M.H. – Material Handling

Luca Fontana

Saniflex l’Hygienic Design secondo MH Material Handling

Saniflex: Hygienic Design by MH Material Handling

Anyone working with fresh cheese, meat, fish, or ready meals knows how challenging it is to maintain high hygiene standards without compromising production efficiency. In such environments, every detail can make the difference between a high-performing line and a potential risk.

That’s why MH Material Handling developed Saniflex: a conveyor system designed to combine food safety, easy cleaning, and continuous operation.

A solution developed directly in the field, based on real industry needs

Saniflex is not a catalogue product—it’s the result of years of hands-on experience working closely with real food manufacturing environments. In facilities where cleaning must be frequent, thorough, and fast, every component has been designed to simplify sanitation procedures, minimizing time, resource consumption, and contamination risks.

Key features include:

  • open frame with sloped surfaces to prevent water stagnation and support proper drainage;
  • no blind spots, eliminating areas where residues could accumulate;
  • tool-free removable components to ease daily disassembly;
  • polypropylene chain with polyketone pins, highly resistant to common chemical cleaning agents;
  • stainless steel frame in AISI 304 or 316L, with bead-blasted or 2B finish to reduce dirt adhesion and improve cleanability.

Measurable results: less water, fewer stops, higher efficiency

In real-life installations and testing phases, Saniflex has proven to deliver tangible benefits. The system is built to handle frequent cleaning cycles—even several times a day—without hindering productivity.

Key advantages:

  • up to 50% reduction in water and detergent consumption, thanks to faster and simpler cleaning;
  • less downtime, due to quick disassembly and washing;
  • compatible with Clean-In-Place (CIP) systems and monolithic belts like Thermodrive, meeting the requirements of modern production lines.

Saniflex can be seamlessly integrated into both new installations and existing lines. Its modular design allows for high layout customization, addressing space, process, and configuration constraints. Each project is supported by MH’s technical team to ensure optimal integration and performance.

The MH approach: no off-the-shelf solutions, only tailor-made systems

At MH Material Handling, every solution starts from a real need. Saniflex is the perfect example: a system developed for those who don’t want to choose between hygiene and productivity—but demand both. With Saniflex, hygienic design is more than a feature—it’s a real added value.

Want to know if your line meets the highest hygienic standards?

Book a free consultation with MH Scan Solution: together we’ll assess your plant, identify critical points, and propose the best solutions to turn your line into a hygienic, efficient, and compliant system.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
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Dispositivi di movimentazione nel settore caseario Heliflex

Conveyor solutions in the dairy sector: what you need to know

If you work in the dairy sector, you understand how challenging it is to manage conveyor solutions across the entire supply chain. With almost 500 types of cheese produced in Italy, over 50 of which have EU Protected Designation of Origin status, transportation and packaging requirements are numerous and demand tailored solutions.

Dispositivi di movimentazione nel settore caseario

In this video, we focus on a crucial aspect: the importance of technology in dairy product handling. We will cover the main challenges and the most effective solutions to ensure an efficient and safe process.

If you want more information about our products or to discover how to optimize your packaging process, do not hesitate to contact us and request our MH Scan Solution—an in-depth diagnosis to analyze and improve your packaging line.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
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Automazione delle linee di confezionamento sfide e soluzioni

Automation of Packaging Lines: Challenges and Solutions

The automation of packaging lines represents a strategic step for companies aiming to improve efficiency, reliability, and productivity. However, to ensure the success of an automation project, it is essential to find the right balance between production goals, financial resources, and structural constraints.

M.H. Material Handling, with nearly forty years of experience in the industry, has faced and resolved numerous challenges related to the integration of automated solutions, adapting them to the specific needs of its clients. In the following lines, we will analyze three key variables that determine the success of automation in packaging lines.

Industrial Automation: The Three Strategic Levers for Efficient Innovation

Production Goals

Defining production goals with precision, such as the number of products per minute or the ability to handle micro-stops, is the first step in developing an efficient line.

Each sector has specific requirements: for example, in the confectionery industry, seasonal lines such as those for chocolate need to be optimized to work at full capacity during winter months and reduce production capacity in summer. Planning based on demand allows for optimized investments and ensures maximum return from production facilities.

Financial Resources

Investing in automation does not necessarily mean building a complete system from the outset. A scalable approach allows for costs to be distributed over time, starting with an essential configuration and progressively expanding the line’s capabilities.

This strategy reduces risks, allows for adjustments based on market trends, and facilitates the adoption of new technologies without placing excessive strain on the company’s budget.

Operational Space

Optimizing available space is one of the most significant challenges in packaging line automation. Production plants, especially in Europe, face structural constraints that make intelligent use of space essential.

Innovative solutions such as spirals, elevators, and overhead conveyors allow for vertical development, reducing floor space usage and improving workflow organization.

