{"id":4538,"date":"2026-07-29T14:55:32","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T12:55:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bulltec.it\/?p=4538"},"modified":"2026-08-26T15:42:23","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T13:42:23","slug":"potato-packaging-weighing-formats-and-end-of-line-automation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bulltec.it\/en\/2026\/07\/29\/potato-packaging-weighing-formats-and-end-of-line-automation\/","title":{"rendered":"Potato packaging: weighing, formats and end-of-line automation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Potato packaging is the final and most critical stage of the line: a weight or format error here nullifies the work of all previous stages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Industrial weighing can be done with linear, multihead or combination weighers: the choice depends on hourly throughput, packaging format and required precision.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The main packaging formats are sacks\/netting, trays, baskets and cardboard trays: each responds to a different distribution channel and market segment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>End-of-line automation \u2014 labeling, traceability, batch management, waste detection \u2014 reduces giveaway and cuts non-conformity costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Designing the end of line without considering the throughput of the upstream grader is one of the most costly mistakes: the bottleneck almost always occurs here.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most delicate moment in the potato processing line is not sorting defective tubers, nor washing off the soil. It&#8217;s the end of line: those sixty seconds in which a graded, clean potato must become a package with the right weight, the correct label, the traceable batch \u2014 ready for retail or the fresh produce market. Getting this wrong means waste, returns, regulatory sanctions and damaged reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet most medium-sized producers still underestimate this stage, treating it as a &#8220;warehouse problem&#8221; rather than as the operational heart of the entire line. In this article, we analyze in detail how industrial potato packaging works, what weighing technologies exist, how packaging formats are chosen, and how automation turns the end of line into a measurable competitive advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why the end of line is the most critical stage of potato packaging<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The end of line of a potato processing line is the set of operations that transform the graded and sorted product into sales units ready for distribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>weighing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>container filling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>closing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>labeling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>weight checking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>possible metal detection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>palletizing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A precise operational definition: the potato end of line begins at the point where the product leaves the grader (or the outfeed belt from optical sorting) and ends when the closed, labeled package is placed on the pallet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why is this stage critical? For three concrete reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Giveaway accumulates here. If every 1 kg bag is filled with 1,030 g instead of 1,000 g, over an 8-hour shift at 600 bags\/hour, almost 15 kg of product is given away to the customer every hour. On an annual basis, with two shifts, this amounts to tons of direct economic loss.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Labeling errors generate returns and non-conformities. Retail chains apply precise penalties for variations in declared weight, batch errors and non-compliant expiration dates. A manual or semi-automatic labeling system exposes to an error rate that in industrial contexts is simply unacceptable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The bottleneck almost always occurs at the end of line. A well-sized grader can process 5-15 t\/h, but if the weigher is undersized or the bag closing system isn&#8217;t synchronized, the entire line slows down. This means investing in a state-of-the-art grader without taking care of the end of line is like putting a Formula 1 engine on a battered chassis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">End-of-line objectives: precision, speed and giveaway reduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Efficient potato packaging is measured on three fundamental KPIs that any production manager should monitor every shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Weight precision<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Weight precision is the packaging system&#8217;s ability to get as close as possible to the target weight declared on the label, minimizing both underweight packages (which violate European metrological regulations, particularly Directive 2014\/31\/EU on pre-packaged products) and overweight packages (which generate giveaway).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">European regulations allow variable tolerances depending on nominal weight. For a 1 kg package, the allowed tolerance is \u00b115g (1.5%). Every gram above this threshold is profit given away for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Packaging speed and hourly rate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Packaging rate must be aligned with upstream line throughput. If the grader works at 8 t\/h and the sales format is 1.5 kg, the packaging system must handle about 5,300 packages\/hour. Many medium-sized plants stop at 1,000-2,500 pieces\/hour with single weighers: the result is a queue of product upstream and an efficiency loss for the entire line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Giveaway reduction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Giveaway (average package overweight relative to target) is the main economic indicator of the end of line. In non-optimized lines, giveaway can reach 2-4% of nominal weight. With state-of-the-art multihead weighers and combination software, it&#8217;s possible to drop below 0.5%, with a direct economic impact on margin per ton produced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Weighing technologies for potato packaging<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Industrial potato weighing is one of the most delicate operations, because potatoes are irregular products in individual shape and weight. No two tubers are identical: this means that final weight precision depends on the system&#8217;s ability to combine individual pieces as efficiently as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Linear