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Logistics Business Magazine, September 2025

Posted on by Will Priestman

The September 2025 issue of Logistics Business magazine is packed with insights into the technologies, strategies and solutions reshaping global supply chains. A strong focus is placed on artificial intelligence and automation, with Samsara showcasing its latest driver safety and fleet optimisation tech from the Beyond event in San Diego. Further AI coverage includes interviews with Coupa’s international head and Transporeon, both exploring how data-driven platforms are transforming spend management and freight visibility.

Supply chain strategy takes centre stage in an exclusive interview with Siemens’ Alexander Tschentscher, who advocates a shift from reactive resilience to strategic robustness. Meanwhile, Ewals Cargo Care shares how its “warehouse on wheels” model and modal shift approach are reducing emissions while expanding operations across Europe. Port innovation is also in the spotlight as PEMA President Achim Dries outlines how ports and terminals are digitising, automating, and gradually weaning off diesel in favour of electrification and smart power management.

Inside the warehouse, automation continues to surge. Hyster discusses its big-truck innovations at TOC Europe, and a new automated distribution centre in Coventry demonstrates what’s possible in modern DC design. Case studies from CLAAS, Axfood, and others show how internal logistics and fulfilment strategies are evolving to meet increasingly complex demands.

Sustainability is another dominant theme throughout this edition. The magazine looks at how plastic pallets, automated packaging and green fuels—such as HVO used by DHL’s Formula 1 fleet—are cutting carbon without compromising performance. E-commerce brands like Bathroom Mountain and major supply chain software providers such as Soloplan and IFS also feature prominently, revealing how automation, AI and smart planning tools are supporting faster, leaner, and more resilient operations.

From warehouse doors to multimodal transport, and from predictive software to people-centric AI, this issue offers a comprehensive and engaging snapshot of the forces shaping logistics in 2025.

Reduce eCommerce Packaging

Posted on by David Priestman

Danish homeware chain Søstrene Grene has deployed automated packaging equipment from CMC to help optimise its eCommerce operations. Søstrene Grene is a retailer with more than 50 years of history, yet is relatively new to eCommerce, having only started offering online shopping to customers four years ago. With a retail presence in 16 countries and an online offering to 11, the firm offers a wide range of competitively priced homeware and accessories, crafts, kitchenware, gardening equipment and other goods.

A particular challenge when fulfilling eCommerce orders is the size and shape of the typical basket, and the variation of products therein, which could range from a small set of pens up to a full-sized chair, for example. The time it was taking to pack an order in its current DC in Denmark – soon to be joined by a new facility in the Netherlands – led to Søstrene Grene’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, Claus Tjærby, to lead a project to both reduce this time as well as reduce the amount of packaging used.

“Picking the order was not that challenging, but packing the order was very time consuming for us,” he says, “so the combination of time consuming orders, a lot of fragile items, and then the fact that our business was just growing massively meant we had a huge labour pool when working in peak seasons.”

Multiple Benefits

Through its Danish distributor Antalis Packaging, Italian sustainable packaging equipment manufacturer CMC Packaging Automation helped meet that challenge, bringing multiple benefits including a reduction in Søstrene Grene’s carbon footprint by supplying its CartonWrap technology to the Danish company. The automation in the DC means goods dispatched by Søstrene Grene to its online customers are now packed more efficiently and effectively. “Now it’s not one of 200 individuals who decide how they want to pack, it’s automated,” continues Tjærby, “and we use less packing material. Also, the size of the shipping box itself is much tighter now, so basically we can put more boxes on one pallet, which reduces transportation costs and, more importantly, reduces CO2 emissions from the transportation side of our business.”

The CMC solution means Søstrene Grene is able to pack its goods more densely, reducing the amount of air inside the individual parcels and packages. “With this system from CMC, we not only use less packing material, but we have also been able to shift from plastic packing – bubble plastic to protect the products – to paper-based packaging. So, all in all, a lot of individual contributions to an overall lower emission.”

Today’s younger consumers are increasingly seeking out sustainable retailers, and the packaging in which their items arrive is subject to considerable scrutiny, especially on social media where the worst offenders are routinely named and shamed on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. But when it comes to who will bear the cost of greater sustainability in retail, the answer is not often the end consumer. No, as businesses vie to attract buyers with competitively priced goods, it’s sometimes not feasible to pass on any additional costs to the customer. Furthermore, margins are tight in retail – tighter today than they’ve ever been – so any sustainability initiative cannot come at a high cost to the retailer.