Space and Productivity: Turning Every Square Meter into Operational Efficiency

Effectively managing production space is not just a matter of layout but a strategic factor that directly impacts productivity and reduces operating costs.

Overhead conveyors, for example, enable smooth connections between packaging and palletizing areas without compromising ground-level accessibility. However, when dealing with unpackaged products, it is essential to keep processing at the same level and within the same environment to maintain hygiene standards and facilitate product handling.

After primary packaging, multi-level solutions such as elevators and spiral buffers can fully optimize product distribution and improve line efficiency.

How to Integrate New Technologies into Existing Lines?

Integrating new technologies into existing packaging lines is a complex challenge that requires careful planning.

Each new addition must be designed to ensure a continuous production flow and avoid bottlenecks. An often-overlooked aspect is the connection between production lines and the warehouse: poor management can cause interruptions and compromise productivity.

Additionally, adding machinery or conveyor belts must be carefully studied to avoid obstructing operator movement and to facilitate maintenance operations.

For companies that cannot afford long production downtimes, the most effective strategy is to implement automation in phases, minimizing downtime and ensuring a smooth transition.

Automation and Growth: Looking Toward the Future

Investing in automated solutions does not only mean increasing productivity but also improving safety, reducing waste, and ensuring greater operational flexibility.

A well-designed system allows companies to quickly adapt to market changes, maintaining a competitive advantage.

To successfully transition to automation, it is essential to rely on industry-experienced partners like M.H. Material Handling, which offers customized solutions to optimize every phase of the production process.

Thanks to MH Solution Scan—our advanced analysis service—we can identify the weaknesses in your packaging line and propose targeted solutions to increase efficiency and productivity.

Discover how MH Solution Scan can transform your production line and make your company more competitive. Contact us for a personalized consultation.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
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Sistemi di accumulo per merendine gestione efficiente delle linee di produzione

Storage Systems for Snacks: Efficient Production Line Management

The industrial production of snacks represents a constant challenge for food companies. Between the growing demand for packaged products and the need to maintain high quality and safety standards, designing efficient production lines becomes a fundamental strategic element.

One of the most effective solutions for optimizing production flow and reducing waste is represented by storage systems, which play a crucial role in managing micro-stops and ensuring operational continuity.

The Production Cycle of Snacks: From Line to Packaging

The production process of snacks is divided into multiple phases, each contributing to the creation of a final product ready for the market. It starts with primary packaging, where snacks are individually wrapped in flowpack, then moves to secondary packaging (cardboard trays) and overwrapping (multiple flowpack). Finally, the products are packed in corrugated cardboard boxes for shipping.

This articulated chain requires perfect coordination between different machines and careful management of operational pauses. Inadequate control of micro-stops can generate significant production inefficiencies. Without a storage system, excess products risk creating congestion along the line, forcing upstream machines to interrupt production.

This scenario is particularly critical for baked products, where production continuity is not only essential for maintaining the quality of the final result but also for ensuring safety. Products in transit through the oven must proceed without interruption: a belt stoppage inside the oven would not only cause burning and consequent loss of the product being processed but could create an even more serious risk. In large industrial ovens, where significant volumes of product are in transit, a blockage could lead to overheating and, in extreme conditions, even fire development, putting at risk not only production but also the safety of the entire facility.

Storage Systems: The Optimal Solution

Companies have two main strategies available to manage micro-stops: investing in standby machines or integrating storage systems.

Although the first option might seem more intuitive, it involves high costs both in terms of initial investment and maintenance. Storage systems, instead, represent a more versatile and economical solution.

A storage system consists of a conveyor belt with input and output devices, designed to manage excess products in a fluid and organized way. The versatility of these systems allows them to adapt to the specific needs of the production line, optimizing flow without interruptions. Moreover, many storage systems utilize vertical space thanks to spiral designs, reducing floor space and improving plant organization.

Heliflex: An Advanced Solution for Complex Lines

Among storage systems, Heliflex stands out as a solution specifically designed for complex packaging lines like those for snacks. Heliflex uses a unique chain, wound in a spiral around synchronized drums. This design allows for continuous or discontinuous product accumulation, with a capacity that ideally varies between 200 and 500 meters, ensuring optimal use of available space.

One of Heliflex’s main advantages is zero-pressure management, which ensures the integrity of products and packaging. This feature is fundamental for snacks, where damaged packaging could compromise freshness and aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, the system allows products to be returned to the line at any time without having to empty the entire buffer, offering unparalleled operational flexibility.

In an articulated production line like that of snacks, Heliflex is typically positioned after the tray packer, to manage micro-stops of downstream machines, such as overwrapping, case packing, and palletizing.

