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Tag: packaging

Family Leadership Passes to Third Generation at Hugo Beck

Posted on by David Priestman

Hugo Beck, a manufacturer of horizontal packaging machines, has announced the appointment of Simon Beck and Jonas Beck as Managing Directors. As grandsons of company founder Hugo Beck, they represent the continued leadership of the family business in its third generation.

The appointments follow the departure of Timo Kollmann as Managing Director who is taking on a new professional opportunity after 20 years with Hugo Beck. During his tenure, he played a key role in driving innovation, strengthening the company’s market position, and contributing to its overall development.

Founded in 1955 as a modest mechanical workshop in Dettingen/Erms, Germany, the company initially focused on producing turned parts before its founder launched the first film packaging machines in 1962. In 1976, it introduced its first automated horizontal poly-bag machine—cementing its role as a pioneer in horizontal packaging technology. Through the 1980s and ’90s, the firm expanded globally, adopting servo drive systems in 1996 to become a recognized technological leader and exporting half of its output by 1990. Over the decades, it broadened its portfolio—adding bundle-wrappers, flowpack systems, paper-packaging solutions, high-speed mailing machines, and robotic automation. Its innovative streak earned the company the German “Top 100” innovation award four times (2006, 2011, 2016, 2022). Today, the firm remains family-owned and globally renowned, delivering tailored, sustainable horizontal packaging systems across film and paper formats.

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Coca-Cola HBC Adds Extra Fizz to its Partnership

Posted on by Will Priestman

Coca-Cola HBC, the strategic bottling partner of the Coca-Cola company on the island of Ireland, has extended its long-term partnership with Wincanton, the leading supply chain partner to UK businesses. 

The contract extension until the end of 2026 builds on the two brands’ strong partnership which began in 2016 and marks a decade of collaboration.

As part of this collaboration, Wincanton will continue to provide warehouse operations management at Coca-Cola HBC’s dedicated facility in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, which handles over 52 million cases of popular brands such as Coca-Cola, Fanta and Monster per year.

Wincanton is also responsible for delivering operational efficiencies, incorporating volumes driven by the Deposit Return Scheme in the Republic of Ireland whilst also bringing logistics expertise to the facility to support the company’s ongoing growth.

Joanna Sneddon, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland Supply Chain Director said:

“Delivering high-quality products and service to our customers is our priority. We are pleased to grow our partnership with Wincanton on our journey to develop world class logistics service over the coming years.”

James Hurrell, MD for Grocery & Consumer at Wincanton, added:

“With its vision to be the world’s leading 24/7 beverage partner, we’re delighted to be supporting Coca-Cola HBC and its unique portfolio on its journey to exponential growth. 

“We look forward to continuing our work together and celebrating a decade of growth, innovation, and automation together.” 

The extended partnership also reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. Both companies are actively investing in greener supply chain practices, with Wincanton introducing initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and Coca-Cola HBC advancing its World Without Waste goals. This continued alignment on responsible logistics and environmental stewardship ensures that the partnership not only delivers operational excellence but also supports broader sustainability objectives.

Alongside its extended partnership with Coca-Cola HBC, Wincanton is undergoing significant transformation as it strengthens its market position through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. In early 2024, the company was acquired by GXO Logistics in a £762 million deal, which is currently under review by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). While the regulatory process continues, Wincanton remains focused on innovation and operational excellence. In a move to advance its automation capabilities, Wincanton also acquired inteq, a UK-based specialist in warehouse execution software and robotics integration. This acquisition brings inteq’s proprietary technology and expertise into Wincanton’s portfolio, enhancing its ability to deliver cutting-edge, efficient logistics solutions across its network.

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Packaging Machinery Process Advantage

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Drive solutions from Nord Drivesystems increase the efficiency in system operation at several points in the packaging process chain. With two concepts, the company mainly focuses on the fields of end-of-line packaging and primary packaging, where its decentralised drive technology and wash-down-capable aluminium housings achieve significant cost benefits.

Packaging processes require a high level of dynamism, flexibility and cost efficiency. End-of-line packaging and primary packaging offer great potential here that is increased by drive solutions from NORD DRIVESYSTEMS.

Decentralised drive technology

With a solution combining decentralised drive electronics and asynchronous motors, NORD provides the end-of-line packaging with an in many ways efficient alternative to centrally controlled concepts. The mounted frequency inverters free the drive system of complex wiring. This significantly reduces installation and maintenance efforts. Furthermore, the systems become easier to scale to that they can be quickly and easily adapted to new requirements. Thanks to their high overload capacity and control without encoder, drive solutions from NORD achieve the dynamics required by applications in final packaging. The integrated POSICON module allows for precise positioning. All in all, this results in significant cost benefits over the commonly used centrally controlled servos solutions.

