FAQS

What is overwrapping?

Overwrapping is the process of taking a carton or bundle of cartons (and similar) and wrapping it with heat sealable film. It is often referred to as a “tuck & fold” style wrap. Common items that get overwrapped include perfume cartons, tea boxes, pharmaceutical products, and confectionery boxes amongst others.

How does overwrapping and shrink wrapping differ?

The shrink wrapping process uses polyolefin film whereas the overwrapping process uses polypropylene film. Polypropylene, often referred to as PP, OPP, or BOPP, tends to be less expensive than polyolefin “shrink” film. The shrink wrapping process also has higher operating costs when compared to overwrapping. Shrink wrapping is best used for low volume product runs and products that are not square. The quality and attractiveness of an overwrapped product does not compare to a shrink wrapped product.

What are all the packaging styles your machines can create?

Overwrapping, banding, stretch banding/bundling, and 4-side sealing.

How does RTG/Sollas America support their machinery in North America?

Our Chalfont, PA facility provides factory-trained service technicians as well as an extensive spare parts department. Combined with our experience sales engineers, we can support customers throughout North America promptly and effectively.

Where are your machines manufactured?

Sollas machines are manufactured in The Netherlands (Holland) by Sollas Holland B.V. and distributed exclusively by Roberts Technology Group in North America.

How flexible are your machines?

All Sollas machines stand out for their flexibility to handle different size products and can easily be adapted from one format to another. All adjustable units are provided with quick change devices and numeric indicators with scales for ease of change over. Sollas machines are designed to require few product related change parts. The parts that are required are easily replaced and the lowest price on the market.

Can I get a sample wrapped?

Absolutely! Send some of your products to us and we will wrap them for you.

Where can I get the film material used on your machines?

Our RTG Films division can supply all material used on our machinery. We will match you up with the right film for your particular application.

Do you offer used equipment?

Yes. We offer factory certified used equipment when we have it available.

Do you offer rebuilding services?

Yes. If your machine needs work, send it to us and our service technicians will complete a factory certified rebuild.

What is a CPET, APET, PP, PVC, PS, HIPS, and HDPE tray?

C-PET (Crystallised Polyester Terephthalate) is a material that is suitable for use in microwaves or conventional ovens. C-PET Trays are freezable, suitable for MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) and available in either black or white. C-PET Trays cannot be surface printed and are relatively expensive. A-PET (Amorphous Polyester Terephthalate) is not suitable for use in microwaves or conventional ovens. A-PET Trays are freezable and suitable for MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging). They are available in any colour (including clear) and can be surface printed. A-PET Trays are less expensive than C-PET Trays. PP (Polypropylene) is suitable for use in microwaves but not for use in conventional ovens. PP Trays are freezable and suitable for MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging). They are available in any colour (including clear) and can be surface printed. PP Trays are relatively inexpensive. PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) is not suitable for use in the microwave, conventional oven or freezer. PVC Trays are suitable for MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging), but performance will be improved with a PE coating. PVC Trays are available in any colour (including clear), can be surface printed and are relatively cheap. PS (Polystyrene) is a very brittle material and is not suitable for use in the microwave, conventional oven or freezer. PS Trays are not suitable for MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging). PS Trays are inexpensive and are available in any colour. HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) is a material that is not suitable for use in microwave or conventional ovens. HIPS Trays are freezable but are not suitable for MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging). They are available in any colour, inexpensive and not as brittle as PS Trays. HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) is not suitable for use in microwaves or conventional ovens but is suitable for freezing. HDPE Trays are suitable for MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) and have very high barrier properties. HDPE Trays are limited to white, black or clear in colour and can be surface printed, but printing onto HDPE Trays is fairly expensive.

What is Modified Atmosphere Packaging (or MAP) ?

MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) is a process used to extend the shelf life of a food product without the need to freeze. The product is first placed in a suitable tray and a vacuum is applied to remove the majority of the air. The vacuumed air is then replaced with a gas mixture (i.e. nitrogen) that will prolong the shelf life of the product and also retain the appearance of the food. The tray is then heat-sealed with a suitable high barrier film to encapsulate the product and the gas mixture for a recommended duration.

Why use MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging)?

By using MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) the shelf life is drastically extended. Depending on the product, the time an item can remain on a shelf in a supermarket can usually be extended by between 50% and 500% using a Modified Atmosphere. With MAP, food can be displayed for longer periods of time and therefore less chance of having to throw it away at the end of its usual shelf life. Even though MAP is typically more costly, the money is easily justified in less waste.