Sustainable Solution

In light of this, Søstrene Grene has managed to offer a sustainable solution whilst reducing its overall packaging costs. “As a business, [moving to sustainable packaging] is something we want to do,” says Tjærby. “And then you also have the requirements from the authorities, legislation, which is becoming more and more strict. With different kinds of taxes applying to the amount of packaging material, there is an obvious cost saving factor in reducing paying material.“

The addition of a faster packaging solution from CMC that right-sizes outbound goods also greatly smooths flow through the warehouse. “It has helped the flow because we can pre-pack a lot of our more fragile items, such as glasses. When you ship them, they have to be wrapped first. With the CMC machines, we can now pre-pack it and then, once we get the order, we have a much more consistent flow, which is much easier for us to handle. And when you don’t have such a vast number of people on the floor – people running around all the time, with a lot of boxes, with a lot of paper – you can design a cleaner flow way. It’s much more easy to control and to oversee the operation.”

Although this was CMC’s first Scandinavian project, Tjærby couldn’t be more complimentary about the service offered: “We had very good cooperation with CMC. We are happy with the support and with the cooperation from their side. We feel that they were quite eager to make this a success, because we were a platform for their market entry, so from their side we had their attention. Their Scandinavian distributor for the products, Antalis, is now giving us the support, which is also what we need. So, in terms of cooperation with CMC and their distributors we are happy.“

With both the hardware and the packaging materials coming from a single supplier, compatibility is assured, says Tjærby: “It is an advantage to have one point of contact; with one supplier for the machine and another supplier for the consumables if something is not functioning well they can point the finger of blame at each other. It is not a possibility here, because they are the same company, and have the full responsibility to make it a smooth flow. That’s definitely an advantage, no argument about that.”

Whilst investing in a full automated packaging machine has reduced the need for Søstrene Grene to recruit so many temporary workers during its mid-October to early-January peak, there are still some aspects of its picking and packing process that still need to be automated. “That will be something we will dive into this year,“ concludes Tjærby. “We hope to be able to also optimise the last manual parts of our operation.”

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CMC Machinery rebrands to CMC Packaging Automation

 

 

eCommerce Fulfilment with Space-Saving Packaging Automation

Posted on by David Priestman

As eCommerce continues its rapid expansion, businesses face mounting challenges: space constraints, labour shortage, increasing shipping costs, and the urgent need for sustainable packaging solutions.

CMC, a global supplier of sustainable, advanced packaging solutions, is set to transform fulfilment operations with the launch of two game-changing innovations at LogiMAT in Stuttgart, Germany, March 11-13, 2025 and ProMat 2025 in Chicago, March 17-20, 2025: CMC Super Vertical and CMC Genesys PRIMA.

CMC Super Vertical: The first 3D Vertical Bagger and Auto-packer for single and multi-item orders, featuring an ultra-compact footprint, one-day installation and plug-and-play integration and relocation —ideal for brownfield sites.

With less than a 10 square metres/107 square feet footprint, CMC Super Vertical is a breakthrough in right-sized packaging automation, designed to optimize fulfilment even in smaller facilities. It is the first-ever 3D Vertical Bagger and Auto-packer on the market, providing a plug and play and scalable solution that integrates seamlessly into brownfield environments. It is an ideal choice for businesses seeking to upgrade existing facilities with automation while minimizing disruption, also serving as an entry-level solution to help companies transition from manual packaging to 3D automation.

Key Features of the CMC Super Vertical:
• Packaging Capabilities – Two versions available to produce either 3D paper mailers or right-sized boxes, offering versatility for diverse products shipping needs.
• Higher speed per Square Metre/Feet – Runs up to 500 packages per hour, handling both single and multi-line orders seamlessly.
• Pre-Consolidation Eliminated – Handles unstable multi-line orders without requiring pre-consolidation.
• Versatile Paper Options for 3D Mailer Version–Supports heat sealable functional barrier paper, kraft paper, padded paper and open flute cardboard for enhanced protection.
• Plug-and-Play Installation – Allows for easy setup next to put walls, lower shipping and installation costs, seamless integration into existing fulfilment workflows and easy relocation.

