The Dosibox system takes the form of a polyethylene hopper combined with a dosing screw that allows for the pricise dosing of bulk ingredients. The units can be arranged in a line to allow a number of different minor ingredients to be added, and are designed so that bulk ingredients from other containers (e.g. bags, drums or flexible intermediate bulk containers) in a dust-free manner.
Phil Plummer of Ingredient Handling Solutions, the UK agent for Azo, said that putting in place automation systems of a minor ingredient is almost as expensive as for a major ingredient, with difficultly in demonstrating its return on investment. This has inhibited companies from investing in automation, which can reduce operator costs and dosing errors.
"The arrival of Dosibox succeeds in providing a system which is cost effective per ingredient," he said.
Azo claims that the Dosibox offers a number of advantages over other systems, including cleaner storage; easier stock control; improved product and operator protection; compatibility with just-in-time production; enclosed accessing; flexible formula changes; production transparency; consistency and documentation of formula; and permanent tracking of ingredients and batches.
For more information on the product, visit Azo's website.