Alfa Machine is founded by Dimitris and Yannis Kourtoglou as a packaging machinery manufacturing company, specialized in the food packaging sector. Kourtoglou brothers brought with them many years of experience in the food processing industry, mainly in the canning and juice production sectors. Dimitri's past employment as a mechanical engineer and Yanni's background as an electronics/electrical engineer provided the foundations of Alfa Machine's initial technological expertise.
The idea for an In Mold Labeling system adapted to FFS machines is dated back to 2002. There was always a growing demand for decoration means on cups produced by FFS machinery, that was not satisfied by the existing systems. Our aim was to develop a labeling application which would offer maximum adherence and easy changeover of products, along with the capability to be applied not only to straight walled but to conical cups as well. Moreover, this system would have to reduce the cost per label by using a cost effective material. Another guideline was to reduce the size of the system to minimum, while maximizing its usability.
All those specifications were finally met and the Alfa Machine IML system was presented at the Interpack 2008 exhibition with great success.
The patent application for this invention was filed on 18 July 2008 and is now granted.