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Month: June 2023

Reduce Packaging Innovation Day

Posted on by David Priestman

CID23, the 10th edition of CMC Innovation Day, took place last Thursday, June 22nd. Organized annually by CMC Packaging Automation, a company in the portfolio of KKR Global Impact Fund and supported by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, this event has become a tradition in the on-demand packaging sector. The event was held at CMC’s headquarters in Città di Castello (PG), Italy.

The focus of the event was on nurturing talent within the company, providing a day of study and in-depth analysis to showcase innovations in an industry that has persevered despite recent challenges and discovered opportunities for growth and improvement. The keyword for the day was ‘REDUCE’: reducing waste and minimizing impact while maintaining efficiency and production performance.

CID23 attracted over 150 guests from five continents, representing major eCommerce companies and logistics players. It served as a platform for sharing ideas and best practices regarding the challenges and opportunities in sustainable logistics.

CMC’s initiative demonstrates the importance of establishing a business model that engages and collaborates with the outside world, drawing from new experiences to grow and stay relevant. The underlying theme of the event was the inseparable link between technological and ecological innovation. Leading companies in their respective sectors, including Geox, Kering, Urban Outfitters, and General Motors, shared valuable insights, highlighting the value of automation in B2B and B2C business processes to enhance overall efficiency and performance optimization.

Alessandro di Rita, Head of Engineering at Kering, stated: “Our long-standing strategic partnership with CMC has proven instrumental in achieving our sustainability goals. Thanks to on-demand packaging technology, we have significantly reduced emissions and improved production times, contributing to environmental preservation and achieving greater operational efficiency. CMC Packaging Automation ensures quality and aligns with our brand, providing maximum product protection during transportation. Our continued investment in this partnership showcases the trust we place in CMC to develop even more innovative and efficient solutions for the future”.

Alessandro de Marco, B2C Logistics Manager at Geox, commented: “The international and cross-cutting context in terms of product type and operational area provided an extraordinary opportunity, not only as a testimonial but also to realize that we are key players in addressing the current market and eco-sustainability challenges”.

Brian Horton, Supply Chain Director at Urban Outfitters stated: “It was great being able to share the journey of designing and launching our new highly automated facility that will leverage CMC Genesys. It was also great listening to other customers and industry colleagues regarding their current, but common challenges in the marketplace. My biggest takeaway was simply the reminder that the world’s resources are limited so the importance of Sustainability in packaging and subsequently all across the supply chain, must be a focal point moving forward”.

Francesco Ponti, CEO of CMC, said: “Through innovation and research, CMC Packaging Automation aims to become the global 3D packaging leader, with the ambitious goal of finding new solutions for sustainability. The success of CID23 confirms our ongoing commitment to meeting customer needs and driving innovation in the 3D packaging sector. We will continue to invest in our resources, expertise, and technologies to maintain our leadership position and offer increasingly advanced and sustainable solutions. We are delighted with the attendance and the growing interest and awareness of the importance of our industry. The Innovation Day is a strategic event that cannot be missed”.

Pedro Godinho Ramos, Director of Global Impact at KKR, stated: “Days like CID are a testament to CMC’s ingenuity and pursuit of excellence in sustainability and customer service and are an occasion to celebrate all that our people have achieved. We are extremely grateful for the 150 partners that joined us and follow the journey and all there is to come”.

An innovation strategy rooted in sustainability, supported by numbers, as demonstrated by CMC’s inaugural Sustainability Report, exclusively presented during CID23, showcasing the company’s key accomplishments and future ESG objectives.

In this manner, CMC has raised the bar for innovation, positioning itself as a prominent player in the industry, with the aim of creating a more resilient and future-oriented sector. As part of the event, the complete range of on-demand packaging machines was unveiled, including the new Hybrid Advance and Envelope on-demand products. With this cutting-edge technology, CMC solidifies its position as the unrivaled leader in 3D packaging, capable of automating customized secondary packaging, whether it be boxes, bags, or envelopes.

Through these efforts, CMC remains dedicated to leading the way in innovation within the packaging industry, embracing sustainable solutions that align with global market needs. The CID23 presents an invaluable opportunity to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and collectively shape the future of sustainable packaging and logistics alongside our customers.

Based in Città di Castello (PG), CMC Spa is a private company engaged in the design, production, and sale of innovative solutions and high-tech machinery for mailing, graphic art, e-commerce, and logistics. Founded in 1980, the company has dedicated itself to developing strategies that could transform it into the leading provider of technologies, services, components, and professional technical training. CMC has always been attentive to promptly respond to the changing market demands with creative projects and tailor-made solutions. With the exponential growth of e-commerce reshaping the shipping industry, CMC now assists retailers and logistics companies in optimizing the order fulfillment process and using sustainable, robust, highly personalized, and secure packaging through its popular and award-winning 3D packaging technology, which perfectly adapts to the content of the package.