New Era for Box-First Packaging

CMC Genesys PRIMA, a high-throughput, space-efficient machine that brings box-first automation to the forefront leveraging integration with warehouse automation technologies. Following the recent launch of the CMC Genesys Compact for box-last processing, this latest innovation is the first right-sized packaging machine of its kind to support BOTH box-first and box-last processes — a significant advancement in operational efficiency.

CMC Genesys PRIMA features a compact footprint of less than 20 square metres/215 square feet, ensuring easy installation and seamless relocation for future expansion.

With CMC Genesys PRIMA, CMC not only pioneers a breakthrough technology but also redefines packaging with CMC PRIMA-BOX — a patented, innovative box concept designed to set a new standard in automated packaging.

• A unique box design eliminating any void filling material
• Unnecessary corrugated is not discarded but used to create built-in protective corners, providing additional stability and safeguarding for products.
• The box is presented to the picking station with one open side, allowing operators to easily place products inside without obstruction from the flaps. This feature is especially useful for handling taller boxes or preventing using trays
• New design does not require extra equipment to place a lid or seal the box
• Optional automatic box closing
• Tape-free design, reducing material waste
• Easy opening and resealing option
• Opens from the top like a presentation box — enhancing customer experience

As fulfilment centres increasingly seek to optimize existing spaces rather than expand, CMC Super Vertical and CMC Genesys PRIMA delivers a future-proof automation solution designed for sustainability, operational efficiency, and maximum ROI.

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CMC Genesys Enables Multi-Line Fulfilment Without Pre-Consolidation

 

Packaging Automation Tech Centre

Posted on by David Priestman

CMC Packaging Automation North America, a subsidiary of CMC Packaging Automation SpA, a leading supplier of fully automated right-sized packaging solutions and a proud partner of KKR’s Global Impact team, backed by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, proudly announces the grand opening of its innovative, 30,000 sq. ft. Tech Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The inaugural event was held on March 12th, 2024, marking a significant milestone in CMC’s commitment to revolutionizing the packaging and automation industry in the US market.

Since its inception in 2013 with the launch of the first CMC CartonWrap machine, CMC North America has solidified its position as a leader in automated packaging solutions. With over 140+ machines installed nationwide and a dedicated team of 200 field engineers, CMC Packaging Automation North America serves a wide range of clients, including major retailers, e-commerce giants, 3PLs, and logistics companies. Through their innovative systems, the company has consistently assisted clients in enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing sustainability.

The new Tech Center in Atlanta is set to become a hub for experimentation, innovation, and collaborative discussions, not only for esteemed clients but also for technology partners. In an ever-evolving logistics landscape, CMC Packaging Automation is committed to staying ahead of the curve by developing innovative solutions and exploring materials that can further minimize environmental impacts.

“Our focus on the U.S. market is unwavering, and the Tech Center underscores our dedication to providing unparalleled support to our clients,” remarked Francesco Ponti, CEO of CMC. “By offering a platform for open dialogue and hands-on experience, we aim to empower our clients to overcome challenges and drive progress in their automation initiatives.”

During the Grand Opening event, guests were privy to exclusive demonstrations of the latest innovations, including the CMC CartonWrap Duo, a machine that leverages SKU dimensions and thicknesses to automatically package items in right-sized boxes or corrugated envelopes on demand, at a speed of 900 packages per hour. They were also given the opportunity to witness the enhanced CMC Paper-PRO, which automatically creates a ready-to-ship, right-sized paper bag with continuous induction at a speed of 3600 orders per hour. Both systems highlighted the cutting-edge technology and precision engineering that defines CMC’s solutions.

Additionally, attendees got a sneak peek at the CMC Genesys Combo demonstrated at MODEX with integrated Nexus. This constructive collaboration of technology is poised to set new benchmarks in packaging automation. The Genesys Combo seamlessly manages both single and multi-line orders without pre-consolidation within the same machine. When integrated with CMC Nexus, Genesys stands as the only fully automated right-sized packaging solution encompassing the pick, pack, and sorting processes.

Demo centre

Luigi Russo, CMC Packaging Automation General Manager emphasized, “The Tech Center in Atlanta mirrors our headquarters in Italy, ensuring that we can swiftly respond to our clients’ needs and provide tailored solutions to address their evolving requirements.”

The Tech Center will remain open throughout the year, offering demo sessions and comprehensive support to clients seeking to optimize their packaging processes. CMC invites all stakeholders to leverage this platform for collaboration, inspiration, and to drive positive change in the packaging industry.

