Driven by the rapid expansion of sectors such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and consumer goods, India’s packaging industry has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade. As one of the fastest-growing markets globally, India’s packaging sector has evolved from traditional methods to sophisticated, high-tech solutions, providing for both domestic and international demands. With increasing consumer awareness and a shift towards sustainable practices, there has been a surge in demand for eco-friendly and innovative packaging materials. The government’s focus on initiatives such as ‘Make in India’ and the growth of organized retail have further propelled this industry, attracted significant investments and fostered technological advancements. Today, India’s packaging industry is not just a support system for various sectors but a dynamic and vital contributor to the country’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
In the fast-paced world of packaging, where efficiency and precision are paramount, the integration of advanced automation has become the cornerstone of success. However, with this automation comes the responsibility to meet stringent safety standards, especially as defined by the Machinery Directive. Nowhere is this more critical than in primary packaging—a sector classified as critical infrastructure—where the demands for product robustness, tamper protection, and compliance with rigorous quality inspections are at an all-time high. Beyond just functionality, these packaging lines endure rigorous cleaning processes and must ensure seamless traceability, coupled with secure access and permission management for employees.
Pilz provides a comprehensive range of automation solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of the packaging sector, spanning food, pharmaceuticals, and non-food industries. Whether it’s ensuring the safety and hygiene of food packaging or securing access and guarding areas, its solutions are designed to cover every safety aspect. From primary packaging to secondary and end-of-line packaging, the company says it is committed to safeguarding operators and ensuring maximum protection. Speaking more technically, in the realm of primary packaging, Pilz ensures secure operation through its identification and access management (IAM) system, which regulates access and user rights at specific plant sections. This system plays a crucial role in preventing unauthorized access and mitigating potential hazards. Complementing this is the maintenance safeguarding system, known as ‘key-in-pocket,’ which prevents unplanned machinery restarts by authenticating operators with personal transponder keys, ensuring no one remains in the danger zone before the plant is restarted.
Additionally, Pilz’s PITmode system for safe operating mode selection ensures that only qualified personnel can execute specific operating modes, enhancing both personnel safety and machinery security. When the IAM system is integrated with the modular safety gate system PSENmlock mini, and magnetic safety switch, the specific requirements for cleanliness and sterility are met. To meet stringent hygiene requirements, especially in sensitive product packaging, Pilz offers stainless steel safety sensors such as the PSENmag with IP67/IP69K protection, ensuring robust safety measures while maintaining high standards of cleanliness.
For secondary packaging, where easy solutions for safe cartoning are required, Pilz provides solutions such as the TÜV SÜD certified solution for safe cardboard feed. This solution is particularly effective in tray formers, where it utilizes small standalone controllers from the PNOZmulti 2 family or the modular safety relay myPNOZ combined with photoelectric sensors to prevent operators from inadvertently reaching danger zones. Furthermore, Pilz’s safety device diagnostics (SDD) system offers fast diagnostics by providing real-time data on the status of packaging machines. This capability allows for quick detection and resolution of issues, thereby minimizing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted operations.
In end-of-line packaging, maintaining continuous operations while ensuring safety is paramount. Pilz’s solutions provide robust access and area guarding without causing downtimes, crucial for safeguarding conveyor belts during material transport. Its advanced systems ensure safe palletizing, stretch wrapping, and heat-sealing processes, protecting operators and equipment alike. These solutions are designed to seamlessly integrate into your packaging line, delivering both efficiency and security at every stage of the end-of-line process. Its safe ‘control and sensor’ technology ensures safe stretch wrapping and heat-sealing processes by employing the PSENradar safe radar system in combination with the PNOZmulti 2 controller. This setup is ideal for maintaining safe operations in high-temperature environments while protecting against unauthorized access and is ideal for applications requiring compliance with PL d/Cat. 3 as specified by EN ISO 13849-1. The modular safety gate systems provide secure interlocking and guard locking of safety gates, ensuring the protection of personnel. These systems are versatile, allowing for the integration of various sensors with the PSENslock for safe process guard locking or the PSENmlock for secure guard locking. The door handle module (DHM) can be enhanced with additional features such as an integrated actuator, escape release, and, if needed, authentication, offering comprehensive safety solutions tailored to the specific requirements of end-of-line packaging processes.
Customers can benefit from Pilz’s comprehensive product line and extensive range of services designed specifically for the packaging industry. The company provides holistic safety and security solutions that ensure the operations run smoothly and safely. With its expertise in international standards and directives, built over years of industry experience, customers get tailored consultations to address their unique needs. The risk analysis and safety concepts cover all aspects of machinery. The open interfaces and decentralized system architecture ensure the solutions are highly flexible, allowing for seamless integration into the processes. Additionally, the intuitive configuration and programming software help save valuable time and reduce costs, making packaging operations more efficient and cost-effective.
Through these innovative solutions, Pilz ensures compliance with international safety standards and enhances the overall effectiveness, safety, and flexibility of packaging machinery across various industries, making them a trusted partner in the global packaging sector.
