Kroger, Heat Seal Collaborate on Film Overwrap

The Energy Smart Wrapper, which used up to 80 percent less electricity that old-style stretch film overwrappers when tested in markets across the United States, is expected to save The Kroger Co. more than $1.5 million per year.

With its patent-pending, on-demand sealing technology, energy is consumed by the film seal plate only when store associates need to seal a package. The new units provide significant energy conservation by no longer requiring the seal plate to be energized throughout the day. The Energy Smart Wrapper also maintains levels of productivity seen with the old-style wrappers.

Test units were installed in 2011 and monitored for six months. Actual energy conservation was more than 75 percent, compared to old-style units. Heat Seal has since increased its production to meet Kroger’s needs for the new wrapper. The Cincinnati-based grocer is replacing its old-style units throughout all of its banners nationwide.

Since 2000, Kroger has reduced energy consumption by more than 30 percent. The company recently was recognized with the top award for energy efficiency from The Alliance to Save Energy 2012, in part from the Energy Smart Wrapper as well as its LED store lighting projects.

Heat Seal and Kroger have been working together on the wrapper project for three years. “We have enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with Kroger on this innovative new technology,” said Ron Zieske, Heat Seal president and CEO. “We are excited about the Energy Smart Wrapper and the opportunity it creates in providing significant energy conservation throughout North America.”

Cleveland-based Heat Seal LLC manufactures a full line of packaging and process equipment for the foodservice and industrial packaging markets.