Andrea Granili

Title: Andrea Granili: Innovator in Vacuum Packaging Technology

Introduction

Andrea Granili is a notable inventor based in Lainate, Italy. He has made significant contributions to the field of packaging technology, particularly in vacuum skin packaging methods. With a total of 3 patents to his name, Granili continues to push the boundaries of innovation in this industry.

Latest Patents

Granili's latest patents include a vacuum skin packaging method and apparatus. This innovative method involves the manufacture of a vacuum skin package where the lower support member is formed in a suitably selected shape. The process comprises feeding a flat lower web of thermoplastic material with the product to be packaged loaded thereon and an upper thermoplastic web to a vacuum chamber for skin packaging. The vacuum chamber includes an upper element with a heated upper concavity and a lower element with a female vacuum forming mold shaped to match the desired shape for the support member of the end package. The process involves closing the vacuum chamber and drawing the upper web toward the upper concavity by differential pressure. Air or gases are evacuated from the space between the lower web and the upper web while maintaining the vacuum, and air is reintroduced from above the upper film. This moves the heated upper web against the product and the lower supporting web, vacuum forming the lower supporting web against the suitably shaped female mold cavity and bonding the upper web to the lower supporting web to form a hermetically sealed skin package.

Another notable patent is for a package having an inflated frame, designed for containing products such as meat. This package includes top and bottom opposing flexible chamber sheets that are sealed together in a selected chamber seal zone to define a watertight chamber portion capable of containing the product. A hollow frame circumscribes the chamber portion, supporting it when inflated, thus eliminating the need for a rigid tray.

Career Highlights

Granili works at Cryovac, Inc., a company known for its innovative packaging solutions. His work has significantly advanced the capabilities of vacuum packaging, making it more efficient and effective for various applications.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Granili has collaborated with talented individuals such as Isabella Ferri and Riccardo Palumbo. These collaborations have fostered a creative environment that encourages innovation and the development of new packaging technologies.

Conclusion

Andrea Granili is a pioneering inventor whose work in vacuum packaging technology has