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CMC Machinery rebrands to CMC Packaging Automation

 

Redefine Packaging Efficiency and Compact Footprint

Posted on by David Priestman

CMC Packaging Automation, a leading supplier of fully automated right-sized packaging solutions is thrilled to introduce the groundbreaking CMC CartonWrap DUO. This cutting-edge technology offers a single solution for packaging diversity: both boxes and corrugated envelopes, all on demand.

The CMC CartonWrap DUO was unveiled for the first time during CID24, CMC’s annual innovation day, where it garnered widespread acclaim for its ingenuity and practicality. Now, CMC is excited to showcase this game-changing innovation at the upcoming LogiMAT Exhibition in Stuttgart and at the Grand Opening of its Tech Center in Atlanta on March 12th.

This groundbreaking machine leverages SKUs dimensions and thickness to automatically package items in perfectly sized boxes or envelopes, using continuous roll-fed corrugated material at a speed of 900 packages per hour.

“We are incredibly proud to introduce the CartonWrap-DUO to the market,” said Francesco Ponti, CEO at CMC. “This innovative solution represents a significant step forward in packaging efficiency and sustainability. By offering both box and envelope options on demand, we are empowering businesses to optimize their operations while minimizing environmental impact.”

Capable of packaging diverse items like apparel, electronics, and books, this technology ensures secure delivery. Its unique feature covers a thickness range from 250 mm to an ultra-thin 1 mm, revolutionizing manual fulfillment with jiffy bags. The necessary corrugated is directly fed by the new CMC Wave Line, an inline cardboard coupler integrated into our packaging machines that produces robust corrugated material on demand, effectively reducing costs and streamlining stock management.

This disruptive concept harmoniously blends sustainability and efficiency, cutting corrugated material usage by up to 50% compared to existing tech and requiring up to 70% less glue. It even produces envelopes that qualify for lower postal charges, benefiting retailers and 3PL. CMC CartonWrap-DUO streamlines warehouse operations, addressing labor shortages by optimizing product flow without requiring manual intervention or multiple machines for different package types.

Enhancing the customer experience has always been a priority for CMC. The new CartonWrap-DUO ensures items are well-protected during transit with minimal packaging, reducing delivery mishaps and customer dissatisfaction.

Packaging designed for home delivery guarantees a successful first-time delivery, a crucial element in fostering a positive customer experience. Missed deliveries or damaged products frequently lead to inconvenience and frustration among customers, incurring costs for both businesses and customers alike. By reducing the frequency of these problems, businesses can cut expenses associated with extra delivery attempts and returns, while also averting customer dissatisfaction.

Optional customization with CMC Packvertizing creates engaging, branded, full colour printed packages that create a memorable customer experience. CMC CartonWrap DUO automated process ensures accuracy in measuring, cutting, and folding boxes, reducing the need for manual intervention. It accommodates a wide range of items, adapting to each unique product avoiding to stock different types/sizes of pre-glue packaging. By creating packages specifically sized for each item, it reduces the need for excess packaging material such as void fills, minimizing waste and optimizing shipping space.

It operates at high speed, capable of processing a significant number of packages per hour thus reducing delivery times and support scalability with extra shifts.

Luigi Russo, CMC General Manager commented “With the new CMC Cartonwrap DUO we are not simply making changes; we are revolutionizing e-commerce packaging. Our aim is to forge a sustainable and efficient future by merging sustainability and efficiency thereby reducing waste, costs, and enhancing the customer experience through right-sized packaging”.

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Dutch 3PL Active Ants Signs Up To CMC’s Cartonwrap

 

CMC Innovation Day Celebrates 11th Edition

Posted on by Keith McKinley

CMC Packaging Automation, a leading supplier of fully automated right-sized packaging solutions that is proud partner of KKR’s Global Impact team and backed by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, hosted the 11th edition of its highly anticipated CMC Innovation Day (CID24) at the Italian headquarters in Città di Castello. Attended by 150 industry leaders representing the eCommerce and logistics sectors, CID24 has become a pivotal event, unveiling cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance efficiency, return on investment and sustainability.

CID24 is a gathering of minds where industry players share their visions, insights into market dynamics, and best practices. This year’s edition stood out, addressing automation challenges and environmental concerns and the impact of eCommerce shipments on the planet. It emphasized the need for collective action to reduce emissions and improve packaging sustainability.