Reduce Packaging Innovation Day

Posted on by David Priestman

CID23, the 10th edition of CMC Innovation Day, took place last Thursday, June 22nd. Organized annually by CMC Packaging Automation, a company in the portfolio of KKR Global Impact Fund and supported by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, this event has become a tradition in the on-demand packaging sector. The event was held at CMC’s headquarters in Città di Castello (PG), Italy.

The focus of the event was on nurturing talent within the company, providing a day of study and in-depth analysis to showcase innovations in an industry that has persevered despite recent challenges and discovered opportunities for growth and improvement. The keyword for the day was ‘REDUCE’: reducing waste and minimizing impact while maintaining efficiency and production performance.

CID23 attracted over 150 guests from five continents, representing major eCommerce companies and logistics players. It served as a platform for sharing ideas and best practices regarding the challenges and opportunities in sustainable logistics.

CMC’s initiative demonstrates the importance of establishing a business model that engages and collaborates with the outside world, drawing from new experiences to grow and stay relevant. The underlying theme of the event was the inseparable link between technological and ecological innovation. Leading companies in their respective sectors, including Geox, Kering, Urban Outfitters, and General Motors, shared valuable insights, highlighting the value of automation in B2B and B2C business processes to enhance overall efficiency and performance optimization.

Alessandro di Rita, Head of Engineering at Kering, stated: “Our long-standing strategic partnership with CMC has proven instrumental in achieving our sustainability goals. Thanks to on-demand packaging technology, we have significantly reduced emissions and improved production times, contributing to environmental preservation and achieving greater operational efficiency. CMC Packaging Automation ensures quality and aligns with our brand, providing maximum product protection during transportation. Our continued investment in this partnership showcases the trust we place in CMC to develop even more innovative and efficient solutions for the future”.

Alessandro de Marco, B2C Logistics Manager at Geox, commented: “The international and cross-cutting context in terms of product type and operational area provided an extraordinary opportunity, not only as a testimonial but also to realize that we are key players in addressing the current market and eco-sustainability challenges”.

Brian Horton, Supply Chain Director at Urban Outfitters stated: “It was great being able to share the journey of designing and launching our new highly automated facility that will leverage CMC Genesys. It was also great listening to other customers and industry colleagues regarding their current, but common challenges in the marketplace. My biggest takeaway was simply the reminder that the world’s resources are limited so the importance of Sustainability in packaging and subsequently all across the supply chain, must be a focal point moving forward”.

Francesco Ponti, CEO of CMC, said: “Through innovation and research, CMC Packaging Automation aims to become the global 3D packaging leader, with the ambitious goal of finding new solutions for sustainability. The success of CID23 confirms our ongoing commitment to meeting customer needs and driving innovation in the 3D packaging sector. We will continue to invest in our resources, expertise, and technologies to maintain our leadership position and offer increasingly advanced and sustainable solutions. We are delighted with the attendance and the growing interest and awareness of the importance of our industry. The Innovation Day is a strategic event that cannot be missed”.

Pedro Godinho Ramos, Director of Global Impact at KKR, stated: “Days like CID are a testament to CMC’s ingenuity and pursuit of excellence in sustainability and customer service and are an occasion to celebrate all that our people have achieved. We are extremely grateful for the 150 partners that joined us and follow the journey and all there is to come”.

An innovation strategy rooted in sustainability, supported by numbers, as demonstrated by CMC’s inaugural Sustainability Report, exclusively presented during CID23, showcasing the company’s key accomplishments and future ESG objectives.

In this manner, CMC has raised the bar for innovation, positioning itself as a prominent player in the industry, with the aim of creating a more resilient and future-oriented sector. As part of the event, the complete range of on-demand packaging machines was unveiled, including the new Hybrid Advance and Envelope on-demand products. With this cutting-edge technology, CMC solidifies its position as the unrivaled leader in 3D packaging, capable of automating customized secondary packaging, whether it be boxes, bags, or envelopes.

Through these efforts, CMC remains dedicated to leading the way in innovation within the packaging industry, embracing sustainable solutions that align with global market needs. The CID23 presents an invaluable opportunity to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and collectively shape the future of sustainable packaging and logistics alongside our customers.

Based in Città di Castello (PG), CMC Spa is a private company engaged in the design, production, and sale of innovative solutions and high-tech machinery for mailing, graphic art, e-commerce, and logistics. Founded in 1980, the company has dedicated itself to developing strategies that could transform it into the leading provider of technologies, services, components, and professional technical training. CMC has always been attentive to promptly respond to the changing market demands with creative projects and tailor-made solutions. With the exponential growth of e-commerce reshaping the shipping industry, CMC now assists retailers and logistics companies in optimizing the order fulfillment process and using sustainable, robust, highly personalized, and secure packaging through its popular and award-winning 3D packaging technology, which perfectly adapts to the content of the package.

