Subscribe

Tag: packaging

MSK conserves packing resources

Posted on by David Priestman

Industrial packing solutions provider MSK is looking at ways to help reduce the amount of plastic used when wrapping goods for storage and transportation.

The use of film to secure loads on pallets is still frequently the packing solution that is the most economical and gentle on the environment. Nevertheless, it is possible to achieve considerable savings in material and costs with the choice of the suitable method.

That is why, through the choice of the right method, packaging unit costs can often be kept stable or even reduced, even with rising film costs. MSK has specialised in individual, comparative tests of different packaging methods as well as transport simulations with customer products from a wide range of industries.

Customer test centres set up specifically for this allow fact-based decisions related to film needs and load stability. It is also often possible to realise noticeable savings in the primary packaging through the optimisation of the secondary packaging.

Aside from the choice of packaging method (shrinking, hood stretching, or spiral stretching) another decisive factor is the choice of the packaging material – the film. Often it is possible to use thinner films or even films made of recycled material. For example, pallet loads have been packed on MSK packaging machines with films made of 98% bio-based materials – a milestone in the reduction of the CO2 footprint.

MSK consistently uses innovative technology and patented methods on its machines that allow the use of the thinnest of films with minimum film consumption.

Compared to most other pallet securing alternatives, film packaging is 100% recyclable, and is usually completely recycled in closed-loop systems. In terms of climate impermeability, film packaging is second to none: compared to packaging made of any kind of paper, film alone offers 6-sided tight moisture protection for the product.

Sustainability is increasingly made possible through the digitalisation of processes. Through MSK’s digital EMSY products, it is possible to continuously monitor and analyse MSK systems with the help of live figures and statistics, and promptly optimise them in terms of energy and film consumption.

Environmentally friendly machine concepts, saving energy and materials, minimising emissions, and making responsible use of human resources are goals which will continue to define the development and production processes of the MSK Covertech Group in the coming years.

For example, the mean energy consumption of an MSK shrink frame was 10% below the average and was reduced another 13% with the latest new development in 2020.

Packaging firm invests in sustainable products

Posted on by Keith McKinley

As part of its continued focus on product innovation for the sustainability market, one of Europe’s leading packaging suppliers, Southgate, is developing a range of new, eco-friendly packaging solutions.

The investment is part of the company’s ongoing, pioneering activity to lead the industry in developing sustainable packaging products. In the past year, Southgate has launched several new sustainable products including another Paper Tape Dispenser and Void Fill, with many more innovations to come.

As an industry leader, Southgate is committed to developing a line of alternative products to expand its current range and significantly reduce packaging waste and plastic content.

For example, its Carbon Neutral Air Cushions already use 53% of recycled content and its Water Activated Tape product reduces the amount of tape needed compared to standard packaging tape. Southgate’s Air Pillow Void Fill also uses less material than other void fill alternatives, consisting of 98% air, reducing wastage.

Craig Turner, Managing Director at Southgate, said: “With the increase in demand for packaging supplies having a knock-on effect on the supply chain, we are already starting to see industry restrictions on items such as corrugated boxes. In addition, there is also a need for warehouse space and fulfilling daily order quotas.

“With such a huge increase in demand, we are taking responsibility by giving our customers sustainable packaging solutions, reducing waste and plastic content, whilst feeding into the consumer shift for more eco-friendly packaging products.

“Currently we are re-focusing on our most sought-after sustainable products, whilst developing new product innovations, with plans to have a suite of eco-friendly options available for every product.”

With the Plastic Packaging Tax coming into effect in April 2021, which will apply to plastic packaging produced in or imported into the UK, that does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic, Southgate’s plans will continue to expand its range whilst reducing plastic content and increasing users’ productivity and profitability.

Highlighting its focus on sustainability, Southgate was recently awarded a bronze certificate by EcoVadis, the ratings platform to assess corporate social responsibility and sustainable procurement, and recently launched a Sustainability E-edition brochure to showcase its latest sustainable product line.

New partnership yields cloud-based print innovation

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Perceptor PTXL is the first innovation to emerge from a new partnership between thermal print specialists, TSC Printronix Auto ID, and complex optical inspection solutions expert, InterVision Global.

The joint cooperation sees TSC Printronix Auto ID‘s world-renowned barcode verifier, the ODV-2D, and its T8000 printer combined with an unparalleled centralised, cloud-based inspection system. The end-to-end solution, Perceptor PTXL, enables companies to monitor, verify and control their print process across multiple networked printing systems, irrespective of where in the world the devices are located.

“We are delighted InterVision Global has leveraged our unparalleled ODV-2D and T8000 printer technology with a cloud-based system to enable unlimited printers around the world to be connected and managed by one central server,” says Neil Baker, Sales Manager UK, Ireland, BeNeLux and South Africa, at TSC Auto ID Technology EMEA GmbH.

Perceptor PTXL is expected to prove most beneficial to global brands in highly regulated sectors such as automotive, healthcare, life sciences, medical device, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage, where printed barcodes and human readable text must meet minimum quality requirements. Incorrectly printed barcodes, label content or duplicate serial numbers can prove costly in chargebacks for non-conformities and rework, as well as rejected deliveries.

“This integrated solution makes global control of printing processes possible, ensuring labels meet ISO barcode print quality and data content compliance. Perceptor PTXL inspects and verifies every label in real-time. It ensures codes are formatted correctly, or if label sizes are correct or barcode heights are wrong. Every defective label is overstruck and destroyed with no need for manual intervention,” says Mark Worlidge, Managing Director at InterVision Global.

