Services
Air Compressors for the Packaging Industry
Did you know that up to 30% of the industrial compressed air in your packaging facility could be wasted? For many businesses, that’s thousands of pounds lost to hidden leaks and inefficient equipment every year.
Your compressed air system is one of your most important pieces of capital equipment. Selecting the proper equipment is essential for product protection, regulatory compliance, and directly controlling your operating costs. We walk you through your air systems and help you identify areas for improvement to maximise energy efficiency and reliability.
Air Purity: The Non-Negotiable Standard for the Packaging Industry
When packaging food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other consumer goods, air purity isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s a must. Oil, water, and particulates that may be present in compressed air can cause product spoilage, unsalvageable product, and costly product recalls. Ensuring you have the best air compressors for the packaging industry is vital for maintaining these standards.
Meeting ISO 8573-1 with Class 0 Air
ISO 8573-1: 2010 is the international standard for air purity. For critical applications, Class 0 certified oil free air is the safest solution, as it eliminates the risk of oil contamination at the source.
By using certified oil free air compressors, you can ensure that your production process is not exposed to the risk of contamination from your compressed air system.
Matching Technology to Your Application
A “one-size-fits-all” approach is inefficient and risky. We match the technology to your specific packaging processes and automation requirements.
Oil-Free Rotary Screw Compressors
For applications demanding the highest purity, the Atlas Copco Z Series of rotary screw compressors is essential. While we service various models, including Mattei compressors, Atlas Copco remains the industry standard for oil-free air.
- Prevent Product Contamination: Perfect for direct contact processes like cooling, mixing, or flushing.
- Ensure Sterile Environments: Ideal for pharmaceutical packaging, tablet presses, and cleanrooms.
- Protect Brand Quality: Utilised for PET bottle blowing and sealing.
Low-Pressure Blowers for Pneumatic Conveying
Atlas Copco’s ZS and ZB blowers provide efficient, low-pressure air for moving powders, granules, and delicate products, reducing energy waste by up to 30%.
Nitrogen Generators for MAP
An on-site nitrogen generator provides a cost-effective and reliable supply for Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), extending shelf life without the need for frequent bottled gas deliveries.
Common Packaging Machines Powered by Compressed Air
To truly optimise your facility, it is important to understand what machines are used in packaging and how they rely on pneumatic power. Different packaging equipment requires different air pressure and flow rates.
- Form-Fill-Seal (FFS) Machines: These automated machines form packages, fill them with wet or dry products, and seal them. They require a steady supply of clean, compressed air for actuation and sealing.
- Cartoners and Case Packers: Used to erect boxes and fill them with products, these machines rely on pneumatic arms and vacuum generators driven by air systems.
- Vacuum Packing Machines: Essential for food preservation, these remove air from the package prior to sealing. High-performance vacuum pumps and compressors are critical here.
- Palletisers: Heavy-duty industrial air compressors often power the pneumatic grips used to stack boxes and finished goods onto pallets for shipping.
A Complete System for Guaranteed Air Quality
A high-performance compressor needs the proper support. A complete air treatment system is crucial for removing all moisture and particulates.
Air Dryers
Refrigerant dryers are ideal for general use, while desiccant dryers provide the ultra-dry air required for sensitive food and pharma applications.
Filtration
A multi-stage train of air compressor filters, including coalescing, activated carbon, and sterile filters, is key to meeting strict purity standards.
Condensate Management
An effective compressed air condensate management system is a legal requirement to handle waste oil and water efficiently.
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Air Dryers
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Filtration
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Condensate Management
Solving Your Biggest Operational Challenges
Modern compressed air solutions from Search Air are designed to deliver immediate results for UK packaging facilities.
Challenge: Spiralling Energy Costs
Electricity accounts for over 75% of a compressor’s lifecycle cost. Improving energy efficiency is the fastest way to reduce overheads.
- Cut Energy Bills by 35-50% with Variable Speed Drive (VSD) screw compressors.
- Recycle 80-90% of Waste Heat to produce hot water for other plant processes with our energy recovery systems.
Challenge: Unplanned Production Downtime
Unexpected failures can halt your entire production line.
- Maximise Uptime with industry-leading, reliable Atlas Copco equipment.
- Prevent Breakdowns with a Proactive, Scheduled Maintenance Plan from Search Air.
Challenge: Hidden Air Leaks
Leaks can waste 20–30% of your compressed air, costing you thousands.
- Pinpoint Every Leak with our advanced ultrasonic leak detection service, without disrupting operations.
- Get the Fastest ROI in compressed air efficiency by eliminating energy waste.
Optimising Your System for Total Control
An intelligent, connected air system gives you maximum uptime and efficiency.
The Atlas Copco Advantage
While other brands offer quality equipment, Atlas Copco provides a fully integrated ecosystem where all components work together seamlessly. This is backed by an expert UK service network delivered by partners like Search Air , providing complete air solutions.
Advanced Control and Monitoring
SMARTLINK 24/7 remote monitoring enables predictive maintenance, alerting our team to potential issues before they cause a breakdown. For critical operations, an N+1 redundancy strategy guarantees uninterrupted production.
Stay Compliant with UK Regulations
We help you navigate your legal responsibilities to avoid fines and safety risks.
- PSSR 2000: We provide your legally required Written Scheme of Examination (WSE).
- Food Safety: Our Class 0 systems help you meet BRCGS, ISO 22000, and HACCP standards.
- PUWER 1998: Our maintenance plans keep your equipment safe and compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which air compressor is most preferred in the foodstuffs industry?
In the foodstuffs and packaging industry, Class 0 oil-free rotary screw compressors are the preferred choice. These compressors ensure that no oil comes into contact with the product, preventing contamination and ensuring compliance with strict health and safety regulations.
What type of air compressor do I need?
The type of air compressor you need depends on your specific application (e.g., duty cycle, required pressure). For continuous, industrial packaging lines, a rotary screw compressor is typically recommended over a piston compressor due to its ability to run 24/7 without overheating.
Your Local Partner in Yorkshire & The East Midlands
For over 75 years, Search Air has provided expert compressed air solutions. As an Atlas Copco Premier Distributor, we know everything from what air Compressors Do to designing complex, high-purity systems.
Our depots are based in Leeds, Sheffield, and Nottingham, allowing us to offer fast response times across the region, including Bradford, Doncaster, Hull, and Wakefield. The local knowledge our on-site teams have means we’re there when you need us with a practical helping hand. Response times are typically within 60 minutes for Barnsley and 1–2 hours for Sheffield.
Contact us to schedule your complimentary consultation. Our engineers will pinpoint quick wins that slash costs, boost reliability, and ensure you remain compliant.
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