First Fleet of Autonomous Carriers on Roads

Posted on by David Priestman

Clevon, a global autonomous delivery innovator, and Lithuania’s leading grocery chain IKI are bringing Europe’s first fleet of Autonomous Robot Carriers (ARCs) onto public roads. Three driverless carriers will offer daily commercial delivery services in the busy Vilnius city centre area and be operated by the last-mile transportation platform LastMile.

Orders will be collected at the IKI store on Mindaugas Street and delivered for free directly to customers’ homes in the city centre area. ARCs deliver the goods and have lockable compartments of different sizes, suitable for smaller and larger online grocery orders. The fleet of robots can deliver seven customer orders in a single run in the capital’s New Town and Old Town districts.

Neither congestion nor rain will interfere

Last year, LastMile and Clevon carried out a pilot project in the Vilnius suburban district of Balsiai – this was the first deployment of driverless delivery robots in Lithuania. In three months, the robot travelled around 2,000 km and showed good performance.

“The trial paid off with an overall score of 4.8 out of 5, and shoppers were keen to try the innovation. Meanwhile, we have seen that we can deliver goods even more efficiently and flexibly, with less environmental impact, thanks to electric motors. After a successful test, we are taking the next step – for the first time in Europe, as many as three autonomous carriers will be part of the traffic in city centre streets. We believe that these robots will give us a significant advantage in the delivery sector, as customers will receive their goods quickly, even in the city centre, and even during peak hours. Speed is becoming one of the most important criteria for shoppers when choosing a home delivery method – even 95% of our customers buy goods with delivery within a few hours,” says Tadas Norušaitis, CEO and co-founder of LastMile.

The pilot project also proved that robots can drive autonomously in a wide range of conditions – in the rain, on unpaved roads, in the snow, and in puddles after rain.

According to Nijolė Kvietkauskaitė, CEO of IKI Lietuva, the e-commerce market in Lithuania is very vibrant, so it is crucial always to be one step ahead. “Today’s shopper expects an even more seamless shopping experience – and we are helping to meet this expectation with bold technological innovations such as autonomous stores and autonomous cars that deliver purchases quickly, safely and conveniently. We can promise our shoppers that we will continue to lead the way in Lithuania by introducing retail innovations that will create an even better consumer experience,” said N. Kvietkauskaitė.

Clevon’s CEO, Sander Sebastian Agur, highlighted that the partnership with Rewe Group through IKI and LastMile is a major commercial achievement for Clevon: “Our team keeps proving that autonomous deliveries are here to stay, and we’re expanding our operations from single vehicles to fleets in Europe, the US, and in the Middle East region. Clevon was the first in Europe to get permission to operate driverless carriers on public roads in 2020. Now, we’re making history again by being the first to deploy a fleet of ARCs for commercial deliveries on Europe’s public roads, right here in Lithuania. This is just the beginning!”

Safety is a top priority

Starting on 27 June, the autonomous carriers will spend two months delivering shopping in a larger and much busier area than in the pilot project, driving through the streets of the capital’s city centre. To ensure maximum safety, the autonomous carriers will travel at a maximum speed of 25 km/h. They will be able to navigate the streets safely thanks to 360-degree cameras and special sensors. The carriers will be tele-supervised by teleoperators who monitor the driving in real-time.

On Tuesday, a public demo was carried out at the robotics launch event, where the autonomous carriers navigated a specially designed obstacle course without mistakes. The autonomous delivery will be completely free of charge. After ordering, customers will receive a text message telling them when the robot will arrive and a code that will unlock its door.

The LastMile platform currently has more than 300 000 registered users in Lithuania. They can choose products from more than 40 partner stores, with a total assortment of more than 30,000 products. Together with the start-up LastMile, the retail chain IKI is part of the international Rewe Group, which operates in 21 European countries and has around 380,000 employees. IKI has been operating in Lithuania since 1992. With 237 stores across Lithuania, IKI is one of the largest retail chains. It is one of the country’s largest employers, employing around 5,500 people.

Clevon introduced the next-generation autonomous robot carrier, CLEVON 1, as the first autonomous robot carrier in Europe to offer driverless delivery services on public roads, starting with DPD (part of LaPoste) and most recently working with customers including DHL Express Estonia in Tallinn, and IKI stores in Vilnius, Lithuania delivering groceries. On-demand delivery industries like grocery retailers, food and beverage businesses, and logistics providers partner with Clevon for safe, reliable, and customizable delivery solutions that are environmentally focused — all backed by a proven track record of 15 years of experience in robotics and automation technologies. In 2022, Clevon was founded after spinning off from Cleveron, the innovation leader in robotic click-and-collect solutions.

First Fleet of Autonomous Carriers on Roads

Posted on by David Priestman

Clevon, a global autonomous delivery innovator, and Lithuania’s leading grocery chain IKI are bringing Europe’s first fleet of Autonomous Robot Carriers (ARCs) onto public roads. Three driverless carriers will offer daily commercial delivery services in the busy Vilnius city centre area and be operated by the last-mile transportation platform LastMile.

