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Ishida Europe has launched a new tray sealer, the QX-800, aimed at improving throughput, efficiency and energy use in high-volume food packaging operations.

Designed for fast-paced production lines, the QX-800 supports multiple sealing formats including seal only, gas flushing, stretch film and skinpack. It is capable of handling up to 25 seal-only cycles or 17 MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) cycles per minute, enabling speeds of up to 175 trays per minute with a seven-impression tool.

The QX-800 supports a wide range of tray materials including plastic, board, aluminium and fibre, aligning with growing demand for sustainable packaging formats.

The company says the QX-800 reduces energy consumption by 50% compared to its predecessor, the QX Flex range. It also operates without the need for a water chiller or compressed air, cutting down on utility and maintenance costs.

A key new feature is a patented tray transfer system that aims to reduce spillage, even with difficult products like soup. The system is part of broader efforts to reduce food waste and improve product handling.

The QX-800 includes cassette-based tooling for faster product changeovers, with an average tool weight of less than 70kg. Using Ishida’s handling trolley, two operators can change tools in under ten minutes.

Space-saving features include a drop-down door design for maintenance access and compact tooling storage. The machine also comes equipped with Ishida’s Sentinel 5.0 software, which provides real-time performance data and predictive maintenance insights using AI-driven analysis.

The interface has been designed for ease of use, with access to operator guides and performance data and the ability to save and copy presets for faster tool setup.

Tara O’Connor, Ishida Europe’s product manager for tray sealers, said: “We have four all-important criteria when developing new packaging machinery for the food industry. The machine must be smart, compact, efficient and provide clear sustainability benefits for the customer. We’re proud to say that the QX-800 hits the mark on all four."

She added: “Our latest tray sealer maximises throughput while maintaining high product and pack quality across various tray designs and materials, including plastic, board, aluminium and fibre tray formats. In a highly competitive food market, achieving these goals is crucial as it means more efficient production while not compromising food safety and pack presentation.”

“Food production is all about speed and being able to package as many products as possible to a high quality, with excellent seal quality and consistency. The QX-800 has been developed with this in mind, minimising downtime and maximising performance, all within a compact footprint."

“With increasing cost pressures on the supply chain, efficient machines like the QX-800 are invaluable to reducing energy costs on the factory floor while supporting the shift towards sustainable packaging designs and materials. We’re highly confident that the food industry will respond positively to the launch of the QX-800, and we look forward to introducing this exciting new machine to both new and existing customers.”