In more advanced lines, it’s possible to integrate additional storage systems to improve production efficiency. An example is the multi-tier buffer, positioned between the process line and flowpack machines for primary packaging. This system is designed to manage the flow of not-yet-packaged products, handling them in their “naked” form and ensuring fluid and organized management.

Tailored Solutions for More Efficient Production Lines: The Importance of Strategic Choice

Each production line has specific needs, determined by factors such as product type, line speed, and downstream machine capacity. For this reason, the choice of storage system must be carefully planned, considering not only current needs but also potential future developments.

Heliflex represents an example of how technological innovation can respond to these needs, offering a versatile and scalable solution. However, its integration requires careful planning and thorough evaluation of the production layout. For example, using spiral buffers not only optimizes space but also improves overall line efficiency, reducing downtime and minimizing waste.

With MH Material Handling, you can count on tailored solutions to optimize every aspect of your production line. Thanks to our exclusive service, the MH Solution Scan, we can thoroughly analyze your packaging lines, identifying critical areas and proposing the best alternatives to increase productivity.

Don’t let inefficiencies compromise your competitiveness: contact us today and discover how we can help you transform your production into a cutting-edge system, ready for future challenges.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution

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Heliflex

HELIFLEX: a unique multipurpose buffer system

If you are looking for a multipurpose buffer system that can be used in different situations, Heliflex is definitely the right solution for you.

Today I decided to focus on its most classical use, i.e. as a ‘simple’ buffering system, from how Heliflex works to the products for which it is most commonly used.

Thanks to both its cylinders rotating in sync, Heliflex is a very cost-effective system: in fact, it enables the buffer of a higher number of items within a smaller space, thanks to its single motor.

If you would like more information on this multipurpose buffer system and would like to find out if it is right for you, do not hesitate to contact us and ask for our MH Scan Solution, an in-depth diagnosis to analyse and optimise your packaging line.

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Produzione di cioccolato come ottimizzarla con le linee di trasporto per controplacche

Chocolate Production: How to Optimize It with Counterplate Transport Lines

In the world of chocolate production, efficiency and process quality are essential to meet the expectations of an increasingly demanding market. This need has become even more pressing due to the significant rise in cocoa prices in recent years, pushing companies to optimize every stage of production to remain competitive and profitable.

Among the systems that ensure smooth operations, counterplate transport lines play a crucial role. These systems, designed to support product handling across various production phases, are a prime example of how industrial engineering can enhance performance and reliability in manufacturing processes.

This method is particularly suitable for “hollow products” such as chocolate eggs, bunnies, and other molded figures, as well as pralines—especially irregularly shaped or spherical ones. Given their shape, these products can roll erratically on traditional conveyor belts, making counterplates the ideal solution to ensure proper positioning and stability throughout all production phases.

From Molding to Packaging: How Chocolate Delights Are Made

The chocolate production process is divided into several interconnected stages, all optimized by counterplate transport lines.

1. Molding and Stabilization

The process begins with molding, where raw material is poured into molds to achieve the desired shape. Once solidified, the product is transferred onto counter-molds—mirror structures that ensure product stability and integrity. These counter-molds, known as counterplates, are essential for securing and organizing products during subsequent processing phases, contributing to a smooth and efficient production flow.

2. Feeding the Packaging Machines

At this stage, the counterplates, with products securely nestled in their cavities, are transported to the packaging machines. Here, automated systems like Cartesian or anthropomorphic robots pick up the chocolate pieces for primary packaging. This phase does more than protect the product: the packaging is also designed to enhance the chocolate’s visual appeal, making it ready for distribution and sale. Counterplate transport lines play a vital role in managing flows toward multiple packaging machines, preventing bottlenecks with accumulation systems that reduce waste and ensure operational continuity even during machine downtime.

3. Recycling Counterplates

Once the product transfer is complete, the empty counterplates are reintegrated into the production cycle. Tipping and shaking systems ensure no residues remain, while the return process often takes place on separate levels to optimize space. Before demolding, buffer systems regulate product flow to maximize efficiency.

Advanced Solutions to Optimize Production

In addition to ensuring product transport, counterplate lines incorporate innovative devices that improve efficiency and versatility.

  • Elevators: Lift the plates for precise positioning on the transport line.
  • Buffers: Accumulate products to prevent interruptions in the production flow.
  • Tippers: Flip plates for correct positioning at each phase.
  • Bypass Systems: Temporarily redirect flow to maintain production continuity.
  • Alignment Devices: Ensure every chocolate piece is perfectly oriented for packaging.

Why Are Counterplate Transport Lines Essential?

These systems not only guarantee the final product’s quality but also optimize resource and space management. They help maintain high hygiene standards, minimize waste, and increase overall productivity. Their ability to adapt to various production needs makes them indispensable for chocolate manufacturers.