Orders will be collected at the IKI store on Mindaugas Street and delivered for free directly to customers’ homes in the city centre area. ARCs deliver the goods and have lockable compartments of different sizes, suitable for smaller and larger online grocery orders. The fleet of robots can deliver seven customer orders in a single run in the capital’s New Town and Old Town districts.

Neither congestion nor rain will interfere

Last year, LastMile and Clevon carried out a pilot project in the Vilnius suburban district of Balsiai – this was the first deployment of driverless delivery robots in Lithuania. In three months, the robot travelled around 2,000 km and showed good performance.

“The trial paid off with an overall score of 4.8 out of 5, and shoppers were keen to try the innovation. Meanwhile, we have seen that we can deliver goods even more efficiently and flexibly, with less environmental impact, thanks to electric motors. After a successful test, we are taking the next step – for the first time in Europe, as many as three autonomous carriers will be part of the traffic in city centre streets. We believe that these robots will give us a significant advantage in the delivery sector, as customers will receive their goods quickly, even in the city centre, and even during peak hours. Speed is becoming one of the most important criteria for shoppers when choosing a home delivery method – even 95% of our customers buy goods with delivery within a few hours,” says Tadas Norušaitis, CEO and co-founder of LastMile.

The pilot project also proved that robots can drive autonomously in a wide range of conditions – in the rain, on unpaved roads, in the snow, and in puddles after rain.

According to Nijolė Kvietkauskaitė, CEO of IKI Lietuva, the e-commerce market in Lithuania is very vibrant, so it is crucial always to be one step ahead. “Today’s shopper expects an even more seamless shopping experience – and we are helping to meet this expectation with bold technological innovations such as autonomous stores and autonomous cars that deliver purchases quickly, safely and conveniently. We can promise our shoppers that we will continue to lead the way in Lithuania by introducing retail innovations that will create an even better consumer experience,” said N. Kvietkauskaitė.

Clevon’s CEO, Sander Sebastian Agur, highlighted that the partnership with Rewe Group through IKI and LastMile is a major commercial achievement for Clevon: “Our team keeps proving that autonomous deliveries are here to stay, and we’re expanding our operations from single vehicles to fleets in Europe, the US, and in the Middle East region. Clevon was the first in Europe to get permission to operate driverless carriers on public roads in 2020. Now, we’re making history again by being the first to deploy a fleet of ARCs for commercial deliveries on Europe’s public roads, right here in Lithuania. This is just the beginning!”

Safety is a top priority

Starting on 27 June, the autonomous carriers will spend two months delivering shopping in a larger and much busier area than in the pilot project, driving through the streets of the capital’s city centre. To ensure maximum safety, the autonomous carriers will travel at a maximum speed of 25 km/h. They will be able to navigate the streets safely thanks to 360-degree cameras and special sensors. The carriers will be tele-supervised by teleoperators who monitor the driving in real-time.

On Tuesday, a public demo was carried out at the robotics launch event, where the autonomous carriers navigated a specially designed obstacle course without mistakes. The autonomous delivery will be completely free of charge. After ordering, customers will receive a text message telling them when the robot will arrive and a code that will unlock its door.

The LastMile platform currently has more than 300 000 registered users in Lithuania. They can choose products from more than 40 partner stores, with a total assortment of more than 30,000 products. Together with the start-up LastMile, the retail chain IKI is part of the international Rewe Group, which operates in 21 European countries and has around 380,000 employees. IKI has been operating in Lithuania since 1992. With 237 stores across Lithuania, IKI is one of the largest retail chains. It is one of the country’s largest employers, employing around 5,500 people.

Clevon introduced the next-generation autonomous robot carrier, CLEVON 1, as the first autonomous robot carrier in Europe to offer driverless delivery services on public roads, starting with DPD (part of LaPoste) and most recently working with customers including DHL Express Estonia in Tallinn, and IKI stores in Vilnius, Lithuania delivering groceries. On-demand delivery industries like grocery retailers, food and beverage businesses, and logistics providers partner with Clevon for safe, reliable, and customizable delivery solutions that are environmentally focused — all backed by a proven track record of 15 years of experience in robotics and automation technologies. In 2022, Clevon was founded after spinning off from Cleveron, the innovation leader in robotic click-and-collect solutions.

Smyths Toys Adopts right-size Auto-Packaging

Posted on by David Priestman

Leading toy retailer, Smyths Toys, has implemented Sparck Technologies’ advanced right-size auto-boxing packaging systems to boost throughput for its ecommerce business, installing three Sparck CVP machines at its distribution centre in Corby, Northamptonshire.

Sparck Technologies has provided Smyths Toys with three of its market-leading ‘fit-to-size’ CVP packaging systems – two CVP Impack machines, each capable of forming and sealing up to 500 tailor-made cardboard boxes per hour, along with its latest high-capacity model, the CVP Everest, which can create up to 1100 right-sized boxes every hour.

