April 2022

eCommerce packaging with the ‘wow’ factor

Posted on 25 April, 2022 by Keith McKinley

Smurfit Kappa says it aims to find the perfect packaging solutions for all kinds of businesses, no matter how big or small. From major brands to innovative start-ups, it offers customers support, creativity, and inventiveness to help create a packaging solution that meets their every need, which was the case when MESSIAH and EVE came to Smurfit Kappa Beacon for help with its DTC shipping packaging.

MESSIAH and EVE is a new multi-award winning vegan body care brand specialising in elevated fine fragrance body care essentials. It sells a range of body-dedicated creams and cleansers, hand wash and bath oil. As an eCommerce retailer, packaging is one of the most important parts of its product range.

Its products are purposefully and intentionally crafted to have a positive impact on the skin, the planet, and the communities within it. MESSIAH and EVE says it is committed to a journey of consideration in everything it does, and its packaging is no exception. It approached the Smurfit Kappa Beacon team hoping to find a supplier who could assist it in creating packaging which could safely ship its eCommerce orders and speed up its fulfilment production line, while also fitting with its company ethos.

Smurfit Kappa took on the challenge of producing the perfect packaging solutions for MESSIAH and EVE products, with the goal of creating sustainable eCommerce packaging which would ‘wow’ its customers and create a memorable unboxing experience. Not only that, but it was conscious of the speed of packing and ease of opening for their consumers. It needed packaging which would be super-easy to seal during the packing process and double as suitable gift packaging should its customers be gifting orders.

One of the biggest challenges Smurfit Kappa faced when it started working on this project for MESSIAH and EVE was the sustainability element of the packaging. It knew this was a key focus for the brand, so it just had to get it right, but in a way that would not compromise on quality or customer experience. Smurfit Kappa considered the option of using 100% recycled board, but soon realised this would not be suitable with the high-end print design and self-seal tape to speed up the packing process.

Smurfit Kappa opted for a more premium board grade which was still sustainable while also offering a super high-print finish. The end packaging solution looked the part while also being FSC Mix and 100% recyclable: fitting hand -in-hand with its brand ethos. As well as being easily recyclable through household recycling channels, the MESSIAH and EVE packaging delivered the ‘wow’ factor during unboxing and perfectly encapsulated the luxury of the products inside.

As fast fulfilment packing was a priority for MESSIAH and EVE, Smurfit Kappa incorporated self-seal tape which allowed for a quick production line and created a secure postal solution for its products. The tape and rippa opening design offers a more modern experience than some of the other considered options, and creates an unboxing experience similar to other high-end eCommerce packs from worldwide brands. Self-seal tape is very simple for customers to open when their new items arrive on their doorstep and makes it easier for consumers to return products using the existing packaging. This reduces the amount of waste material, giving the packaging another purpose.

The finished product ticked all of MESSIAH and EVE’s boxes, and Smurfit Kappa says it delivered packaging which was not only a functional option but also a key marketing tool for the eCommerce brand.

eCommerce packaging with the ‘wow’ factor

Posted on 25 April, 2022 by David Priestman

Utz Group celebrates diamond anniversary

Posted on 25 April, 202225 July, 2025 by David Priestman

The Utz Group, a global market leader for returnable packaging, is marking its 75th anniversary this year. With a special 75-year logo, the company is celebrating its growth from humble beginnings in Switzerland into a thriving, international business that manufactures over 20 million products a year.

“Our 75th anniversary is a great time to indulge in a little nostalgia,” commented Russell Evans, General Manager of Georg Utz Ltd, “and also to look forward to the future. Along with the whole team at our UK facility in Alfreton, Derbyshire, I’m very proud to be a part of such a dynamic and growing company.”

Production of the zigzag device for sewing machines, circa 1955

At this major milestone, the Utz group continues to demonstrate the spirit of innovation instilled by its founder. Even with the foresight and determination that helped him to found the company, Georg Utz could not have predicted that, 75 years later, some 1,500 people would be employed by a company bearing his name.