Optimize Your Production Line: Discover MH Solution Scan

In such a complex production environment, planning and optimizing transport lines are key to maintaining a competitive edge. The MH Solution Scan is the ideal solution: an advanced diagnostic service designed to analyze every aspect of your packaging line in detail. This tool identifies critical areas, proposes customized solutions, and ensures that every production phase is optimized.

Don’t let inefficiencies compromise your production: contact MH Material Handling to learn how we can help you transform your line into a cutting-edge system, ready for the challenges of the future.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
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Innovazioni alimentazione pallettizzatori tendenze attuali e futuro

Innovations in Palletizer Feeding: current trends and future

In modern packaging lines, palletizer feeding plays a crucial role in ensuring a continuous and smooth production flow. Although the use of low-pressure accumulation conveyors is now well-established, in recent years we have witnessed a real technological evolution that has redefined operational methods in this field.

From Limited Slip Rollers to Modular Chains

In the past, palletizer feeding was mainly managed through friction rollers. Today, the trend has shifted to the use of modular chains with embedded rollers, which, although requiring a higher initial investment, offer numerous advantages.

Modular chains ensure:

  • Simplified maintenance, maintenance operations faster and more efficient. Time reduced by up to 50%.
  • Better product handling, thanks to the denser pitch of the modular chain’s idle rollers compared to friction rollers, allowing for the handling of smaller products and better preservation of their integrity by reducing specific pressure.
  • Long-term efficiency, as the higher initial investment is widely compensated by operational benefits that translate into reduced maintenance costs over the years.

Aerial Lines: An Increasingly Popular Strategy

Another growing trend in feeding lines is the installation of conveyors on high ground, hanging from the ceiling or supported by columns, a solution previously reserved for large productions but now spreading even to small plants.

This is because the advantages of overhead lines include:

  • Space optimization, as they free up the work floor, allowing for better management of areas in the plant.
  • Better ergonomics, as they facilitate operator movement and increase safety within the plant.
  • Integration with automation, as they allow the use of automated transport systems, further optimizing productivity.

This is another interesting point, as the increasing use of AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) for material handling within plants makes it even more advantageous to have free and well-organized spaces.

Feeding Lines with Automatic Format Change: The New Frontier

In recent years, there has also been an increase in demand for feeding lines with automatic format change, a technology that allows switching from one format to another from the control panel. This is pretty much mandatory for aerial lines, where manual changeovers would be extremely time consuming. This solution has become particularly useful for companies that need to manage an increasingly varied range of products or operate in markets where demand changes rapidly.

Automatic format change allows for:

  • Production flexibility: Minimizes downtime during format changes, ensuring continuous production.
  • Reduction of operational costs: Minimizes manual interventions and optimizes the use of human resources.
  • Increased productivity: The ability to quickly change formats allows for maintaining high production volumes, ensuring superior efficiency.

Advanced Solutions from MH Material Handling to Optimize Your Production

At MH Material Handling, we are dedicated to providing tailored solutions to improve the performance of production lines, integrating innovations such as modular chains and overhead lines. Investing in advanced technologies for palletizer feeding is a strategic choice to improve efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and increase long-term productivity, while maintaining the flexibility needed to respond to the challenges of a constantly changing market.

MH Material Handling is by your side to guide you towards more efficient and versatile production. Contact us to find out how we can optimize your feeding line and ensure its future competitiveness.

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Sostenibilità nel packaging alimentare un equilibrio necessario1

Sustainability in food packaging: a much needed compromise

Today, sustainability is at the core of many companies’ strategies, especially in the food sector. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the products they buy, prompting manufacturers to look for greener and more innovative solutions.

However, when it comes to food packaging, the issue becomes more complex. It is not enough to choose new environmentally friendly materials; it is crucial to find the right balance between sustainability, safety and food preservation.

In recent years, the use of paper as a packaging material has grown significantly, driven by increased environmental awareness among consumers and increasingly stringent regulations that incentivise the adoption of more sustainable solutions. However, the transition is not without its challenges, especially when comparing the properties of paper with those of plastic.

Paper vs plastic: the technical challenges in food packaging

Despite its widespread use, paper is not the universal solution. This is because in secondary packaging, it performs well, but when it comes to directly protecting food, challenges arise.

First of all, paper does not provide the same level of protection from external agents as plastic does, particularly for foods with a high moisture content or animal fats, forcing many companies to combine paper with plastics or aluminium. This compromise makes the packaging less recyclable and often defeats the sustainability goal that is being sought.

However, there are also paper films with a barrier layer that are recyclable as a monomaterial. These, however, have severe limitations in terms of protection, being suitable only for products with specific characteristics and a very low level of residual moisture.