Smyths Toys has over 100 stores in the UK and a busy website offering an extensive range of toys for all ages, from baby and preschool products to outdoor items and gaming.

The introduction of Sparck Technologies’ CVP auto-boxing machines is part of a major investment into state-of-the-art warehouse automation at the toy retailer’s Corby fulfilment centre, aimed at increasing capacity and improving sustainability. The move will see over 70% of orders packed automatically by Sparck’s CVP machines,

Commenting on the decision to invest in high-speed fit-to-size packaging technology, Stephen Kearney, Warehouse Manager at Smyths Toys, says: “We believe in automation and have invested in advanced technologies where we can see it will bring significant results. We needed to increase throughput for our fast-growing online business and the most obvious means of achieving the performance required, particularly for peak, was to leverage the speed and efficiency of right-size packaging technology.

“Importantly, these packaging systems are highly flexible, capable of producing tailor-made packages at speed, whilst being able to cater for single or multi-item orders with differing product profiles,” he says. “We could also see how fit-to-size packaging would help us further improve our position on sustainability through optimising package size and removing the need for void fill. Sparck’s CVP technology offered us the flexible solution that we were looking for.”

To optimise throughput and minimise waste all three CVP machines supplied to Smyths Toys have dual induct stations and double corrugate feeders for 600 mm and 800 mm card. Advancing environmental performance, paper tape is used for sealing packages, aiding the recycling of cardboard. Installation of the three machines took place in October 2022 in readiness for peak season.

Jo Bradley, Business Development Manager for Sparck Technologies in the UK, says: “We are delighted to be working with one of Europe’s most respected toy retailers and we look forward to developing a close partnership with Smyths Toys, supporting its growth objectives for the future.”

With the capability to tailor-make up to 1,100 boxes per hour, for multiple or single item orders, the CVP Everest and CVP Impack packaging systems offer automated solutions for ecommerce operations challenged by increasing order volumes and growing demands for sustainable packaging solutions. With installations across Europe, the US and Canada, the CVP Automated Packaging Solutions effortlessly create, fill, fold and label each parcel in one seamless process – reducing package volumes by up to 50%, cutting cardboard usage by 30% and eliminating the need for void fill.

Sparck Technologies is a global leader in the design and fabrication of advanced, fit-to-size automated packaging systems for high-volume ecommerce applications – award-winning sustainable packaging solutions that eliminate excessive packaging. We aim to make every parcel our clients send out a brand ambassador for their business. Based in Drachten, The Netherlands, Sparck Technologies supplies some of the world’s largest retail and industrial brands, supporting their ecommerce channels in multiple geographies with market-leading engineering know-how that combines innovation, reliability and unbeatable performance.

Smyths Toys Adopts right-size Auto-Packaging

Posted on by David Priestman

Leading toy retailer, Smyths Toys, has implemented Sparck Technologies’ advanced right-size auto-boxing packaging systems to boost throughput for its ecommerce business, installing three Sparck CVP machines at its distribution centre in Corby, Northamptonshire.

Sparck Technologies has provided Smyths Toys with three of its market-leading ‘fit-to-size’ CVP packaging systems – two CVP Impack machines, each capable of forming and sealing up to 500 tailor-made cardboard boxes per hour, along with its latest high-capacity model, the CVP Everest, which can create up to 1100 right-sized boxes every hour.

Smyths Toys has over 100 stores in the UK and a busy website offering an extensive range of toys for all ages, from baby and preschool products to outdoor items and gaming.

The introduction of Sparck Technologies’ CVP auto-boxing machines is part of a major investment into state-of-the-art warehouse automation at the toy retailer’s Corby fulfilment centre, aimed at increasing capacity and improving sustainability. The move will see over 70% of orders packed automatically by Sparck’s CVP machines,

Commenting on the decision to invest in high-speed fit-to-size packaging technology, Stephen Kearney, Warehouse Manager at Smyths Toys, says: “We believe in automation and have invested in advanced technologies where we can see it will bring significant results. We needed to increase throughput for our fast-growing online business and the most obvious means of achieving the performance required, particularly for peak, was to leverage the speed and efficiency of right-size packaging technology.

“Importantly, these packaging systems are highly flexible, capable of producing tailor-made packages at speed, whilst being able to cater for single or multi-item orders with differing product profiles,” he says. “We could also see how fit-to-size packaging would help us further improve our position on sustainability through optimising package size and removing the need for void fill. Sparck’s CVP technology offered us the flexible solution that we were looking for.”

To optimise throughput and minimise waste all three CVP machines supplied to Smyths Toys have dual induct stations and double corrugate feeders for 600 mm and 800 mm card. Advancing environmental performance, paper tape is used for sealing packages, aiding the recycling of cardboard. Installation of the three machines took place in October 2022 in readiness for peak season.

Jo Bradley, Business Development Manager for Sparck Technologies in the UK, says: “We are delighted to be working with one of Europe’s most respected toy retailers and we look forward to developing a close partnership with Smyths Toys, supporting its growth objectives for the future.”