Focusing on the crucial role of corrugated materials, leading Federation FEFCO highlighted the ongoing review of the new European PPWR (Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation). The event featured an engaging discussion on the vital role of automation, attended by key retailers ORWO net, Avantor, and GXO, the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider.

In a groundbreaking move, CMC unveiled four new technologies and introduced the revolutionary concept of Packtomation. This innovative approach combines right-sized packaging with smart technology, automating the entire fulfillment process from inbound to outbound. The showcased technologies include the new CartonWrap Duo, a machine capable to pack items in right-sized boxes or corrugated envelopes on demand, CMC Genesys Combo that streamlines single and multi-line orders automatically and without pre-consolidation, the Wave Line, a new input channel for packaging machines that couples corrugated just-in- time and CMC Nexus, the all-in-one HRC system.

Francesco Ponti, CEO of CMC Packaging Automation, said: “The company reaffirmed its commitment to designing integrated solutions to stay ahead of the times, supporting clients in a highly competitive landscape. CMC aims to become the sole supplier for its clients, delivering customized solutions adaptable in both greenfield and brownfield environments.”

CMC Packtomation concept promises a significant leap forward in the world of eCommerce logistics. The solutions presented at CID24 will be featured at upcoming industry events, including MODEX in Atlanta and LogiMAT in Stuttgart.

Luigi Russo, CMC General Manager commented “These trade shows provide ideal platforms for in-depth discussions on the applications of our innovations and fostering collaboration with fellow industry players. Through these interactions, we aim to strengthen partnerships and maximize the benefits derived from our cutting-edge technology.”

CMC’s dedication to innovation underscores its leadership position, offering solutions that align with global sustainability goals while ensuring operational excellence for its clients.

Little Green Bag Enhances Sustainable Operations

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The Little Green Bag, a leading Dutch fashion retailer known for its carefully curated selection of niche clothing and accessories, announces a strategic partnership with CMC, a pioneer in innovative packaging solutions. This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing operational efficiency while upholding their commitment to environmental sustainability.

Founded in 2008 by Aramis and Maria Gandjapour a dedicated Dutch couple in Vlaardingen, The Little Green Bag has grown from a small bag retailer to a thriving online platform offering a diverse range of products to include jewellry and accessories, now serving a global clientele. From the beginning, the company has focused in providing a personalized experience and delivering quality products that are both stylish and sustainable. Acknowledging the necessity to adapt to the increasing demands of their growing customer base, the company sought innovative solutions to streamline their operations.

The turning point came when The Little Green Bag decided to venture into online retail, using the house as a warehouse. The growth was phenomenal and this surge in demand necessitated a larger warehouse; in 2012, they invested in a 100 m2 facility. Now, they operate in a vast space of 9,000 m2 with a workforce of 150 people, serving customers globally through a multilingual website.

Sustainable Operations

The rapid surge in orders, particularly during peak periods when order volumes reach up to 8,000 per day presented a packaging challenge for The Little Green Bag. The need to handle a substantial volume of single-line orders while minimizing packaging waste was imperative. Enter CMC and their revolutionary packaging solution, CMC Paper-Pro.

CMC Paper-Pro, a fully automated paper bagging system, was a game-changer and proved to be the perfect fit for The Little Green Bag’s evolving needs. By transitioning from traditional boxes to paper-wrapped bags, the company significantly reduced material consumption and shipping volumes, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing their environmental impact. The system’s flexibility allowed for customization, optimizing warehouse space in a high-cost area.

Lawrence van de Meeberg, Director of e-commerce at The Little Green Bag expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, ” CMC’s approach was impressive. They understood our specific needs and supported us in customizing the footprint to minimize waste and make our operations more sustainable. The integration of CMC Paper Pro has allowed us to not only enhance operational efficiency but also make significant strides in reducing our environmental footprint. It aligns perfectly with our vision of offering quality products sustainably and efficiently.”

Ed Savelsbergh, General Manager of CMC Packaging Automation NL, says “The Little Green Bag continues to thrive as a small department store, offering luxury within reach for all, while maintaining meticulous curation and personal involvement in the product selection process. We are proud to support their business with our technology to enhance efficiency and guarantee a great customer experience.”

Both companies are optimistic about the positive impact this partnership will have on the future of The Little Green Bag. By combining their expertise and innovative solutions, they aim to further elevate their offerings and ensure a seamless shopping experience for their global clientele.