The problem then is clear: it is not just about sustainability, but about ensuring food safety. Packaging must ensure that the product reaches the end consumer intact and safe. Pushing ‘green’ solutions such as paper in packaging might seem like the right choice, but if this involves adding plastic barriers or aluminium, it risks making the packaging less recyclable and increasing costs without achieving real environmental benefits.

The evolution of packaging machines for sustainable production

With the increasing use of environmentally friendly alternatives such as paper or single-material plastics, but with thicknesses that are becoming increasingly thinner, packaging machines must also evolve to adapt to these new materials, which have very different physical characteristics to plastic.

Traditional packaging lines, designed to work mainly with plastics, need to be rethought to handle sustainable materials efficiently, without compromising packaging speed or accuracy. This requires careful adjustment of the machines to ensure an efficient production process.

At MH Material Handling, we offer targeted solutions to help companies optimise their production lines, integrating processes with sustainable material innovations, without sacrificing efficiency and precision. However, the introduction of environmentally friendly materials also requires specific attention to the handling of products along the packaging line.

For example, in order to guarantee an optimal production flow with reduced packaging, it is essential to limit contact with the side guides as much as possible. In some cases, the use of high-friction chains or belts can be the ideal solution to keep products stable on the conveyors. When direct handling is required, it is preferable to activate and move products from below, thus reducing the risk of jamming and maintaining smooth operation.

But at MH Material Handling we are also firm on one central point: although sustainability is a priority objective, food safety must remain first. There is no point demonising plastic or adopting ‘greenwashing’ solutions that push paper into packaging if this involves the use of plastic barriers or layers of aluminium that reduce the recyclability of packaging. True sustainability implies finding solutions that balance environmental friendliness and safety while ensuring product integrity and production efficiency.

As a concrete example, Saniflex is one of our solutions – developed for the transport of naked products – that meets the most stringent food safety guidelines. Saniflex arose from the need to respond to special situations requiring the reduction of bacterial load in production and packaging lines.

Saniflex is characterised by the following features:

  • Fully washable structure, designed to be free of hard-to-reach areas during cleaning.
  • Easy disassembly without tools, allowing the operator to quickly remove components requiring more thorough sanitisation.
  • Use of materials that are resistant to frequent washing with aggressive chemicals, which is essential to ensure the reduction of the bacterial load.
  • Stainless steel  structure to ensure maximum resistance to intensive washing.
  • Materials certified for direct food contact and cavity-free components to facilitate the sanitisation process.
  •  Covered threads and spacers with gaskets, designed to simplify washing.

Saniflex is designed to make sanitising quick and easy, minimising downtime by allowing components to be disassembled and reassembled without tools. This solution is particularly suitable for keeping the organoleptic characteristics of food intact, effectively meeting today’s food safety and hygiene requirements.

Saniflex is just one of the many solutions that MH Material Handling provides to meet the challenges of the food packaging industry. We also offer elevation systems to optimise space, sorting systems to handle the most complex lines, and accumulation systems designed to maximise production efficiency.

In order to support companies towards a truly sustainable transition, MH Material Handling offers the ‘MH Solution Scan’: a comprehensive analysis of packaging lines, designed to identify areas for improvement and suggest tailor-made solutions. With this tool, companies can increase sustainability without compromising safety or operational efficiency, making their production lines ready to face the challenges of the future.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
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Automazione delle linee di confezionamento opportunità e sfide nel packaging secondario (1)

Packaging line automation: opportunities and challenges in secondary packaging

The introduction of automation in packaging lines represents a challenge but also a great opportunity for food companies, especially in emerging markets.

Yet many lines stop, in terms of automation, at the primary packaging, an indispensable step to get products onto the shelves. However, secondary packaging is an equally strategic step to improve overall efficiency.

Automate to reduce costs? Not so simple

One of the first goals for project managers is automation as a means of reducing the number of operators. But beware: it is important to be aware that automation can impact line flexibility. While manual operations offer inherent flexibility, automating everything can be costly, especially for lines that have to handle a wide variety of formats.

In this context, the goal of automation should be to increase productivity by reducing the variability of formats, while maintaining production flexibility. A winning strategy could be to move products that have less incidence to dedicated or semi-automated lines.

Attention to space: automation requires planning

Space in the factory is another crucial variable. The installation of automated machines requires adequate operating space, not only for the footprint of the machines themselves, but also for maintenance and the continuous flow of materials.

It is therefore essential to carefully plan the layout of the production line, avoiding that new machines obstruct the operational flow or restrict access to working areas.

Warehousing and logistics: connection is key

L’automazione porta con sé un aumento della produzione, che significa una gestione dei materiali più intensa. Collegare efficacemente la linea di produzione al magazzino diventa fondamentale per evitare colli di bottiglia. Per questo motivo, l’uso di pallettizzazione manuale e movimentazione tramite transpallet potrebbe non essere sufficiente. È necessario considerare soluzioni automatizzate per la gestione del magazzino e il trasporto dei prodotti finiti, al fine di garantire un flusso continuo ed efficiente.