Drives with treated aluminium housing

For primary packaging, NORD’s NXD tupH® surface protection reveals the process advantages of components with aluminium housings. With NXD tupH®, aluminium surfaces are electrolytically treated and coated with a powerful sealer. This makes them particularly resistant to extreme environmental conditions such as contact with aggressive cleaning chemicals in wash-down areas. Thanks to the sealer, no particles will flake off even if damage occurs to the surface. NXD tupH®-treated surfaces are free from PFAS, and food-safe according to the provisions of the FDA and the EU Regulation 1935/2004 as well as the respective regulations in Switzerland and the MERCOSUR states. The strengths of aluminium are thus also coming into effect in primary packaging. Aluminium is lightweight, economical and fully recyclable. Furthermore, aluminium housings provide high heat conductivity, thus reducing the maximum surface temperature.

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Packaging For Ecommerce vs. Retail

Posted on by David Priestman

Packaging is a critical element in the delivery process, serving not only as a protective layer for products but also as a key touchpoint for branding and customer satisfaction. However, the requirements for e-commerce and retail packaging differ significantly due to the distinct challenges each channel presents. From safeguarding products to creating memorable customer experiences, businesses must navigate these differences to stay competitive. Here’s how. 

Balancing Protection and Practicality 

One of the most significant distinctions between e-commerce and retail packaging lies in product protection. E-commerce packages must endure extensive handling, long-distance transportation and exposure to various environmental conditions. To address these challenges, businesses often rely on sturdy corrugated boxes, impact-resistant inserts and void fillers like air cushions or paper stuffing to shield items from damage during transit. The focus is on durability and functionality so that products arrive intact regardless of the journey. 

In contrast, retail packaging prioritizes visual appeal and ease of handling within a store environment. While it still provides basic protection, it’s designed to stand out on shelves and capture consumer attention. Lightweight materials and sleek designs are common, allowing packaging to emphasize branding while maintaining practicality for in-store displays. For example, an elegant cardboard box with bold visuals works well for retail shelves but would not withstand the physical demands of e-commerce shipping. 

The Role of Branding and Presentation 

Branding plays a crucial role in both channels but manifests differently based on customer interactions. In e-commerce, packaging is often the first physical connection a customer has with the brand, making the unboxing experience an essential marketing tool. Custom mailer boxes, personalized thank-you notes and branded tissue paper can be used to elevate this interaction, turning it into a memorable moment that can lead to social media shares and increased brand loyalty. 

For retail, packaging must catch the eye amidst a sea of competitors. Bold colors, unique structural designs and clear product information are prioritized to help customers make quick purchasing decisions. Retail packaging often conveys the product’s benefits at a glance, standing out on crowded shelves. 

Efficiency in Fulfillment and Delivery 

Efficiency is vital in both e-commerce and retail packaging as well, but the focus varies depending on the channel. E-commerce packaging must prioritize space optimization to reduce shipping costs and maximize the number of packages transported per shipment. Lightweight, right-sized boxes or padded mailers are commonly used to streamline logistics while maintaining protection. Automating processes with tools like automatic conveyors can further enhance efficiency, allowing fulfillment centers to handle high volumes of orders quickly and accurately. 

Retail packaging, on the other hand, focuses on storage and display optimization. Products need to be shelf-ready and easy to handle for store staff. Packaging must balance durability for bulk shipping with the ability to be displayed attractively upon arrival. Tamper-evident features and stackable designs often play a key role in retail packaging strategies. 

Addressing Customer Expectations 

Consumer expectations are a driving force in packaging decisions. E-commerce customers demand their products arrive in perfect condition with minimal waste. Sustainable packaging options, such as recyclable materials and biodegradable mailers, have become increasingly important.  

Conversely, retail customers are drawn to packaging that reflects quality and innovation. Reusable or multifunctional packaging designs can add value, enhancing the perceived worth of the product. 

Why Understanding Packaging Differences Matters 

For logistics and supply chain professionals, understanding the distinct demands of e-commerce and retail packaging is essential for reducing costs, safeguarding products and enhancing customer satisfaction. By tailoring strategies to the unique needs of each channel, businesses can streamline fulfillment processes and maintain operational efficiency. 

