{"id":80824,"date":"2023-06-15T16:26:57","date_gmt":"2023-06-15T14:26:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/?p=80824"},"modified":"2023-05-24T09:29:55","modified_gmt":"2023-05-24T07:29:55","slug":"english-2023-05-06-loeschpack","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/en\/english-2023-05-06-loeschpack\/","title":{"rendered":"The cr\u00e8me de la cr\u00e8me of chocolate bars, perfectly packaged"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Preparing chocolate specialities of exquisite quality is Lake Champlain Chocolates\u2019 passion. For nearly 40 years, this family enterprise based in North America has been making its products by relying on regional ingredients and a winning combination of creativity, craftsmanship, and efficiency. When it comes to chocolate bar packaging, the premium chocolate manufacturer puts its trust in the system solutions of Loesch Verpackungstechnik (LoeschPack) in Altendorf.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Whether Birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Valentine's Day, the production of Lake Champlain Chocolates\u2019 regionally renowned chocolates almost always plays a role in the celebration of special occasions and holidays throughout the year, when the elegant creations in premium packaging are given as gifts<\/strong>. Other products such as chocolate bars are available all year round. The family-owned company's 8000-square-metre headquarters are located in Williston, Vermont, near the Canadian border and a lake that gives the company its name<\/strong>. The company facility is also not far from an idyllic landscape of forested hills and quaint towns and villages.<\/p>

As you pass through the large warehouse and into the production area, you can smell the delicious aromas of chocolate, maple syrup, and roasted nuts. The enticing scent of scrumptious treats from artisanal manufacture hangs in the air as the finest chocolate creations and truffle candies, primarily from seasonal products made all year round<\/strong>, come off the production line here. Each of these products differs in their production as well as packaging, with some produced and packaged by machine in automated or semi-automated processes while others are created entirely by hand<\/strong>. That means that some product lines are quite elaborate and labour intensive, while others require a small number of manual operations. This applies to products such as LoeschPack<\/a>\u2019s chocolate bar packaging line, which can automatically pack up to 200 chocolate bars per minute<\/strong>.<\/p>

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In retail shops of the family business, the chocolate bars are available alongside gourmet chocolates and sweet treats.\n(Image: LoeschPack Verpackungstechnik) <\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Just a 15-minute drive from the company building, tourist hotspot Burlington is home to two of the family-owned company's three retail stores. These stores feature integrated caf\u00e9s where visitors can not only get a taste of gourmet chocolates and other sweet treats but also watch how certain products are created and learn where chocolate comes from. During the peak season, up to 140 employees work to produce, package, and sell Lake Champlain's sweet creations. The tasty treats are also available far beyond the borders of the United States and can be purchased in both Canada and Australia.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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LoeschPack delivers the perfect solution<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Over the course of many years, Lake Champlain<\/a> has made a name for itself with handcrafted chocolate bars, packaged products, and seasonal items<\/strong>, evolving along the way from a brand exclusively serving the northeastern market of the United States to a nationally known favourite. In the course of further development of its products and equipment in the direction of greater automation<\/strong>, the chocolatier reorganised its packaging technology system for chocolate bars in 2018. With the aim of increasing bar production, Lake Champlain first upgraded its chocolate pouring line.<\/p>

However, to ensure smooth implementation, the company also needed a packaging system that could keep up with the new production. To meet this need, LoeschPack supplied an appropriate two-stage fold wrapping machine<\/strong>.<\/p>

\u201cWe got to know LoeschPack many years ago at the interpack and PackExpo trade shows. On the lookout for a supplier that could help us make the move from an open fold wrap to a sealed full wrap system, we learned that LoeschPack already had the right solution for making our idea a reality. The US market for chocolate bars, which had traditionally sold its products in the horizontal orientation, had changed over time. More and more retailers were now placing the chocolate bars into the wrapper vertically. That meant less protection for our products, which were wrapped with foil at the ends. We took a look at a comparable LoeschPack machine available on the market and were thrilled.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