Founded as a toolmaking firm called ‘Georg Utz Werkzeug- und Apparatebau’ in Zurich in May 1947, the company began to focus on manufacturing a zigzag device for sewing machines that Georg had developed himself. This patented product enabled the fledgling business to flourish, with well-known sewing machine manufacturers, including Singer, among its customers. In 1953 Georg moved the company – now named Georg Utz AG and with 16 employees – to larger premises in Bremgarten.

It is often in challenging times that true character is revealed. In 1958, demand for the Utz zigzag device collapsed abruptly when sewing machines with integrated zigzag stitching came onto the market. Fortunately, Georg had installed an injection-moulding machine to produce the packaging for the zigzag apparatus and he could see its potential to transform the packaging market. With his entrepreneurial drive, he was able to turn his vision into reality, producing plastic products for both household and industrial use.

The RAKO: a game changer in logistics

Using the largest injection-moulding machine in Switzerland, Georg Utz AG began to focus its business on storage and transport containers produced from plastic instead of the traditional metal. The RAKO container – short for its innovative RAhmenKOnstruktion (frame construction) – was launched in 1965 and the product range continued to expand.

In the early 1970s, the development of customer-specific containers was added – the foundation stone for the current core business. Today, close co-operation with customers results in a constant stream of new products to meet their varied logistics requirements.

Another innovation for Utz came when its plastics recycling plant was put into operation in the late 1970s. Sustainability, reusable solutions and recycling at the end of the product life cycle are part of the DNA for Utz. As the company expanded, subsidiaries were established abroad. The first was in Germany in 1971, followed by Great Britain (1990 – pictured), France (1992), Poland (1997), USA (2003), China (2005) and Mexico (2017).

Today, Utz employs almost a hundred times more people than the 16 who worked in the Zurich workshop all those years ago. Despite huge growth, the past and present companies have many similarities: the spirit of innovation, the commitment to supplying the highest quality products and the culture of a family business.

Focus on people drives success for Utz Group

Sitma’s e-commerce wrapper for different materials

Posted on 25 April, 2022 by David Priestman

E-Wrap, Sitma‘s new e-commerce wrapper, will be on display at Ipack-IMA, from 3rd to 6th May 2022, in Hall 6P – Stand B01 C02. The machine in question will be the “paper wrapping” version, specifically designed for the world of e-commerce and logistics. It was developed by Sitma Machinery, an Italian company with over 50 years’ experience in the field, and now a leading producer of automated equipment for logistics and packaging.

Paper E-Wrap fits perfectly within Sitma’s range of automatic and semi-automatic paper packaging machines. These include the Fast Pack machine, a workhorse for high-speed packaging in the e-commerce sector, and the 8002 model, specially designed for Frozen Food. The new Paper E-Wrap machine has all the typical features of Sitma solutions in terms of compactness, ease of use, flexibility and reliability.

E-Wrap is designed to meet the need for speedy and efficient management that the logistics sector for e-commerce demands. The unit can be easily integrated into different production settings and combined with units for labelling and weighing, as well as an advanced tracking system.

E-Wrap can also be used for the automatic management of printing systems, and for inserting documents into the package. Indeed, the machine has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the e-commerce sector in terms of documents and promotional material (invoices, delivery notes, return labels, coupons, leaflets, etc.).

The machine can both be physically integrated into hubs with different layouts, and also connected up in terms of software. Indeed, E-Wrap can coordinate with the complex IT systems that control modern logistics centres, which need to manage huge amounts of data in relation to tracking products in the supply chain. E-Wrap is especially flexible in terms of packaging: it is in fact the first machine able to create either envelopes or packs to fit the three-dimensional form of the object(s) being packaged.

The unit on display in Milan has two winning features: not only can it “read” three-dimensional objects and create customised packaging, it can also make use of heat-sealable paper, a feature that makes it a truly green machine.

“Paper wrapping” is one of the most important frontiers for sustainable packaging; because if paper is produced in specific ways, it can be repeatedly recycled, reducing the environmental impact of the system. However, E-Wrap goes even further, as it can make use of heat-sealing paper that does not require an extra adhesive system: an aspect that helps simplify not only the management of the process but also the maintenance of the machine.