weighers (belt or gravity)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Linear weighers \u2014 also called weigh-bagging machines or drop weighers \u2014 work by filling the container until reaching the target weight, with an automatic stop system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They&#8217;re suitable for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Medium-low throughputs (up to 800-1,200 bags\/hour)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Large formats (5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg for retail or wholesale channel)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Irregularly shaped products where combination isn&#8217;t necessary<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>contained cost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ease of cleaning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>suitable for large sacks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>limited precision on small formats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>average higher giveaway<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reduced speed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Multihead weighers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Multihead (or combination) weighers are the technological benchmark for those packaging potatoes in formats from 0.5 to 5 kg at high rates. The operating principle is simple but powerful: the product is distributed over n heads (typically 10, 14 or 16 for fresh produce), each equipped with a load cell. The software calculates in real time which combination of heads produces the weight closest to target \u2014 typically in less than a second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Result: giveaway &lt;0.5%, rate up to 60-80 weighings\/minute on a single head (equivalent to 3,000-5,000 packages\/hour with double output). This type of weigher lends itself perfectly to integration with the potato grading and sorting line, thanks to the regular and continuous feed that electronic graders guarantee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Combination weighing systems (Combination Weighing and Smart Combination Weighing)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A very effective intermediate solution for potatoes is represented by combination weighing systems, which combine multiple weight categories (for example large-size potatoes + medium-size) to reach the target with minimum deviation. Bulltec offers specific solutions for this approach through the Combination Weighing and Smart Combination Weighing products, designed to integrate the weighing stage directly with the electronic grader, eliminating intermediate steps and reducing the risk of product damage due to falls or multiple transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/bulltec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ad_chiusura-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"Operatori controllano le patate prima della pesatura e del confezionamento\" class=\"wp-image-4536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bulltec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ad_chiusura-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/bulltec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ad_chiusura-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/bulltec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ad_chiusura-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/bulltec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ad_chiusura-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/bulltec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ad_chiusura.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Potato packaging formats: pros, cons and usage scenarios<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The choice of packaging format is not just aesthetic: it impacts shelf life, consumer repurchase frequency, warehouse stacking efficiency and packaging speed on the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Polypropylene sacks and netting (Raschel)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Raschel net sacks are the most widespread format for fresh potatoes in formats of 1 kg, 2.5 kg, 5 kg and 10 kg. The netting ensures natural ventilation of the product, slowing down decay processes. They&#8217;re compatible with automatic bagging systems with taping or hot clipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>contained cost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>excellent ventilation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>product visibility for the consumer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>easily integrable automation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>sensitive to ambient humidity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>exposed to risk of mechanical puncture during closing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>limited possibility for graphic customization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Heat-sealed trays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PET or PP trays heat-sealed with top film are the premium format for washed, peeled or pre-cut potatoes, destined for upscale retail. They allow printing of detailed nutritional information and are suitable for modified atmosphere (MAP) to extend shelf life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>high presentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MAP compatibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>superior mechanical protection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>higher packaging cost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>requires dedicated thermoforming lines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>less ventilation (relevant for potatoes with residual soil)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cardboard baskets and trays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cardboard trays with stretch film are used mainly for new potatoes or premium varieties (e.g. purple potatoes, sweet potatoes), positioned on the shelf as high-value product. The 500 g to 1 kg tray format allows vertical display on the shelf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>premium positioning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>effective visual communication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>recyclability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>less resistant to humidity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>high packaging cost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>requires dedicated packaging equipment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Format comparison summary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Format<\/th><th>Typical throughput<\/th><th>Preferred channel<\/th><th>Manageable giveaway<\/th><th>Automation<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Raschel netting<\/td><td>1\u201325 