Cibus Tec Demo Factory - Seafood Line

The Seafood Line—located in Hall 4—replicates a complete, integrated process for packaging ready-to-eat seafood products, offering visitors the opportunity to follow all main processing stages live: from primary package preparation through to the creation of secondary packaging ready for distribution.

The process begins with the automatic denesting of trays, performed by a high-efficiency electronic system capable of operating at up to 60 packages per minute to guarantee a continuous line feed. The trays are then transferred along the production flow, maintaining a constant and controlled speed that promotes maximum operational efficiency.

The dosing phase is powered by technology developed by Pentavac, which presents a 14-head multihead weigher designed to ensure high weighing precision, reliability, and production continuity. The system is configured to discharge simultaneously into two trays, optimizing line performance and ensuring high throughput. Thanks to dedicated devices for product handling and portion timing, the fish is distributed uniformly and accurately into the packaging. An integrated settling system directly on the chain conveyor further enhances the final presentation of the product by preventing central pooling and ensuring even distribution within the trays.

Next, the packages reach ILPRA's FoodPack Master, an automatic inline tray sealer engineered for high production performance and maximum application flexibility. During the demonstration, the machine produces skin packaging—a solution that enhances product appearance, improves preservation, and extends shelf life. The packaging uses a skin film supplied by Amcor, engineered to ensure exceptional seal integrity and visual presentation. The same platform can also operate using MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) to suit varying market needs. The mold was developed specifically for TCF Q H38 trays, while the motor-driven belt exit with a pitch-control system facilitates smooth transfer to subsequent stages. An intelligent flow-management system automatically stops the machine if downstream equipment halts, ensuring maximum operational safety.

Following packaging, the trays undergo quality inspection using the Combi X-Ray Checkweigher system from Antares Vision Group—an integrated solution combining checkweighing and X-ray inspection in a single unit. This technology simultaneously verifies package weight compliance and detects potential foreign bodies, ensuring rigorous quality control prior to distribution. The system helps maintain high quality standards, food safety, and full compliance with industry requirements.

The line then transitions to the Bandall PFK-TRL banding machine, an automatic solution designed for the secondary packaging of food trays. The system applies a non-adhesive band around the package, serving a dual purpose: providing space for required labeling information and brand communication, while enabling multipack creation for promotional or logistical needs. Compatible with various materials, including paper and polypropylene film, this technology stands out for its minimal packaging material consumption and ease of component separation at end-of-life, enhancing overall process sustainability.

The process concludes with automated secondary packaging developed by Mad Automation. The tWrap case packer automatically collates incoming packages provided by Itasystem from the line and forms a wrap-around case that is shaped and sealed directly inline. The result is a ready-to-ship unit optimized for handling, storage, and distribution with high levels of reliability and efficiency.

The Seafood Line represents a concrete example of seamless integration among complementary technologies developed by industry leaders. It demonstrates how automation, quality control, sustainability, production efficiency, and innovation can coexist within a single production process, delivering a complete overview of modern packaging solutions for ready-to-eat seafood products.

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