Sitma’s e-commerce wrapper for different materials

Posted on 25 April, 202225 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Descartes acquires machine-learning provider

Posted on 25 April, 2022 by David Priestman

Descartes Systems Group, a global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, has acquired Foxtrot, a leading provider of machine learning-based mobile route execution solutions.

Foxtrot’s advanced machine learning algorithms leverage millions of data points collected from vehicles in the field, helping customers reduce last-mile costs, improve customer service and learn service factors that improve route efficiency and on-time performance. The company’s technology complements existing route planning and execution solutions.

“Descartes has been a leader in using advanced technology to extend its world-class route planning and execution solutions for more than 20 years,” said Ken Wood, EVP of Product Management at Descartes. “Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning are making it possible for us to leverage increasing amounts of ‘real world data’ to better inform our route planning and execution solutions. By combining with Foxtrot, we’re adding a team with deep domain expertise and proven technology that will help accelerate our efforts in this area.”

“Foxtrot enhances our recent investment in GreenMile, as both companies have extensive experience in the retail food and beverage distribution vertical,” said Edward J Ryan, Descartes’ CEO. “We also see an immediate opportunity to leverage Foxtrot’s capabilities across our wider route planning and execution solution suite. We’re thrilled to welcome the Foxtrot employees, customers and partners into the Descartes family.”

Foxtrot is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Descartes acquired Foxtrot for approximately $US4m, satisfied from cash on hand.

Descartes acquires machine-learning provider

Posted on 25 April, 202229 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Foxtrot is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Descartes acquired Foxtrot for approximately $US4m, satisfied from cash on hand.

Gideon launches autonomous loading forklift

Posted on 22 April, 202225 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Gideon, the robotics and AI solutions company, has announced a pioneering new solution – Trey, an autonomous forklift for truck trailer loading and unloading operations.

Trey loads and unloads pallets entirely autonomously, saving more than 80% of a worker’s time. It operates safely, consistently, and reliably in dynamic environments, working side by side with people.

“We at Gideon believe that we can help exponentially grow humanity’s ability to move goods by automating the most complex material handling workflows,” said Matija Kopić, Gideon CEO and co-founder. “The world needs new ways of solving challenges. Our new way is to give superpowers to the millions of essential workers who keep our supply chains running. With the help of our customers, partners, and investors, we’ve built an AMR specifically for the task of loading and unloading truck trailers, augmenting human talent,” Matija Kopić said.

“The new solution from Gideon brings us an exciting potential for optimization, creating new efficiencies, and new ways to work,” Annant Patel, director at Koch Disruptive Technologies, an investment unit of Koch Industries, and Gideon Board Member. “As new technologies become available, the supply chain challenges act as a catalyst to spur companies to innovate – Gideon being one of them. We may face uncertainties, but innovators like Gideon prove that the future is here and now.”

Xavier Garijo, Member of the Board of Management for Contract Logistics at DB Schenker, also highlights the importance of innovation. DB Schenker, the global logistics leader, is one of the early Gideon customers and Series A investor.

“Here at DB Schenker, we draw on 150 years of logistic experience, and we’ve always focused on bringing innovation to deliver the efficiency and excellence expected by our clients. This is why we are excited to see new solutions from Gideon. Our projects so far are promising demonstrated, real-potential use cases that help us transform inbound and outbound logistic operations,” said Xavier Garijo, who is also a Gideon Board Member.

The new trailer (un)loading solution combines Gideon’s proprietary autonomy technology powered by AI and 3D vision, user-friendly software for smart workflow orchestration, and a robust, purpose-made chassis by Infinity Machine & Engineering Corp.

Trey helps companies relieve labour shortages, increase throughput, and raise process stability and efficiency. It significantly increases loading dock safety, reducing incidents and damages. Thanks to the flexibility and adaptability of Gideon’s technology, Trey is easy to use, deploy, and scale, with minimal impact on existing infrastructure, further improving the bottom line.

Gideon launches autonomous loading forklift

Posted on 22 April, 2022 by David Priestman

Gideon, the robotics and AI solutions company, has announced a pioneering new solution – Trey, an autonomous forklift for truck trailer loading and unloading operations.