With the capability to tailor-make up to 1,100 boxes per hour, for multiple or single item orders, the CVP Everest and CVP Impack packaging systems offer automated solutions for ecommerce operations challenged by increasing order volumes and growing demands for sustainable packaging solutions. With installations across Europe, the US and Canada, the CVP Automated Packaging Solutions effortlessly create, fill, fold and label each parcel in one seamless process – reducing package volumes by up to 50%, cutting cardboard usage by 30% and eliminating the need for void fill.

Sparck Technologies is a global leader in the design and fabrication of advanced, fit-to-size automated packaging systems for high-volume ecommerce applications – award-winning sustainable packaging solutions that eliminate excessive packaging. We aim to make every parcel our clients send out a brand ambassador for their business. Based in Drachten, The Netherlands, Sparck Technologies supplies some of the world’s largest retail and industrial brands, supporting their ecommerce channels in multiple geographies with market-leading engineering know-how that combines innovation, reliability and unbeatable performance.

November Deadline Awaits UK Exporters

Posted on by David Priestman

CNS, a digital trade solution company, is calling on freight forwarders and customs managers to use the summer months to prepare for the imminent transition in the UK Government’s customs declaration process.

There were huge challenges in October last year following the UK Government’s deadline for traders to move from its legacy CHIEF system to its new Customs Declaration Service (CDS) for submitting import declarations. Now, CNS, a DP World company which develops digital solutions for the port and logistics sector, is urging traders to prepare themselves for 30 November 2023, when the same switch occurs for export declarations.

The challenges encountered last year have left many traders nervous about the new system, which requires additional data fields to complete an export declaration. However, CNS is advising traders to prepare themselves in advance of the deadline by testing the requirements on its specially designed CDS-compatible system.

Matthew Bradley, Managing Director at CNS emphasized the importance of adequate preparation, stating: “There are some issues like outages on the system that are impossible to prepare for, but there are a lot of issues traders are now aware of and various learnings from last year, which mean there are known steps that can and should be taken. Last year showed us that organisations that trained their staff and prepared through test environments before the deadline were far less impacted by the change in system. The broader industry should learn from this and start testing and preparing now. The repercussions of being unable to submit valid and compliant declarations include cargo delays, increased costs and frustration for customers and staff. However, affordable and user-friendly tools and solutions are readily available to help mitigate disruption. We would urge any traders dealing with export declarations to do their homework and be as prepared as they possibly can be.”

To assist traders in managing the transition and ongoing declaration submissions on the government’s CDS system, CNS developed its Customs Declarations Management System (CDMS) cloud-based solution. The solution streamlines the process of filing CDS-compliant export declarations, providing users with a secure and intuitive interface. The system is purpose-built for CDS and incorporates features to expedite data input, improve compliance, and guides users directly to the HMRC website to identify what data needs to be provided, saving input time and improving compliance.

Extensive system testing, both internally and externally, has been conducted since early 2022. In fact, the CNS product team recently celebrated 100,000 declarations through the system, demonstrating its scalability and reliability, and proving its positive impact on customer experience. Reducing the time spent on trial and error and resubmission is another critical factor. CDMS has been designed to only require the data that is needed for a specific declaration type and includes market-leading features to explain error codes in natural language.

For those users integrating their own systems with CDMS via the CDMS Application Programming Interface (API), CNS offers an instant update facility to validate commodity codes, ensuring accurate tax and duty rates, along with error diagnosis and other features.

“The feedback from customers is that our CDMS solution made their life a lot easier last October and they believe that we ultimately saved them time and money. We understand increased costs and slimming margins are always a key factor and we can’t protect against all eventualities. But the reassurance of knowing you are as prepared as you can be, may put end customers at ease and may even help you sleep better at night – which is something we think is pretty important in our extremely stressful industry,” Bradley concluded.

November Deadline Awaits UK Exporters

Posted on by David Priestman

CNS, a digital trade solution company, is calling on freight forwarders and customs managers to use the summer months to prepare for the imminent transition in the UK Government’s customs declaration process.

There were huge challenges in October last year following the UK Government’s deadline for traders to move from its legacy CHIEF system to its new Customs Declaration Service (CDS) for submitting import declarations. Now, CNS, a DP World company which develops digital solutions for the port and logistics sector, is urging traders to prepare themselves for 30 November 2023, when the same switch occurs for export declarations.

The challenges encountered last year have left many traders nervous about the new system, which requires additional data fields to complete an export declaration. However, CNS is advising traders to prepare themselves in advance of the deadline by testing the requirements on its specially designed CDS-compatible system.