Eric Lampman<\/strong>, President Lake Champlain Chocolates\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Plant solution for Lake Champlain Chocolates.\n(Image: LoeschPack Verpackungstechnik)<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\u201cOur solution consists of the LOMATIC feeding and distribution system with integrated belt buffer and the LTM-DUO packaging machine. The system takes the bars from the upstream pouring line, properly arranges them, and feeds them to the downstream packaging machine. An additional belt buffer in the LOMATIC can buffer the products for a brief period of time and then return them to production. This compensates for fluctuations in production flow and increases the efficiency of the overall system. The LTM-DUO first packs and hermetically seals the chocolate bars and then wraps them in paper or cardboard.\u201d From the start of the project to commissioning took around nine months, during which the two companies worked intensively on the project. They were successful in this endeavour, as confirmed by John Weishaar, Manufacturing Manager at Lake Champlain: \u201cWith the new pouring line and packaging system, we were able to triple our original throughput while also increasing the quality of our packaging. As an improvement over the old machine, for the past four years the new system solution has been making it possible for us to hermetically seal our chocolate bars on both ends, lengthening the product shelf life.\u201d<\/p>

Christoph B\u00e4chmann<\/strong>, Project Manager at LoeschPack<\/p><\/blockquote>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Sustainably producing and packaging chocolate<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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In addition to their shared success on this project, Lake Champlain and LoeschPack also share the philosophy that their businesses should operate on a sustainable basis<\/strong>. With the system solution from Altendorf, the chocolate manufacturer can produce its bars not only faster and with higher quality but also more sustainably.<\/p>

\u201cThe LTM-DUO is easy to operate and requires minimal staff and service. It can package many different recipes, from milk chocolate to chocolate with whole nuts, and it does so with little effort - the customer can change the recipe and format easily, quickly, and on a user-friendly basis. At the same time, Lake Champlain remains flexible when choosing between the two packaging materials. The switch from aluminium foil to OPP foil at the first station is just as easy as the changeover from paper to cardboard in the step that follows. The LTM-DUO, which is easily accessible in all areas, is easy to clean once the chocolate bars leave the belt.\u201d<\/p>

Christoph B\u00e4chmann<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Chocolate bars are clocked into the infeed of the LTM-DUO and the dimensions are checked once again.\n(Image: LoeschPack Verpackungstechnik) <\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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When we consider matters beyond the partnership with LoeschPack, it is also obvious that Lake Champlain places a great deal of emphasis on premium packaging, products, and ingredients<\/strong>: \u201cOver the past 12 years, we've put our focus more and more on natural and \u2018green\u2019 products as well as simple recipes. To make all of this a reality, we primarily use sustainably produced chocolate and other environmentally friendly raw materials<\/strong> while avoiding certain ingredients such as palm oil. When possible, we work with local farmers and suppliers to better achieve these objectives,\u201d Lampman reports, providing the following as an example:<\/p>

\u201eTo make our caramel, we use fresh organic dairy products from the region, and we use local products for flavour like Vermont maple syrup and Mad River Distillers Bourbon. We also sweeten some of our confections with local honey as well as other exquisite flavours prepared in-house. For our gift packaging, we largely use paper and cardboard that is recycled completely within the region<\/strong>. All this is important to us as a family and as a maker of good food.\u201d But when it comes to packaging technology, Americans put their faith in machines \u201cMade in Germany.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Shared knowledge and direct communication<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Good communication and the expertise of everyone involved<\/strong> also played a key role in the success of the project: \u201cOur work with LoeschPack has been great so far because we've been able to draw not only on our own resources but also on the knowledge, experience, and perspectives of the experts from Germany,\u201d Lampman says. The technicians from Altendorf successfully installed the machines with the assistance of the machine operators from the North American company: \u201cLoeschPack did a great job coordinating the machine installation,\u201d says Weishaar with satisfaction.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cDuring commissioning, the colleagues from LoeschPack correctly assessed the system and its potential in a professional manner - and we were also able to learn a lot from the skills demonstrated by the German experts: For example, how do the systems run, and what capabilities do the machines possess? It quickly became clear to us that the new system would also set a new benchmark and take us to the next level as a chocolate manufacturer. We are of course quite grateful to the experts from Germany for the valuable exchange of information and the successful project. The numbers speak for themselves. They are proof that the technology is good and that our investment has paid off.\u201d<\/p>