When done right, thoughtful packaging design can transform a functional necessity into a powerful tool for success, enabling businesses to thrive in today’s fast-paced and competitive marketplace. 

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Sustainabile e-commerce Packaging at LogiMAT 2025

New Heavy Cushioned Packaging made from 100% Recycled Material

Posted on by David Priestman

SEE® has expanded its Sealed Air® brand ProPad paper cushioning system with the launch of its new ProPad Coiler Sustainable Cushioning Solution to meet customer demands for sustainability and automation.

Made from 100% recycled paper and designed to be recycled* using kerbside services, the ProPad Coiler provides operators with a robust alternative to foam and film packaging options. High density paper coils can be quickly produced to protect heavy-duty goods.

Sustainable Cushioning Solution

Oliver Kammler, Portfolio Marketing Director, EMEA at SEE explains: “Automotive, machinery and appliance supply chains often have heavy cushioning requirements. This has meant businesses have sometimes had to choose between product protection and packaging sustainability. We developed ProPad Coiler to overcome this and support companies to maximise product protection and contribute towards hitting their sustainability goals.”

Combined with the Sealed Air® brand ProPad cushioning system, operators can quickly and easily create paper coils on demand in varying sizes and densities, according to the size and weight of the packaged product.

“The ProPad Coiler allows operators to choose between 3 pre-set coil tightness settings, with the coils secured by glue dot technology, added Oliver. “Consistently tight paper coils can be produced to streamline their placement in boxes and enhance overall protective cushioning performance.

“The complete ProPad system and Coiler removes any inefficiencies and issues caused by unravelling paper coils to save operators time and resource. This helps address labour challenges and avoid delays and bottlenecks in the packaging area.

Sustainable Cushioning Solution

The ProPad Coiler can be used to produce paper coils in diameters ranging from 30cm to 61cm, with adjustments made every 2.54cms. Coils are available in a natural kraft paper.

Oliver concluded: “The development of the new ProPad Coiler complements a system that’s easy to load and maintain. It’s a versatile solution that’s designed to enhance productivity and uptime through seamless switching between different sized paper coils, cushioning pads and batch coils.”

*Degree of recyclability of the final package depends on the scope and availability of appropriate recycling facilities.

Find out more: https://www.sealedair.com/products/protective-packaging/paper-cushioning-system#-tab

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Packaging Automation Tech Centre

New Cardboard Press is more than it seems

Posted on by David Priestman

Strautmann Umwelttechnik GmbH proudly presents its latest innovation, the “JumboLoadBaler“ cardboard press for the first time at IFAT in Munich. The revolutionary machine sets new standards in waste disposal technology. Customers benefit from up to 400% increase in productivity in the waste disposal sector and an ROI in less than two years.

What distinguishes the JumboLoadBaler from conventional balers?

The JumboLoadBaler is an all-rounder. It compacts cardboard, paper, octabins, film, PET bottles and beverage cans with a throughput of up to 800 kg per hour. However, its particularly large filling opening makes it stand out from the crowd. This enables manual or automatic filling without any pre-shredding. This is unthinkable with conventional balers. Users save an enormous amount of time by not having to pre-shred the material manually. It also only requires a maximum footprint of 7 to 11 square metres, which makes it ideal for companies that have limited space and want to dispose directly at the source. This eliminates unnecessary walking distances and makes disposal more efficient.

         How the JumboLoadBaler works

Strautmann Baler Innovation

The swing arm conveys the material to the rotor, which automatically fills the bale chamber and then compacts it into a 450kg bale with a pressing force of 600kN. The bale is then tied manually. Various filling options such as a lifting and tipping device, conveyor belt, forklift or wall connection make it easy to integrate into existing production processes.

 

A Novelty on the Market

Marcel Buch – Head of Logistics at ROFU Kinderland Spielwarenhandel GmbH reports on the use of the machine: “For us, the JumboLoadBaler is the ideal addition to the product range of Strautmann, which is always ready for use for the direct disposal of cardboard packaging and makes work considerably easier for employees. Thanks to the combinable lifting and tipping device, this gives us an enormous time advantage over manual filling. The investment helps us to achieve sustainable disposal and profitable marketing of the bales produced. What previously caused costs has now become a profitable business! “

 

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Rotom acquires Go Plastic Pallets

Posted on by David Priestman

Rotom has acquired Go Plastic Pallets (GPP) and All Pallets (AP), thus expanding its load carrier services in the UK and further strengthening its activities in Europe. GPP and AP are privately owned companies located in Eastbourne and New Haven.