Focus on operator safety

The ergonomics of the production line is another aspect that should not be underestimated. When introducing new machines and connecting conveyors, there is a risk of closing vital passages for operators or creating difficulties in the replenishment of packaging materials. Here again, careful planning of the layout is crucial, to ensure that workers can operate safely, as well as guaranteeing an optimal, smooth workflow.

Gradual automation: a strategic choice

It is clear that secondary packaging automation is a strategic investment for food companies. The benefits in terms of efficiency and safety are tangible, but careful planning is essential to ensure that the transition to automation goes smoothly.

Automating a production line in one go can put pressure on the entire plant, with the risk of production being halted for weeks or months. A more prudent strategy is to implement automation in successive steps. This approach allows each step to be tested and validated, gradually training operators and reducing the risks of production downtime.

At M.H. Material Handling, we support our customers at every stage of the automation journey, from design to implementation, ensuring that every investment brings tangible and lasting benefits. Thanks to our vast experience in the sector, we are able to provide customised solutions that meet the specific needs of each company.

Aware of the many challenges that food companies face, we offer an exclusive tool to optimise the entire process: the ‘MH Solution Scan’. This is an advanced and comprehensive diagnosis, designed to thoroughly analyse your packaging line. This advanced technology allows you to precisely identify areas for improvement, suggesting the most effective solutions to increase efficiency, optimise production flow and reduce operating costs.

With MH Solution Scan, you can quickly identify critical points and take the right countermeasures to transform your production. Our team will accompany you all the way, offering you the experience and technology you need to enhance your operations and achieve concrete results. Find out how MH Solution Scan can make a difference in your production line and lead your company towards a future of greater efficiency and competitiveness.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution

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Nastri trasportatori sanificabili

Sanitary conveyor belts: what you need to know

Do you have to minimise the bacterial load that can form on conveyor belts?

Take care to install conveyors with two primary specifications!

When a client describes this kind of situation to us, we pay particular attention to the materials and mechanical components of the product we offer: that is why many of our conveyor belts can also be supplied in stainless steel.

If you want to find out more about this kind of products, get in touch with us!

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution

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Cosa succede quando il nastro trasportatore non è quello giusto

What happens when the conveyor isn’t the right one?

At first glance, it may seem like a small detail, just a component connecting one machine to another, nothing more.

In reality, the conveyor is the heart of the line: efficiency, hygiene, safety, and ultimately the quality of the product reaching the consumer all depend on it.

Yet too often, its selection is underestimated, as if one belt were as good as another. But that’s not the case.

Each application is different, every product has its own characteristics, and each plant has its own criticalities.

Treating the conveyor as a “standard” element means opening the door to unexpected downtimes, contamination, waste, safety issues, and hidden costs that grow over time.

A significant share of line stops doesn’t stem from mechanical failures but from synchronization and accumulation problems, a clear sign that conveyors impact production continuity much more than people think.

When the product is “naked” fresh or dry is not enough

Talking about “naked” products means addressing very different worlds. A dry croissant is not the same as a honey-covered bar, just as a filled cake slice cannot be compared to a cracker.

In the fresh sector, hygiene is paramount. Belts must be washable, cavity-free and easy to sanitize. Belts with internal fabric layers are not suitable: if the fabric emerges, it becomes impossible to clean properly.

That’s why monolithic belts are used, more rigid and less flexible, but capable of ensuring the highest hygienic standards.

In the dry sector, the range is broader: brittle products such as biscuits or crackers fit well on modular chain conveyors, which allow easy removal of crumbs.

But when coatings, creams, or jams come into play, PU belts are required, surfaces that can be scraped clean without damaging the belt.

Each product type therefore requires a targeted evaluation.

Packaged products, but where in the line?

Even a packaged product raises specific questions: is it located in a white zone or a grey zone? Does it require washdown capability or not?

Are high speeds, tight transfers, or low noise levels needed?

In general:

  • The tabletop chain conveyor is ideal for heavy loads, high speeds, and complex layouts.
  • The modular chain conveyor offers greater flexibility and smaller wrap diameters, but it’s less robust, has wider curve radii, and requires more maintenance attention.

If we’re in a washdown area, the structure matters too: at least the legs must be in stainless steel, if not the entire frame.

The choice, therefore, concerns not only the belt, but the whole operational context.

The invisible factors that make the difference

Beyond product features and packaging type, there are less visible but decisive variables:

Belt position

On the floor or overhead?

Overhead systems prioritize robustness, since maintenance interventions are more complex.

On-floor conveyors, instead, prioritize operator safety, requiring reduced-pitch chains to minimize risk.

Maintenance

How often will the belt need to be serviced? High frequency calls for easily removable and sanitizable designs.