Matthew Bradley, Managing Director at CNS emphasized the importance of adequate preparation, stating: “There are some issues like outages on the system that are impossible to prepare for, but there are a lot of issues traders are now aware of and various learnings from last year, which mean there are known steps that can and should be taken. Last year showed us that organisations that trained their staff and prepared through test environments before the deadline were far less impacted by the change in system. The broader industry should learn from this and start testing and preparing now. The repercussions of being unable to submit valid and compliant declarations include cargo delays, increased costs and frustration for customers and staff. However, affordable and user-friendly tools and solutions are readily available to help mitigate disruption. We would urge any traders dealing with export declarations to do their homework and be as prepared as they possibly can be.”

To assist traders in managing the transition and ongoing declaration submissions on the government’s CDS system, CNS developed its Customs Declarations Management System (CDMS) cloud-based solution. The solution streamlines the process of filing CDS-compliant export declarations, providing users with a secure and intuitive interface. The system is purpose-built for CDS and incorporates features to expedite data input, improve compliance, and guides users directly to the HMRC website to identify what data needs to be provided, saving input time and improving compliance.

Extensive system testing, both internally and externally, has been conducted since early 2022. In fact, the CNS product team recently celebrated 100,000 declarations through the system, demonstrating its scalability and reliability, and proving its positive impact on customer experience. Reducing the time spent on trial and error and resubmission is another critical factor. CDMS has been designed to only require the data that is needed for a specific declaration type and includes market-leading features to explain error codes in natural language.

For those users integrating their own systems with CDMS via the CDMS Application Programming Interface (API), CNS offers an instant update facility to validate commodity codes, ensuring accurate tax and duty rates, along with error diagnosis and other features.

“The feedback from customers is that our CDMS solution made their life a lot easier last October and they believe that we ultimately saved them time and money. We understand increased costs and slimming margins are always a key factor and we can’t protect against all eventualities. But the reassurance of knowing you are as prepared as you can be, may put end customers at ease and may even help you sleep better at night – which is something we think is pretty important in our extremely stressful industry,” Bradley concluded.

Nuremberg LogisticCity: Recycled Paper, not Plastic

Posted on by David Priestman

The LogisticCity in Nuremberg is the logistics centre of the Hoffmann Group, which was put into operation at the end of 2021. As a market-leading partner for quality tools, the company supplies over 135,000 customers worldwide. The increased output of the highly automated LogisticCity led to the evaluation in use of protective void fill cushioning materials. To meet the new requirements of the packaging process, Papier Sprick supplied the PaperJet cushioning system, a demand-oriented and efficient solution.

120,000 different catalogue items, 80 packing stations and up to 40,000 packages per day ‒ the LogisticCity presents complex demands on a packaging solution. Before the LogisticCity was built,
Hoffmann Group used foil cushions as padding material. Junior Project and Process Manager Jonas Karg remembers: “The topic of filling or cushioning material was a puzzle that had to be reassembled. From employees to upper management, everyone was involved in the project.”

Several impulses shifted the decision in the direction of recycled paper: The innovative idea behind the LogisticCity was to be carried forward in the area of sustainability. “The desire for a more eco-friendly packaging material was also expressed by customers,” says Karg. In addition, regulatory requirements for importing plastic foil to other countries influenced the decision-making process. At FACHPACK in September 2019, before the finalization of the LogisticCity, Hoffmann Group and Papier Sprick engaged in dialog for the first time.

The very next month, the first test setups were carried out at the established Nuremberg site, which were expanded into the building of LogisticCity in April 2020. Paper- and foil-based solutions from various manufacturers were put to the test in practice and evaluated by employees based on feedback sheets, among other criteria. Papier Sprick submitted the PaperJet, an extremely fast system for the production of paper cushions.

The test clearly highlighted the advantages of the PaperJet over the film solution and other paper-based materials. “Initial scepticism about the paper solution was quickly dispelled. The employees favoured the PaperJet and preferred to work at these stations,” says Michael Scholz, Team Leader Logistics Small Packaging.

Jörg Kaschny, Field Sales Manager of Papier Sprick’s, was on hand to advise from the start of the test phase. “This reliable service was very valuable for us,” says Karg. “With Mr. Kaschny, we have a single point of contact who takes care of all matters.” The test setups were accompanied by training sessions for packaging. Here, Kaschny informed the employees about cushioning and packing options, carton sizes and the workflow. Scholz emphasizes, “This gave our employees an understanding of the material and cushioning with paper.”

By integrating the PaperJet, the work process was comprehensively optimized. Today, a total of 80 machines are placed in the small and large packaging departments. In the small packaging
department, the PaperJet produces cushions in a dispenser at the packing table, while in the large packaging department, the employees remove the cushion directly from the machine. The central preproduction of foil cushions and subsequent distribution to the packing stations has thus been replaced.

“Packing is now much more versatile than before,” says Scholz. The freely selectable cushion lengths allow for precise void fill. “The short set-up time is a crucial point which makes the PaperJet so attractive. We currently change the material pallet per workstation about every 3 to 4 weeks. This means a considerable timesaving compared to the previous 1 to 2 roll changes of foil material per day,” says Karg. This is achieved thanks to the ComPackt endless pallet in space-saving fanfold format, which offers 7,600 meters of recycled paper in a small footprint. “For an ergonomic workplace, our in-house perforated plate was integrated into the container solutions on request, so that all necessary materials are placed directly and ergonomically within reach at the packing station,” adds Karg.

