In January, Pattyn Bulk Packaging will present a new approach to one of the most persistent challenges in potato and vegetable processing: protecting product flow when downtime occurs. The fact that this packing line was designed specifically for reusable octabins also reflects a broader industry transition toward systems that are both resilient and resource efficient.
Safeguarding product at all times
In high-throughput potato processing, unplanned downtime is more than an inconvenience - it jeopardizes product quality, creates upstream congestion, and drives significant losses. The continuous inflow of fresh product doesn’t pause simply because a B2C line stops.
This operational reality led a major potato processor to rethink how to guarantee packaging continuity. In response, Pattyn engineered a secondary line capable of taking over whenever interruptions occur, ensuring that product can still be packed without delay. The same configuration also serves as an intermediary packaging step for transport to satellite sites for further B2C packaging.
Finally, with export volumes projected to rise, the system additionally functions as a packaging line for customer shipments in octabins - a shift already visible in the market and likely to expand.
Reusability as a strategic driver
As export logistics evolve, so does the demand for durable, pallet-sized containers that support longer transport cycles. The new line is purpose-built for octabin handling. Its key innovation lies in enabling octabins to be reused up to 6 times: the system removes the existing lid and bag, applies new bags, closes the bag and replaces the lid in one integrated flow – creating a container buffer that can be filled at will.
This points to a broader transformation in industrial packaging: higher payload capacities, the ability to handle variable heights and footprints, increased material circularity, and clearer visibility on total packaging costs, including transport and cleaning; without risk of damage and costly downtime.
Reusing octabins is more than an economic decision; it is a structural response to sustainability targets. Extending the life of packaging materials reduces waste and lowers the environmental burden of large-scale transport. The approach aligns with the sector’s exploration of circular packaging models that balance efficiency with environmental responsibility.
Adaptable to other recipient types
Beyond octabins, the line’s design allows for handling of other pallet-sized containers, such as plastic crates. This cross-compatibility gives producers a more resilient infrastructure - one that can adapt to changing market demands or customer specifications without requiring separate dedicated systems.
A glimpse into the future: January demo in Deerlijk
Pattyn will unveil this line during a live demonstration event in Deerlijk on January 14 & 15, 2026. The demo will give industry stakeholders a close look at how the system integrates into existing layouts and how flexible packaging architecture can support both operational continuity and long-term sustainability goals.