Format variety

If the line handles multiple product types, flexible and adaptable systems are essential.

Finally, one basic principle must not be forgotten: machines never work in perfect synchronization. That’s why accumulation systems (buffers) are necessary to guarantee continuity and prevent line stops.

At M.H. Material Handling, we know these complexities well. For nearly forty years, we have been designing tailor-made conveyors for every type of line, product, and requirement – from fresh to packaged good.

Our solutions always start from listening: we don’t begin with a standard catalog, but with a real customer problem.

Whether it’s about handling a delicate product, freeing up floor space for operators, or optimizing flows in limited spaces, every project is co-designed together with the customer.

From the washdown SaniFlex line to the BAT system with USC chain, up to the ModulFlex conveyors with modular chains ,each technological choice follows a clear logic: transforming daily challenges into efficient, safe, and long-lasting solutions.

For us, automation doesn’t mean selling a machine, it means designing together the right answer to a real need.

Want to understand which solution best fits your line?

Contact us for a personalized consultation and discover how to make your system smoother, safer, and more efficient.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
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Migliora la produttività sulla tua linea di confezionamento

Improve Productivity on Your Packaging Line

Increasing the performance and efficiency of your production line often requires a significant investment in both money and space.

However, there are aspects of your packaging line that can be optimized to make the most of the available space and boost productivity — all while staying within your planned budget.

Streamlining the product flow through your packaging process allows you to enhance the productivity of your entire production line. With the right solution, you can achieve this while respecting space constraints and maintaining sustainable costs.

If you want to find out which solutions best suit your needs, contact us and request our MH Scan Solution service: we will analyze your packaging line to identify how to refine and optimize your production setup.

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Hygienic Design da semplice esigenza a requisito strategico per l’industria alimentare

Hygienic Design: From Basic Need to Strategic Asset in the Food Industry

In the food industry, hygiene isn’t just good practice—it’s an essential requirement for ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

But is designing machines that are “easy to clean” really enough?

The answer is no.

Preventing contamination and protecting the end consumer requires a much more advanced, structured, and systematic approach.

That’s why today we’re talking about Hygienic Design: a set of construction criteria, design choices, and specific materials developed to eliminate risk areas, simplify sanitation, and guarantee the highest standards in food safety.

Hygienic Design in the Spotlight: Why It’s Transforming Food Production

In recent years, tighter regulations and a growing focus on food safety have brought Hygienic Design to center stage.

Food manufacturers are dealing with increasingly automated processes—and maintaining high hygiene standards throughout the entire line, including the most complex phases like internal transport and handling, is now a top priority.

Key challenges include:

  • Preventing cross-contamination, both microbiological and chemical.
  • Ensuring fast and effective cleaning of every product-contact surface.
  • Reducing water and detergent consumption to meet both sustainability goals and cost control.
  • Complying with EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group) guidelines, now a benchmark across the European industry.

Hygienic Design Is More Than Just Stainless Steel

Many think Hygienic Design simply means using stainless steel—but that’s only part of the story.

A proper approach starts with material selection but extends to surface geometry, accessibility for cleaning, the absence of gaps and stagnation areas, and tool-free disassembly of washable components.

Among the most common materials, AISI 304 stainless steel with bead-blasted or 2B finishes is standard for frames and load-bearing structures.

But plastic materials also play a key role. For instance, M.H.’s Saniflex system uses polypropylene chains with polyketone pins—highly resistant to the chemical agents used during sanitation.

Saniflex: Designing Hygiene with No Compromise

M.H. Material Handling developed the Saniflex system specifically to meet the toughest requirements of the food industry, particularly in dairy production.

In these environments—where processing fresh and packaged cheese demands absolute cleanliness—standard solutions simply aren’t enough.

Saniflex stands out thanks to:

  • Fully open frame design that prevents build-up and supports efficient drainage.
  • Tool-free removable components for fast and easy daily or deep cleaning.
  • Chains resistant to aggressive detergents but fully compliant with food-grade regulations.
  • Reduction in water and detergent use compared to traditional systems.

The result?

A solution that enhances productivity, guarantees hygienic safety, and supports environmental sustainability targets.

Invisible Contamination: The “Forever Chemicals” Risk

Hygienic Design isn’t just about bacteria and mold.

Today, manufacturers must also consider chemical contamination from persistent substances like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called “forever chemicals.” These may come from the environment, industrial coatings, or even the detergents used on production lines.

Designing equipment that’s easy to clean also means reducing surface exposure to these chemicals.

With Saniflex, manufacturers can:

  • Reduce washing cycles.
  • Use gentler, less aggressive detergents.
  • Minimize the risk of transferring harmful substances onto the product.