WOF Summit promises latest market trends

Posted on 22 April, 2022 by Keith McKinley

Ahead of the WOF SUMMIT, which takes place in Vienna on 4^th-5^th May, we caught up with Chief Commercial Officer of the WOF Group Christoph Grasl and asked him about this inaugural event.

Christoph Grasl has more than 25 years of experience in freight and logistics. He started his carrier in freight forwarding at Vienna Airport in 1996. In the year 2000, he switched from Austria to Hungary and developed an SMB forwarding company within nine years to one of the top players in the Hungarian logistics market. During this period he also finished his MBA in logistics and supply chain at Danube University.

From 2009 he became MD of one of the leading air and sea cargo forwarders in Austria and had the Regional Director role for Central Eastern Europe. Finally, he was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer on the global corporate level. In a short break from the logistics industry, he did his second master’s studies in real estate management and started a property development company. From 2022 he is back in the logistics industry as Chief Commercial Officer of the WOF Group following his passion to connect people.

Logistics Business (LB): Tell us about the WOF SUMMIT and the whole idea behind it.

Christoph Grasl (CG): It all started with the vision of a handful of logistics experts from all over the world to create a new innovative platform for the logistics and supply chain industry. Our slogan ‘Explore The World Of Freight In The Heart Of Europe’ is a perfect description of what we create and where our focus lies. With the WOF EXPO in Bratislava last year, we set our first milestone and out of this experience and the valuable customer feedback we designed the WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022.

Even that is not just another logistics congress in Austria, but the first-ever with a truly regional approach for Central Eastern Europe. We have top industry speakers not only from Austria, Germany and the CEE countries but even from overseas like India and the United States. Furthermore, the optimal networking atmosphere for all our visitors is essential for us.

LB: What is innovative about your event and how does it differ from rivals?

CG: At WOF SUMMIT, networking is not just having a coffee with another interesting participant but is powered by the innovative 1to1 Meeting Scheduler. So, all our visitors can pre-arrange their most valuable networking meetings already online two weeks before the event. As we set it up as a hybrid event, this is also valid for our virtual guests from all over the world.

Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, the WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022 is the only logistics and supply chain event in Austria with a truly regional approach and covers the whole Central Eastern Europe. This combined with an exclusive exhibition area, a VIP networking area, the top keynotes and panel discussions and the evening gala WOF Connect & Charity, make our summit a unique experience for all logistics and supply chain friends.

LB: Why should companies come to WOF SUMMIT? How will WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022 help businesses to thrive in current unpredictable times?

CG: Everybody who deals with transport, logistics and supply chain will find personal value at the WOF SUMMIT. We have the latest market insights, trends and best practice examples in digitalisation, e-commerce and green deals. You can touch base with sustainability trends in logistics real estate, be part of the digital air cargo revolution and feel the resilience of global supply chains in the actual shaky ocean freight markets. We have a deep dive in e-commerce also for business start-ups and offer solutions in the last mile distribution.

Last but not least, logistics is still a people’s business, so we teamed up with leading Universities in CEE and discuss with high potential the logistics leadership roles of the future. This and much more you can experience at the WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022.

LB: The inevitable part of WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022 will be the gala night WOF Connect & Charity, please tell us more about it.

CG: WOF Connect & Charity festive evening will be an absolute highlight of the two days of inspiration, learning, and knowledge sharing at the event. The importance of this unique evening stems not only from the strong focus on networking as WOF Connect & Charity is also about giving. Building on the success of the first charitable event during the WOF EXPO 2021 in Bratislava last year, this year we will look beyond our fundraising borders with Österreichische Krebshilfe.

The Austrian Cancer Aid, founded in 1910 under the personal auspices of the Emperor, supports approx. 30,000 cancer patients and relatives in their 66 cancer centres in Austria. Österreichische Krebshilfe will be an important part of this special evening. You will experience a combination of networking, good music and dance, inspirational people and stories, and of course an ultimate foodie experience. An evening from which you will emerge inspired and energised.

We are looking forward to seeing you all at the WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022!

To find out more in information and get your ticket, CLICK HERE

The RAKO: a game changer in logistics

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