kg<\/td><td>Retail, wholesale, detail<\/td><td>Medium-high<\/td><td>High<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Thermoformed tray<\/td><td>0.5\u20132 kg<\/td><td>Premium retail<\/td><td>Low<\/td><td>High<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cardboard tray<\/td><td>0.5\u20131.5 kg<\/td><td>Premium retail, organic<\/td><td>Low<\/td><td>Medium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Polypropylene sack<\/td><td>5\u201325 kg<\/td><td>Wholesale, industry<\/td><td>High<\/td><td>High<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">End-of-line automation: labeling, traceability and batch management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An automated end of line for potato packaging isn&#8217;t limited to filling and closing the container. Modern systems integrate at least four levels of control that transform the simple packaging operation into a complete quality assurance process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Automatic labeling and regulatory compliance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Automatic labeling applied in line ensures that every package carries the mandatory information required by EU Regulation 1169\/2011 (food information to consumers): name, net weight, country of origin, category, harvest date or preferred consumption date if applicable. Print-and-apply systems with thermal or laser heads allow speeds of 40-80 labels\/minute with real-time batch number updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In-line weight control (checkweigher)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The checkweigher is a dynamic scale positioned downstream of the packaging machine that verifies the weight of each individual package in transit at line speed. Any package outside the tolerance window (normally \u00b13-5 g relative to target) is automatically diverted onto a reject belt for rework. This system eliminates the risk of putting non-compliant products on the market and provides real-time statistical data on average, standard deviation and weigher drift trend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traceability and batch management (MES\/ERP integration)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supply chain traceability is today an essential requirement for those who want to work with structured retail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every batch must be recorded with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>item code<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>packaging date<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>gross weight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>net weight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>batch number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>product origin (field, lot)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MES (Manufacturing Execution System) systems integrated with the end of line allow each package to be automatically associated with the corresponding production batch via barcode or RFID reading, ensuring the complete traceability required by EC Regulation 178\/2002 on food safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Metal and foreign body detection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tunnel metal detector or X-ray system positioned at the end of line completes the control framework. For potatoes, the main source of foreign body contamination isn&#8217;t metal but stone or wood fragments (from harvest pallets): X-ray systems are more effective in this context, although more expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to integrate the end of line with upstream stages of the potato line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Potato packaging isn&#8217;t an island: it&#8217;s the arrival point of a flow that begins with bin reception, continues with potato washing and cleaning, and passes through grading and sorting. Integration between these stages is decisive for end-of-line efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Synchronization with the grader<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The electronic tray grader is the control node that determines the quality and consistency of the flow toward the end of line. A well-configured grader \u2014 such as those in the Bulltec range for potatoes \u2014 feeds the weighers with a flow homogeneous by size, reducing the variance in individual tuber weight and allowing the multihead system to more easily reach the target combination. An undersized or poorly regulated grader, by contrast, creates peaks and gaps in the flow, forcing the weigher to work under non-optimal conditions with a resulting increase in giveaway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Buffers and accumulation hoppers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Between the grader and the weigher, it&#8217;s almost always necessary to provide an accumulation system (buffer hopper) that neutralizes flow variations. The hopper must be sized to guarantee at least 2-3 minutes of autonomy: this allows small maintenance operations on the weigher without stopping the entire line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Layout and transport gentleness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The potato processing line must be designed by minimizing product drop heights at every step. Every additional impact between the grader and the final package can cause bruising, which depreciates the commercial value of the product and increases waste rates. The principle of transport gentleness must guide the end-of-line layout as much as that of washing or grading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common mistakes in end-of-line design and how to avoid them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many potato producers face recurring problems at the end of line that stem from incorrect design choices. Here are the most frequent, with the practical solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mistake 1: Undersizing the weigher relative to the grader.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the grader works at 6 t\/h on a 1.5 kg format, the end of line must handle 4,000 bags\/hour. A single weigher at 800 bags\/hour creates a bottleneck that nullifies the investment in the grader. \u2192 Solution: first calculate the target throughput in pieces\/hour and choose the weigher accordingly. Or evaluate multiple parallel grader outputs with dedicated weighers per format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mistake 2: Not providing for the checkweigher.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Producing packages without weight verification is a legal risk (metrological regulations) and commercial risk (retail returns). The checkweigher has a fast ROI, directly calculable on the reduction of returns. \u2192 Solution: always insert a checkweigher downstream of the packaging machine, with automatic rejection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mistake 3: Managing traceability manually.