In conversation with Ritesh Dhingra – Managing Director, MULTIVAC LARAON India Pvt. Ltd., he delves into the ways of redefining packaging through innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric design.
Question- How has the trajectory of Multivac been so far and what are the key lessons that you have cultivated over the years?
The trajectory of MULTIVAC has been marked by consistent growth and innovation since its inception in 1961. The company began in Germany and has expanded into a global leader in integrated packaging and processing solutions. MULTIVAC operates across 165 countries with over 80 subsidiaries, providing tailored solutions for diverse sectors such as food, medical, pharmaceutical and industrial goods.
Key lessons cultivated over the years include:
- Customer-Centric Innovation: MULTIVAC emphasizes designing solutions that cater to specific customer needs focusing on precision, flexibility and efficiency. Their innovations in automation and digitalization have significantly enhanced process reliability and sustainability.
- Global and Local Synergy: While maintaining a strong global presence, the company ensures localized support for customers enabling close collaboration and personalized service.
- Sustainability and Adaptability: MULTIVAC integrates eco-friendly practices in its operation, such as sustainable packaging solutions that reduce food wastage. Adapting to market demands, the company also focuses on digitalization to streamline operations and improve product safety.
Question- How is Multivac adapting to emerging trends like functional dairy products and plant based milk alternatives?
MULTIVAC is proactively addressing trends like functional dairy products and plant-based milk alternatives by providing innovative packaging and processing solutions that cater to these emerging markets. For instance:
MULTIVAC has developed specialized slicing, packaging and labeling systems to handle plant-based cheese alternatives. These systems are designed to maintain product integrity and ensure appealing presentation, even for products that are different from traditional dairy during processing. These solutions help manufacturers like Boermarke produce up to 10 tons of plant-based cheese alternatives daily, including varieties like feta and mozzarella alternatives
MULTIVAC supports companies producing a wide range of dairy and plant-based products by optimizing packaging to enhance shelf life and reduce waste. This ensures that functional dairy products, including probiotic-rich and lactose-free options, and plant-based alternatives such as almond, coconut and oat-based items that are effectively delivered to meet consumer demand
By focusing on precision, efficiency and sustainability, MULTIVAC aligns its technologies with the evolving food landscape to help manufacturers adapt to growing consumer preferences.
Question- How does Multivac maintain the nutritional value and freshness of chilled and frozen dairy products?
The company employs vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) which remove or reduce oxygen levels in the packaging. This inhibits microbial growth and oxidation, common causes of spoilage in dairy products like cheese and yogurt. For light-sensitive products, they use packaging materials that protect against UV and visible light, minimizing nutrient degradation and discoloration.
Additionally, MULTIVAC uses high-barrier films to provide physical protection and regulate gas exchange, crucial for maintaining freshness during storage and transport. These solutions ensure that products retain their quality while adhering to strict hygiene and sustainability standards
Question- How is Multivac adapting its innovative packaging solutions to the trend of grab – and -go snacks?
Multivac is aligning its packaging solutions with the grab-and-go snack trend by offering innovative systems tailored to consumer demands for convenience, eye appeal and product protection. The traysealers provide user-friendly and visually appealing packaging options. These include features like peel-and-reseal functionality, high-impact graphic.
Additionally, Multivac utilizes advanced technologies like Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and vacuum skin packs to ensure extended shelf life and transportation integrity for on-the-go products. These solutions are designed to enhance both consumer experience and brand recognition while maintaining operational efficiency with high-speed, automated packaging lines
Question- How does Multivac cater to diverse regional snacking preferences while simultaneously catering to the Global Market?
This is achieved through:
- Flexible Packaging Solutions: MULTIVAC offers a broad range of packaging technologies including vacuum, skin and modified atmosphere packaging, which can be tailored to maintain the quality and appeal of regional and global snack products.
- Custom Automation: Their automated systems can adapt to various portion sizes, packaging designs and labeling needs, catering to local preferences and global standards simultaneously.
Global Expertise with Local Adaptation: Leveraging their global presence and regional knowledge, MULTIVAC provides localized support and expertise to ensure that packaging aligns with cultural preferences while maintaining international standards.
