There were many simple vertical form/fill/seal machines on display at the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s annual conference. But none displayed such servo-enabled functionality and performance as ICA’s CSV40 Paket

Two indications of this coffee packaging specialist’s popularity among coffee industry visionaries were apparent: the ICA machine on display sported a “SOLD” sticker, the unit going to Caribou Coffee, a rising star among destination coffee houses.

And on Monday, conference goers thronged to tour the roasting facility of the highly respected 137-year old Gaviňa & Sons in nearby Vernon, CA, where no fewer than ten ICA machines are in operation.

Increasingly, specialization has proven a critical element in successful packaging business strategies. Even the name SCAA begins with “specialty.”

ICA packaging systems are highly suited to flexible packaging for a range of dry products. These include filling, check weighing, vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging. But the company has always focused substantial resources on the coffee industry. Their innovations include degassing valves to maintain the integrity of coffee bags, single serve filter pods, secondary packaging for pods, patented Quad Seal retail packaging and brick packs.

Likewise, ICA’s automation technology provider, ELAU, specializes exclusively in controlling packaging machinery. Between the ELAU-enabled control system and ICA’s new Ic@Win® human machine interface, the systems provided the flexibility and throughput for roasters to respond quickly to market requirements.

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