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manual batch recording generates errors, delays and inability to respond quickly in case of recalls. With 1,000+ packages\/hour, no operator can guarantee data accuracy manually. \u2192 Solution: integrate the MES with print-and-apply labeling for automatic real-time recording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mistake 4: Choosing packaging format without considering the sales channel.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 500 g format in a thermoformed tray makes sense for premium retail; for the traditional fresh produce market or for wholesale, it&#8217;s often uneconomical and impractical. \u2192 Solution: first define the sales channel mix, then size the end of line to handle the 2-3 predominant formats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a complete view of all stages \u2014 from bin reception to final packaging \u2014 see the complete guide to potato line stages and machines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ \u2014 Potato packaging: frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the best weighing system for packaging potatoes in formats from 1 to 2.5 kg?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For formats from 1 to 2.5 kg with high throughputs (over 1,500 packages\/hour), the most suitable system is the combination multihead weigher. This type of weigher exploits the combination of multiple load cells to automatically find the product combination closest to the target weight, with tolerances below 0.5% and rates that can exceed 3,000-4,000 bags\/hour on double-output configurations. For lower throughputs or large formats (5-25 kg), a linear drop weigher is more economical and equally effective, provided one accepts an average higher giveaway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is meant by &#8220;giveaway&#8221; in potato packaging and how is it measured?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Giveaway is the average amount of product in excess of the nominal weight declared on the label, expressed in grams or as a percentage of the target weight. It&#8217;s calculated as: (average actual package weight \u2013 nominal weight) \/ nominal weight \u00d7 100. A 2% giveaway on a 1 kg product means giving the customer 20 g for every bag. On a production of 1 t\/h with 1 kg packages, 20 kg\/h of product is lost, or about 160 kg per shift. Reducing giveaway from 2% to 0.5% through a multihead weigher can generate significant savings already in the first year of operation, with ROI often under 18 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which packaging formats are most suitable for selling potatoes in retail?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The preferred formats for retail are: Raschel net sacks of 1 kg and 1.5 kg for the mainstream segment, thermoformed trays of 500 g-1 kg for the premium and organic segment, and printed polypropylene bags of 750 g-1 kg for washed or pre-cooked potatoes. The trend in recent years is toward smaller formats (under 1 kg) in response to shrinking household sizes, and toward more sustainable packaging (printed cardboard, recyclable mono-material). The format must be chosen based on the predominant distribution channel before designing the end of line, since changing format afterward may require replacing the entire packaging machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does automatic traceability work in potato packaging?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Automatic traceability at the potato end of line is achieved through integration between the label print-and-apply system and MES or ERP software. At every batch change, the operator (or the system automatically, if integrated with the barcode reader of incoming bins) updates batch data in the central system. The printing software generates the label in real time with: batch number, packaging date, origin (field\/producer), weight and item code. The checkweigher records the actual weight of each package, associating it with the batch. In case of a product recall, it&#8217;s possible to trace back within seconds to all packages belonging to the implicated batch, ensuring compliance with EC Regulation 178\/2002.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the difference between a standard multihead weigher and a combination weighing system for potatoes?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The standard multihead weigher is optimized for bulk products that fall freely into the weighing heads: it works well with small and medium potatoes (size 35-65 mm) in continuous flow. The combination weighing system (like the one offered by Bulltec) is instead designed to integrate the grading stage with the weighing stage: tubers already graded by weight or size are intelligently combined to reach the batch&#8217;s weight target, with the additional advantage of guaranteeing size homogeneity within the same package \u2014 a requirement increasingly demanded by retail. This solution is particularly effective for delicate varieties, such as sweet potatoes, for which Bulltec systems offer solutions specifically designed to minimize mechanical damage during weighing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The most delicate moment in the potato processing line is not sorting defective tubers, nor washing off the soil. It&#8217;s the end of line: those sixty seconds in which a graded, clean potato must become a package with the right weight, the correct label, the traceable batch \u2014 ready for retail or the fresh produce [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4537,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":0,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4538","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insights"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bulltec.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4538","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bulltec.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bulltec.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bulltec.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bulltec.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4538"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/bulltec.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4538\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4539,"href":"https:\/\/bulltec.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4538\/revisions\/4539"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bulltec.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4537"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bulltec.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4538"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bulltec.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4538"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bulltec.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4538"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}