GPP is a leading plastic load carrier distributor in the UK with a broad range of plastic pallets, boxes, (small) containers, crates and trays. With over 160 years of experience in logistics, GPP has a highly dedicated team of industry experts with a strong focus on sustainable load carrier solutions for its clients, in which 93% of sold products include recycled plastic.

All Pallets Ltd is a specialist in new and used wooden pallets, cases and crates to customers throughout the UK. With more than 20 years of experience, AP has strong trade and reconditioning activities, including inhouse transport activities providing attractive short notice delivery and pick-up of pallets from clients or suppliers.

“Both companies have been growing very rapidly in the last years and we are ready for the next phase of growth. We are very enthusiastic to have found a great match with Rotom in terms of complementary activities, business culture and ambitions for the years ahead. We see clear opportunities to expand our client services with the product and service portfolio of the Rotom group and are very excited about the potential of the combined companies in the UK and Europe,” says Jim Hardisty, MD and Co- founder of GPP/AP.

According to Rotom Europe CEO Arjan Kuiper, “GPP/AP’s extensive product/service portfolio and best practice business model in plastic load carriers will create a leading position in the UK and greatly strengthen our market approach in neighbouring EU countries. The activities in load carriers of recycled plastic and reused wooden pallets are furthermore a perfect fit with the sustainable mindset of Rotom.”

The operations of both companies will be gradually integrated with Rotom and the owners Hardisty, Chris Adam and Denzil Davies will continue to lead the companies and support further business development within the Rotom group.

Rotom supports companies with sustainable circular solutions for load carriers in 11 countries in Europe. It is able to manage the entire logistics of load carriers throughout a customer’s supply chain, from the production location up to the retrieval at the end of the chain, with a single point of contact supported by a dense network of European locations. Rotom says its load carrier solutions ensure a more efficient and sustainable customer supply chain (including a reduction of supply chain costs and an increase of reused equipment and materials).

Kite Expands Enviro-box Range

Posted on by David Priestman

Kite Packaging, a leading UK online supplier of packaging, has expanded its best-selling range of enviro-boxes to include five new sizes following growing demand.

Kite’s enviro-boxes are a premium single-wall box with a heavy-duty flute which combine superior strength and durability with efficient material design. The end result is robust and reliable whilst being cheap enough to be affordable.

These boxes are an eco-friendly alternative to larger double-wall boxes thanks to their manufacturing process which expends 30% less CO₂ emissions by comparison. They also contain between 60-90% recycled content and are made from lighter materials. This means more units can be fitted onto a pallet, leading to lower shipping costs and a reduced carbon footprint.

Enviro-box

Available in an array of sizes, Kite says these boxes are ideal for businesses with a large product file thanks to being versatile in what they can package. Some sizes come multi-scored and can be adjusted to better suit the dimensions of the goods packaged within, helping to keep postage costs to a minimum.

They are supplied flat-packed for easy storage and can be purchased from Kite Packaging at market-beating prices with further discounts available when buying wholesale quantities. The company is carbon neutral certified and has good reviews from its customers.

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Sealed Air Announces New Corporate Brand SEE

Posted on by David Priestman

Sealed Air Corporation has announced it has officially changed its corporate brand to SEE®, taking the next step in reinventing the company. Sealed Air has evolved its corporate and iconic brands to SEE, showcasing a market-driven, customer-first, solutions company. SEE partners with customers to deliver packaging solutions integrating Automation, Digital and Sustainability, creating significant value for their businesses.

SEE’s growth and earnings performance has significantly increased over the last five years built on the SEE Operating Model and executed by the SEE Operating Engine and SEE Operational Excellence.

Commenting on SEE’s corporate rebrand, Ted Doheny, President and CEO said:
“We are relentlessly reinventing SEE from product driven to a world-class, market-led company powered by automation, digital and sustainable packaging solutions.”
“SEE is making the future of packaging real and we expect this to enhance our valuation.”

SEE supplies packaging for more than 30 billion products globally each year. SEE’s new corporate brand represents the power of its brands and solutions that include equipment, services and materials. The company has grown and evolved beyond what it once was, and the new corporate brand and logo are a direct reflection of that transformation. SEE is continuously redefining what packaging does and can do by integrating automation, digital and sustainability into solutions that exceed the needs of its customers.

Automation: SEE enables customers to unlock productivity and savings by designing, manufacturing, sourcing and delivering automated packaging solutions with paybacks shorter than 3 years. The company is on a path to more than double its automation portfolio by 2027.