The Hoffmann Group does not only pursue the goal of sustainability in the selection of the cushioning material. “Every year, we generate 600 tons of paper waste, the majority of which comes from incoming goods,” explains Karg. Previously, the waste was collected in several presses, which were then picked up separately for disposal. Now the waste paper is pressed in the company’s own bailing compactor.

These bales can be used by Papier Sprick to produce more paper for the PaperJets used in the LogisticCity. This is done at the Papier Sprick paper mill in Diemelstadt and provided through the
regular material deliveries. The result of the cooperation between the Hoffmann Group and Papier Sprick is thus not only a modern, efficient packaging solution, but also a sustainable recycling
management.

Nuremberg LogisticCity: Recycled Paper, not Plastic

Posted on by David Priestman

The LogisticCity in Nuremberg is the logistics centre of the Hoffmann Group, which was put into operation at the end of 2021. As a market-leading partner for quality tools, the company supplies over 135,000 customers worldwide. The increased output of the highly automated LogisticCity led to the evaluation in use of protective void fill cushioning materials. To meet the new requirements of the packaging process, Papier Sprick supplied the PaperJet cushioning system, a demand-oriented and efficient solution.

120,000 different catalogue items, 80 packing stations and up to 40,000 packages per day ‒ the LogisticCity presents complex demands on a packaging solution. Before the LogisticCity was built,
Hoffmann Group used foil cushions as padding material. Junior Project and Process Manager Jonas Karg remembers: “The topic of filling or cushioning material was a puzzle that had to be reassembled. From employees to upper management, everyone was involved in the project.”

Several impulses shifted the decision in the direction of recycled paper: The innovative idea behind the LogisticCity was to be carried forward in the area of sustainability. “The desire for a more eco-friendly packaging material was also expressed by customers,” says Karg. In addition, regulatory requirements for importing plastic foil to other countries influenced the decision-making process. At FACHPACK in September 2019, before the finalization of the LogisticCity, Hoffmann Group and Papier Sprick engaged in dialog for the first time.

The very next month, the first test setups were carried out at the established Nuremberg site, which were expanded into the building of LogisticCity in April 2020. Paper- and foil-based solutions from various manufacturers were put to the test in practice and evaluated by employees based on feedback sheets, among other criteria. Papier Sprick submitted the PaperJet, an extremely fast system for the production of paper cushions.

The test clearly highlighted the advantages of the PaperJet over the film solution and other paper-based materials. “Initial scepticism about the paper solution was quickly dispelled. The employees favoured the PaperJet and preferred to work at these stations,” says Michael Scholz, Team Leader Logistics Small Packaging.

Jörg Kaschny, Field Sales Manager of Papier Sprick’s, was on hand to advise from the start of the test phase. “This reliable service was very valuable for us,” says Karg. “With Mr. Kaschny, we have a single point of contact who takes care of all matters.” The test setups were accompanied by training sessions for packaging. Here, Kaschny informed the employees about cushioning and packing options, carton sizes and the workflow. Scholz emphasizes, “This gave our employees an understanding of the material and cushioning with paper.”

By integrating the PaperJet, the work process was comprehensively optimized. Today, a total of 80 machines are placed in the small and large packaging departments. In the small packaging
department, the PaperJet produces cushions in a dispenser at the packing table, while in the large packaging department, the employees remove the cushion directly from the machine. The central preproduction of foil cushions and subsequent distribution to the packing stations has thus been replaced.

“Packing is now much more versatile than before,” says Scholz. The freely selectable cushion lengths allow for precise void fill. “The short set-up time is a crucial point which makes the PaperJet so attractive. We currently change the material pallet per workstation about every 3 to 4 weeks. This means a considerable timesaving compared to the previous 1 to 2 roll changes of foil material per day,” says Karg. This is achieved thanks to the ComPackt endless pallet in space-saving fanfold format, which offers 7,600 meters of recycled paper in a small footprint. “For an ergonomic workplace, our in-house perforated plate was integrated into the container solutions on request, so that all necessary materials are placed directly and ergonomically within reach at the packing station,” adds Karg.

The Hoffmann Group does not only pursue the goal of sustainability in the selection of the cushioning material. “Every year, we generate 600 tons of paper waste, the majority of which comes from incoming goods,” explains Karg. Previously, the waste was collected in several presses, which were then picked up separately for disposal. Now the waste paper is pressed in the company’s own bailing compactor.

These bales can be used by Papier Sprick to produce more paper for the PaperJets used in the LogisticCity. This is done at the Papier Sprick paper mill in Diemelstadt and provided through the
regular material deliveries. The result of the cooperation between the Hoffmann Group and Papier Sprick is thus not only a modern, efficient packaging solution, but also a sustainable recycling
management.

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