CMC’s new Chief Digital and Operations Officer

Posted on by Keith McKinley

CMC Packaging Automation is pleased to announce the appointment of Domenico Gallozzi as the new Chief Digital and Operations Officer. With over two decades of executive management experience in the operations of various global industries, Domenico brings a wealth of expertise in efficiency creation, process optimization, and reengineering to his new role.

Domenico Gallozzi has held leadership positions in esteemed organizations including Coesia, Philips-Saeco, Stevanato Group, and Indesit Company. As a Mechanical Engineer with an impressive track record, he has excelled in managing both B2C and B2B markets at local and international levels, showcasing his strong understanding of factory management, operation strategy, project management, lean six sigma implementation, and new product startups.

In his new role at CMC Packaging Automation, Domenico has been entrusted with the vital task of spearheading the company’s digital transformation initiatives. He will also oversee Global Operations, Customer Service, Health and Safety, further bolstering the company’s commitment to operational excellence.”

“Domenico’s extensive experience and dynamic leadership style make him an ideal fit for the role of Chief Digital and Operations Officer at CMC Packaging Automation. His in-depth knowledge of various operational facets and strategic acumen will play a pivotal role in steering our company towards continued growth and success,” said Francesco Ponti, CE0 at CMC Packaging Automation.
Domenico Gallozzi expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I am honored to join the CMC Packaging Automation team and further contribute to its journey of transformation and innovation. I look forward to leveraging my experience and passion for driving efficiency to enhance operations and position CMC Packaging Automation as an industry leader.”

With this appointment, CMC Packaging Automation reinforces its commitment to staying at the forefront of digital innovation and operational excellence in the packaging automation industry.

Based in Città di Castello (PG), CMC Spa is a company in the portfolio of KKR Global Impact Fund and supported by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund 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 fulfilment 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.

ESG Journey with CMC Sustainability Report

Posted on by David Priestman

CMC Packaging Automation, a leading supplier of automated packaging and mailing solutions that is proud partner of KKR’s Global Impact team and backed by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, has launched its first annual sustainability report.

“I’m really proud to share our first annual CMC sustainability report with our partners, investors and the wider industry,” commented Francesco Ponti, the company’s Chief Executive Officer.” We are proud to have taken our social and environmental responsibilities seriously from the very start, and to continue that tradition right up to the present. This report demonstrates that it’s possible for a packaging company to make a positive difference to the world both through its own operations and on behalf of customers.”

“Social and environmental responsibility has definitively become a decisive part of the Group’s decision-making processes and strategic choices. All the solutions offered on the market not only aim to offer an economic or productive benefit but to further contribute to the achievement of the ESG objectives of our customer portfolio”, added Luca Barzaghi, the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Head of ESG.

Environmental impact

The report reveals that CMC’s packaging solutions have cut greenhouse gas emissions by 41-58% for its customers and also reduced the need for cardboard by 41% when compared with traditional packaging methods.

This represents an important benefit for the environment, since CMC works with more than 600 clients worldwide, including the planet’s largest multinational e-commerce, retail and 3PL companies. Its pioneering work on perfect-sized packaging means that it is now able to heavily reduce the cubic volume of each box and eliminate the use of void fillers. Through innovative technology such as the flexible CMC CartonWrap solution, CMC saved more than 194.000 metric tons of paperboard in 2022 alone, according to the report – up from 124.000 metric tons in 2021.

Planning for the future

The new sustainability report outlines the company’s environmental and social aims. In 2022, the company created a long-term environmental, social, and governance (ESG) roadmap, which includes investment in the company’s human capital and reaching net zero emissions from both its own operations and from purchased energy by 2050.

CMC also hired a dedicated ESG Manager to oversee the implementation of the roadmap. Progress on key performance indicators is reported on a quarterly basis to the company’s board.
“Today’s customers and investors expect packaging companies to emphasise ESG and sustainability in their operations. They want low-emissions technologies and innovative solutions that eliminate unnecessary materials and improve the environmental impact of their own businesses,” Mr Ponti added

“This report shows that sustainability is already at the heart of what we do at CMC, which is why we are backed by the KKR Global Impact team and Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund. It highlights the progress we have made so far – working closely with our clients to make industry more environmentally friendly – but it also represents a commitment to continued innovation and improvement going forward. I very much look forward to sharing our progress with partners, investors and the wider industry in future sustainability reports.“

Request the full 2022 sustainability report here:

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