Eric Lampman<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The panels are hermetically packed and wrapped with paper or cardboard.\n(Image: LoeschPack Verpackungstechnik)<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The interaction with Loesch Support went just as well. The system can be connected remotely so that the team in Germany can perform remote maintenance<\/strong> at the touch of a button. \u201cIf we need spare parts, we can quickly have them delivered,\u201d Weishaar reports. Lake Champlain and LoeschPack both find a culture of respectful and straightforward communication to be important, Lampman reports: \u201cWe appreciated the open communication we experienced from the outset. If something wasn't right, we talked about it and together examined what we could do to improve things, what we could do differently, and what new approaches we wanted to try out. We see authenticity as well as open and honest dealings with one another as important values that we live by as a family business.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cWe cultivate a grounded partnership with our customers. The working atmosphere with our colleagues from Vermont is very congenial, and the employees are committed and seem proud to be associated with the chocolate manufacturer, for which many have worked for decades. It was a great project in which we, as a packaging equipment manufacturer with our core competence in chocolate packaging, were able to contribute to a medium-sized, up-and-coming company with products that are both exciting and delicious.\u201d<\/p>

Christoph B\u00e4chmann<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>

B\u00e4chmann looks to the future with a positive attitude: \u201cWe naturally hope that we can continue to support Lake Champlain with our packaging solutions far into the future and continue to grow together with them along the way.\u201d With the bars and chocolates made in Williston, you don't have to look far for sweet gift ideas that make for the perfect holiday.<\/p>

http:\/\/www.loeschpack.com<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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More packaging news<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\tManaging director Tina Gerfer of Wilhelm Rasch Spezielmaschinenfabrik has modernised the company and successfully guided it through difficult times.\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead more \"\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAsynchronous servo solutions for the packaging industry\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\tFrom primary packaging to final packaging, electric drives play an important role. With a broad portfolio, Nord Drivesystems supports customers.\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead more \"\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLabel Durability\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\tLabels offer many functions which can get lost due to label removal. PTS assesses labels and cardboard for durability and tamper evidence.\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead more \"\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMore design for recycling for cosmetics packaging\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\tPackaging for decorative cosmetics is very special. The Forum Rezyklat calls for the recyclability of packaging to be taken into account when designing it.\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead more \"\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tInnovation Barometer 2024\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\tAccording to a survey conducted by Aktionsforum Glasverpackung 2024 is set to be a highly innovative year for glass packaging.\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead more \"\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFlexible packaging system for natural cosmetics\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\tSustainability is part of Weleda's identity. IWK is also contributing to this with its new flexible packaging line for many natural cosmetic products.\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead more \"\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Preparing chocolate specialities is Lake Champlain Chocolates\u2019 passion. When it comes to packaging, the manufacturer puts its trust in LoeschPack.","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":80834,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"__cvm_playback_settings":[],"__cvm_video_id":"","rank_math_description":"Preparing chocolate specialties is Lake Champlain Chocolates\u2019 passion. When it comes to packaging, the manufacturer puts its trust in LoeschPack.","rank_math_focus_keyword":"chocolate bars,loeschpack","rank_math_title":"","csco_display_header_overlay":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","csco_page_load_nextpost":"","csco_post_video_location":[],"csco_post_video_location_hash":"","csco_post_video_url":"","csco_post_video_bg_start_time":0,"csco_post_video_bg_end_time":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[59512,58843],"class_list":{"0":"post-80824","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-allgemein","8":"tag-english","9":"tag-loeschpack","10":"cs-entry","11":"cs-video-wrap"},"acf":[],"vimeo_video":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80824","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=80824"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80824\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/80834"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=80824"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=80824"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=80824"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}