Advancing Right-Sized Packaging Automation

Advanced, sustainable and integrated packaging for modern intralogistics will be on display at CMC Packaging Automation’s stands at LogiMAT 2026, and at MODEX Atlanta. The events will mark another important milestone as the company anticipates the unveiling of the new CMC Super Vertical Box (CMC SV-Box) and an innovative showcase for a fully integrated Pick2Pack process.

The new CMC SV-Box represents a significant evolution in automated packaging. Designed specifically for e-commerce and omnichannel fulfillment, the CMC SV-Box is the first and only fully automated, box-last, right-sized vertical packer. Unlike traditional box-first systems that rely on predefined carton sizes and WMS data to estimate box dimensions, the CMC SV-Box builds each box only after the actual products are measured in real time.

Using high-resolution cameras and advanced cubic-read technology, the system captures the true dimensions of each order directly from the physical items.

With an output of up to 500 perfectly right-sized boxes per hour and an ultra-compact footprint of just 10 m²/ 110 sq. ft. – compared to the more than 100 m²/ 1000 sq. ft. typically required by conventional right-sized packaging machines – the CMC SV-Box redefines compact automation, fitting seamlessly into brownfield environments and space-constrained facilities.

Conceived as an entry-level automation solution for SMEs yet fully scalable for complex intralogistics systems, it embodies CMC’s commitment to performance, flexibility, and customer-centric packaging while delivering a typical ROI of under two years. Through a cut-to-size process from an innovative single-wall corrugated reel, the solution reduces corrugated consumption and packaging waste by up to ~60% improving transport efficiency and supporting compliance with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and other emerging global sustainability standards.

At LogiMAT in March and MODEX in April, the company will also showcase a fully integrated Pick2Pack process, demonstrating how e-fulfilment centres can achieve higher efficiency, accuracy, and scalability through end-to-end automation. Pick2Pack has become a critical capability for modern e-commerce and omni-channel fulfilment operations, enabling orders to move seamlessly from storage to right-sized packaging with minimal or zero manual handling. By eliminating intermediate handling steps, Pick2Pack processes reduce labour dependency, increase throughput, improve order accuracy, and support faster order cycle times, key requirements in today’s high-volume, high-variability fulfilment environments.

This approach also aligns with the growing industry trend toward dark factories, where highly automated systems operate with minimal human intervention. Dark warehouses not only address labour availability challenges but also enable 24/7 operations, consistent performance, and improved workplace safety.
The core of CMC’s Pick2Pack showcase is the CMC Genesys with Vary-Tote solution. This technology enables seamless integration with any AS/RS, supporting true one-touch and zero-touch processes from picking to right-sized packaging. Orders can be automatically inducted, consolidated, and packed with minimal/zero manual input, ensuring optimal box sizing, no void fill and lower shipping costs.

Tania Torcolacci, Head of Global Strategic Partnerships commented: “This unique showcase will be supported by leading industry technology partners. True automation is no longer about individual technologies performing well in isolation, it’s about how seamlessly they work together to create a continuous pick-to-pack flow”.

Francesco Ponti, CEO at CMC Packaging Automation says: “Through its presence at these events, CMC Packaging Solutions reinforces its role as a technology partner for companies seeking to transform packaging from a manual cost center into a strategic, automated, and sustainable component of their logistics operations.”

Sorting Transfer Robots at LogiMAT

Daifuku has confirmed that LogiMAT 2026 will be the first European outing of its new Sorting Transfer Robot series, the SOTR-S, SOTR-L and SOTR-M. While the SOTR-M system will be in full demo mode at the Stuttgart event, its sister solutions, the SOTR-S and SOTR-L will also be on stand (1J67, Hall 1). While the SOTR-M manages totes and the SOTR-L handles pallets, the SOTR-S handles piece items, bringing total flexibility to a warehouse.

Designed, manufactured, and tested in Japan, the new trio of Sorting Transfer Robots are now being introduced across the UK and Europe. Setting new standards in productivity, scalability and automation simplicity, the latest robot system from Daifuku is aimed primarily at businesses in the e-commerce, retail and parcel sector facing complex sortation challenges.

The SOTR-S is of particular interest to the European and UK automation markets, given its remarkable speed and flexibility. Travelling at up to 180m per minute – it is capable of handling 10,000 lines per hour, driving new levels of capacity and productivity. The system’s two-tier structure also ensures smooth traffic flow and unfettered efficiency. Thanks to its narrow aisle structure (enabled by tilting trays), the SOTR-S is under half the footprint of more conventional sorting systems. Compared to conventional sorting systems, the SOTR-S is rapid to install and simple to expand as required with the addition of vehicles or chutes.

Commenting on the new SOTR-S, Russell Hutchinson, manager of business development at Daifuku’s Europe branch, said:

“In the face of rising order volumes and the increasing complexity of product types, traditional sorting methods often struggle with accuracy and efficiency. Manual processes lead to higher costs and slower throughput, creating significant warehousing and distribution challenges for businesses. Our new SOTR-S offers a solution designed to overcome these hurdles.”

Daifuku’s advanced technology ensures precise sorting of diverse items, enhances operational efficiency and adapts effortlessly to growing demands. By automating and optimising business’ sorting operations, the SOTR-S reduces labour costs and boosts productivity, delivering a rapid return on investment.

From Chaos to Clarity in Parcel Logistics

Parcels and parcel bags that pile up at transition points on belt conveyors are not inevitable. From March 24 to 26th, Flexco Europe, a specialist in mechanical conveyor belt connection systems, will be presenting its segmented transition plates and belt edge protection at LogiMAT. Other exhibits include transfer plates for roller conveyors. Flexco Europe will be demonstrating how the individual solutions are used and complement each other to achieve maximum effectiveness in Hall 1, Booth A25, using a demonstration model.

With a low coefficient of friction, the company provides reliable transfer points where items can easily slide from belt to belt or to the transfer hopper to transport packages and cartons safely. Conveyed material frequently accumulates at transfer points and falls to the ground, especially at airports. This can damage the contents of packages. With segmented transfer plates the material can glide smoothly from belt to belt. Flexco Europe offers two transfer plate variants, suitable for belts with widths of up to 1,524 millimeters and gaps of 100–250 or 75–150 millimeters. The bright yellow colour of the segments helps maintenance personnel monitor them and replace them quickly if necessary.

Roller conveyor transfer plates (RCTPs), which can be installed in belt-driven, shaft-driven, chain-driven and motorized roller conveyors, ensure that envelopes, polybags, and small parcels do not get lost between the rollers – a common problem in conveyor systems. The RCTP covers the gap between two rollers. With this solution, conveyors are not only more productive, but also safer. Employees no longer have to reach between the rollers to pull out products, reducing the risk of injury. The transfer plates are suitable for large quantities of packaged products that can differ greatly, ranging from soft and flexible to dense and compact.

Open edges along conveyor lines also allow conveyed goods to fall and slide under the conveyor belt. Product loss and damage to goods, belts, and, in the worst case, the system itself, can result in unplanned and costly downtime. To prevent this from happening, Flexco has developed the Belt Edge Protector (BEP). Made from recycled and wear-resistant UHMW, it covers the conveyor belt edge and prevents packages from getting stuck underneath. The simple and quick installation in individually adjustable lengths makes the BEP even more indispensable.

These three components in combination (STP, RCTP, and BEP) offer the solution for any logistics system to make maintenance work and downtime plannable, keep maintenance costs low, and maintain high safety standards.

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