency and downtime. Your device should be easy to work with so you can integrate it into your existing workflow and start enjoying the results.

Supplier Partnership

Having a solid partnership with your supplier is essential. They should take the time to understand your needs and plan business growth. As you'll use your equipment as part of your operations, ask your supplier about their support level and their experience with your industry.

Machine Quality and Efficiency

Selecting a machine also depends on your budget, and it's essential to balance the initial cost of your machine with maintenance and operation costs. A return on investment (ROI) is critical to your profitability, and a quality machine can set you up for the future by increasing your output speed and elevating your presentation. Consider investing in equipment that can grow with your business.

Take Your Packaging to the Next Level With Plexpack

Integrating new equipment into your operations requires careful consideration to ensure you choose the right products. While both traditional and gas flush vacuum sealing offer food and medical products enhanced shelf life and protection, a gas flush is a more effective solution for a broader range of perishable products. Gas flush packaging has considerable benefits for many procedures, including food and beverage applications. You need a reliable and experienced supplier partnership for the best results.

Plexpack has helped thousands of companies worldwide find the best product packaging option. We pride ourselves on providing customers with reliable, high-quality, North American-made packaging equipment. We also understand that working with a supplier requires a solid partnership, so our trained technicians are here to support you throughout your operations. Our gas flush vacuum seal machines are efficient and high quality. They may speed up your packaging processes and serve your organization for many years to come.

Contact us to learn more about our innovative products. We will walk you through the best product choices for your budget and application.

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