When Hygienic Design Becomes a Competitive Advantage

Hygienic Design is a strategic investment that brings measurable benefits:

  • shorter downtimes,
  • longer equipment lifespan,
  • lower cleaning costs,
  • stronger food safety,
  • regulatory compliance.

At M.H. Material Handling, these principles are a cornerstone of our engineering.

With solutions like Saniflex, we combine technological innovation, operational efficiency, and full adherence to the strictest international guidelines.

Wondering if your production line meets today’s hygiene standards?

Book a free consultation with our experts via our MH Scan Solution service: we’ll assess your system’s critical points and show you how to optimize safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

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Perché la ricerca di sostenibilità nel packaging alimentare sta cambiando il nostro modo di lavorare MH

Sustainability in food packaging: how to keep up?

Switching to sustainable packaging is never easy: it requires time, investment, and careful planning.

One aspect that is often underestimated is the adaptation of conveying systems: without modern solutions, you risk ending up with innovative packaging but a slower and less efficient production process.

At MH, we are constantly committed to supporting you in making your packaging more sustainable. In particular, for the conveying part we offer solutions such as the Magic Sorter or the Intralox END system, both ideal for handling the new types of sustainable packaging.

In addition, with our MH Scan Solution – an in-depth analysis service of your packaging line – we help you optimize the production layout with a view to sustainable packaging.

Contact us to discover how to get your line ready for change.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
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Quando la produttività non può fermarsi l’efficienza del Bat Buffer

When Productivity Can’t Stop: Discover the Efficiency of the BAT Buffer

In the packaging industry, where every interruption can result in productivity loss, accumulation systems become strategic components to maintain performance and output. One ideal solution is the BAT Buffer by M.H. Material Handling, which we explore below.

The Heart That Keeps Your Line Alive

The BAT Buffer operates using a LIFO (Last In, First Out) logic and is designed to manage micro-stoppages typical in packaging lines. In the event of a downstream stop, the system automatically diverts incoming products to the accumulation buffer, keeping upstream machines running.

The BAT Buffer features a spiral structure that alternates straight and curved sections. This design maximizes available space, offering up to 150 meters of accumulation capacity with a single motor. The straight sections range from 2.5 to 6 meters, while the curves have an average radius of 200 mm, allowing adaptation to complex layouts.

Precision Control, Down to the Millimeter

During loading, products are guided into the buffer with a consistent pitch, regulated via inverter, preventing overlaps or damage—crucial for delicate or pressure-sensitive packaged goods.

Once normal operations resume, the BAT Buffer reverses direction and gradually releases the products back into the production flow. This can be done via an orthogonal transfer unit (to maintain product orientation) or a dynamic combiner for high-speed lines.

The average emptying time, from a full configuration, ranges from 15 to 25 minutes depending on installed capacity and downstream speed.

Recover What You Thought Was Lost

One of the BAT Buffer’s standout features is its ability to recover production lost to micro-stoppages. If downstream machines have an extra 10-20% capacity, the system can completely eliminate these losses by the end of a shift.

Its mechanical structure also enables quick switching between loading and unloading phases without needing full accumulation, helping to regularize the production flow. This operational flexibility makes it ideal for lines subject to frequent format changes or sudden production peaks.

Engineered to Fit, Wherever Needed

The BAT Buffer is ideal in sectors where output sequencing is not critical:

  • Bakery and confectionery products
  • Coffee and vacuum-packed goods
  • Other long shelf-life items

The structure is available in anodized aluminum for standard applications or AISI 304 stainless steel for environments requiring higher hygiene standards, such as cleanrooms. It supports occasional washing without compromising performance.

Its pressure-free design and modular components make it suitable for integration into existing plants, facilitating revamping operations.

See It Live

For those interested in discovering the BAT Buffer’s full potential, M.H. Material Handling will be exhibiting at IPACK-IMA 2025 in Milan from May 27 to 30, Pavilion 7, Booth B21.

For the first time in Italy, the compact infeed/outfeed system of the BAT Buffer—already praised at FachPack 2024—will be presented. Visitors will also get a sneak peek at an exclusive feature designed for those who recognize technical evolution at first glance.

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Le nuove sfide del confezionamento tra automazione e sostenibilità

The new Challenges of Packaging between Automation and Sustainability

In the packaging industry, sustainability is no longer an option, but achieving it inevitably involves additional costs.

Automation can provide a concrete solution: by improving the efficiency of production lines, it helps offset the costs required for sustainability, becoming a strategically.

This, of course, requires taking into account three key variables that determine the success of a project.

Integrating automation systems is not always straightforward: structural constraints and limited space often come into play, requiring creative and innovative solutions.

True success comes from finding the right balance between investment, productivity, and space optimization.

This is why at MH we support our clients with MH Scan Solution: our design approach that starts from the very beginning, considers all variables at play, and guides automation toward the best possible outcome.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
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