Digital: SEE’s digital printing and online value-added services empower brand owners to improve business performance and operational efficiency. The company expects over 80% of its sales to be transacted digitally by 2027. SEE’s solutions reach consumers through engaging and cost-effective digital designs and content.

Sustainability: SEE continuously brings customers new, innovative materials and applications that reduce waste, extend shelf-life, increase protection, enable circularity and reduce carbon impacts of products and packaging. Nearly 20% of its materials portfolio comes from recycled or renewable sources. SEE’s Net Positive Circular Ecosystem makes sustainability affordable for customers by lowering their total cost through automation, digital and innovative packaging solutions.

SEE’s new logo is a visual representation of the next stage in reinventing the company. The three crescents that make up the circle represent automation, digital and packaging with the full circle representing SEE’s purposeful commitment to sustainability and circularity in everything we do.

“We are excited to become SEE,” said Ted Doheny, SEE’s President & CEO. “We are solving our customers’ critical packaging challenges to make our world better than we find it.”

From the History of Sealed Air to the Future of SEE

SEE (under its former trade name “Sealed Air”) began in 1960 after an idea for insulated bubble wallpaper morphed into the iconic BUBBLE WRAP® packaging brand. In 1998 the company acquired Cryovac, establishing new leadership in food packaging. The company has grown into a global organization that provides essential packaging solutions to a vast array of industries including food, fluids & liquids and e-commerce. Over the past five years, the company has made strategic acquisitions that accelerated the reinvention of the company, including the acquisition of APS (automated packaging systems), Foxpak (digital printing capabilities) and Liquibox (fluids & liquids packaging and dispensing). SEE has approximately 17,300 employees across the world and serves customers in 120 countries and territories.

Hugo Beck Showcases Ecommerce Packaging

Posted on by Keith McKinley

One of the world’s leading specialists of horizontal packaging solutions, Hugo Beck, is exhibiting its latest range of film and paper packaging machines for e-commerce, mail order and logistics at the LogiMAT show, held at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre on 25th – 27th April 2023.

Hugo Beck will use Europe’s biggest intralogistics exhibition to demonstrate three machines from its e-commerce range, highlighting the company’s ability to meet sector-specific demands for both sustainable film and paper packaging.

Visitors to Booth 4G61 in Hall 4 will see the Hugo Beck paper e-com fit on display, tailored specifically for e-commerce and mail order applications using a minimum of paper to package goods. The machine is suitable for the direct dispatch of individual goods, packing groups of products, or meeting the complex requirements of returned goods packaging. With the paper e-com fit, the shipping bag size is automatically adapted to the varying product dimensions in length and width during production, meaning different product sizes can be packaged in a jumble. Both uncoated and coated recyclable papers can be used for producing precisely fitting paper bags with two sewn sides plus a top overlap.

Timo Kollmann, Managing Director at Hugo Beck, said: “LogiMAT is the perfect show for us to demonstrate how Hugo Beck’s technology has evolved to meet the needs of today’s logistics and e-commerce sector. With the sudden rise in demand for paper-based packaging, the paper e-com fit highlights our ability to innovate and stay ahead, offering solutions that can process alternative materials.”

The second machine on the Hugo Beck stand provides the ideal solution for applications where film is required or preferred. The servo X e-com fit machine ensures products are packed with the lowest amount of material needed, automatically adjusting the film bags with four sealed sides to the product’s length and width.

“After a particularly successful year for the Hugo Beck servo X e-com fit, we’re excited to be taking it on the road, showcasing to visitors how we are meeting the shift in demand for sustainable film packaging. The servo X e-com machine range is capable of processing a wide range of recyclable material types, from PE flat films from 30 to 100 μm thickness, through to recycled content films which can often contain for example up to 80 per cent and more PCR material,” said Kollmann.

Moreover, the LogiMAT show will lead the way as Hugo Beck debuts its brand new flexo paper packaging solution for the first time this year. As a hybrid variant of the company’s flexo machine series for paper and film, attendees will be the first to see the new machine for paper packaging in public – witnessing exclusive demonstrations of its capabilities. Championing the company’s commitment to develop innovative, flexible solutions, the new solution is industry diverse, from e-commerce and logistics through to many others.

Members of the Hugo Beck sales team will be available to discuss customer-specific requirements, including its diverse automation solutions. Offering support through the entire automation process, project planning and manufacture right through to integration into existing packaging lines, LogiMAT visitors can find out more about Hugo Beck’s robots and handling systems such as automatic feeding, portals, grouping solutions, stacking and counting devices and cross pushers.

 

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