Perceptor PTXL controls the print process so unauthorised labels cannot be printed. Once an authenticated user is logged in and the system is running, labels can be printed and barcodes verified by the T8000/ODV-2D. Once they’ve passed verification, labels are inspected for OCR on human readable text, for blemishes and that data content and patterns match.

All this is done in real-time with each failure being overstruck. All data is recorded to the customer’s own Azure Hosted Tenancy which is held and replicated in the cloud ensuring full traceability and an audit trail. Batch information and accumulated serial numbers are all held centrally ensuring that no two systems can duplicate label printing.

 

 

Strapping machine secures single and double pallets economically

Posted on by David Priestman

 

With two-in-one functionality for pallet strapping, Mosca introduces the flexible, high-performance KZV-321 strapping machine. It easily adapts to a variety of product shapes and is ideal for logistics and transport of goods.

“The KZV-321 is the latest addition to our portfolio. It is an extremely adaptable high-performance strapping machine designed to secure goods for transport on pallets. This model makes it possible to strap single and double pallets at different heights with just one machine. Until now, this operation required two different machines,” explains Mosca CEO, Timo Mosca.

To combine the two applications, the KZV-321 is equipped with an open strap frame and six movable strap lances at three different heights. The machine automatically detects the height of a product as it enters the machine. The strap lances then close the frame at the appropriate height and the KVZ-321 securely straps the package.

Timo Mosca: “This new machine variant helps us support our customers by making their processes more efficient and reliable.”

The KZV-321 straps up to 130 single pallets or 65 double pallets per hour. The machine can be optionally equipped with an integrated turntable that enables it to efficiently secure two pallets for transport. The KZV-321 first straps each pallet separately to create a stable bundle.

A machine operator or automatic pallet doubler then stacks the two pallets on top of each other. This stack is fed into the KZV-321 again and, if necessary, realigned on the turntable. Finally, the machine’s strap lances pass through the planks in the base of the upper and lower pallets. This second strapping creates a stable bond between the stacked pallets.

“By strapping the double pallet through the pallet bases, the KZV-321 introduces a completely new process to the market that automatically and efficiently creates a stable unit,” explains Christian Zwieb, Sales Manager at Mosca Engineering. The straps are threaded through the planks in the pallet base and therefore do not touch the products. This allows maximum strap tension without damaging the product.

“The strapping simply attaches the top and bottom pallets and does not need to be placed around the entire stack. This ensures maximum stability, saves consumables, lowers costs and helps protect the environment,” adds Christian Zwieb.The two-stage securing process also makes it easier to split double pallets again without affecting the bond between pallet and product. The straps are removed quickly and easily without leaving any residue.

To ensure optimum machine availability and energy efficiency, the KZV-321 is equipped with the Mosca SoniXs ultrasonic sealing unit that has been tried and tested in high-performance machine operations. This unit does not require warm-up and efficiently seals strap ends with minimal wear.

To simplify maintenance and service, the two sealing units are located on the side of the machine and close to the floor. The KZV-321 is more compact and lower than previous KZV versions. “This machine requires less space, is easily accessible for operators and easy to maintain,” says Christian Zwieb.

The modular design of the KZV-321 also allows users to choose individual strap spacings. The standard is currently 480 millimetres. “Depending on the type and composition of the product to be strapped, we can adjust the strap spacing to customer specifications,” explains Christian Zwieb. The machine ensures safe transport of goods across all industries including intralogistics: for example, products packed in plastic containers or cartons, barrels or bags and stacked on pallets. This makes the KZV-321 a good choice for manufacturers from a wide range of industries, including food, chemicals, construction or agricultural products.

“No matter what type of packaging is used for goods stacked on pallets, the KZV-321 can be adapted to a wide range of dimensions and formats to optimally secure products for road, sea or air transport,” concludes Timo Mosca.

Smurfit Kappa invests further €35m in Germany

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Smurfit Kappa has announced a significant investment in its Hoya paper mill and board manufacturing plant in northwest Germany. It is the latest phase of an investment programme, which commenced in 2011, and this last phase will see production output increase by 70 kt to 450 kt per annum.

The investment will replace the complete press section of the PM2 paper machine with new state-of-the-art technology, increasing the overall efficiency of the manufacturing process. The PM2 is a 7.5m-wide paper machine, producing both testliner and fluting packaging paper. Production speed will increase to 1250 m/min and upon completion, this world-class machine will further strengthen the industrial efficiency of Smurfit Kappa Group’s containerboard system. It is expected to be operational from the first quarter of 2023.

Saverio Mayer, CEO, Smurfit Kappa Europe said: “This investment will be the final and significant phase of a programme of sustained investment at our Hoya Mill which commenced over a decade ago. Today’s announcement underlines Smurfit Kappa’s continued commitment to developments in leading edge technology and our operations in Germany.”

The investment means that CO2 emissions will be reduced by 5,500t per annum.

Also commenting on the investment, Andreas Noss, Managing Director of the Smurfit Kappa Hoya Mill, said: “This investment will make the PM2 a state-of-the-art light weight paper machine that enables us to meet the changing needs of our customers. It will increase production speed and produce light weight paper in the most efficient and sustainable way possible.”

The Hoya site in Germany has been in operation for over 50 years and is a major regional employer, with over 300 people working at the facility.

 

Brexit packaging regulations ‘here to stay’

Posted on by Keith McKinley

New regulations governing the movements of wooden pallets and packaging (WPM) since Brexit will remain indefinitely, according to the UK government.

Speaking at TIMCON’s general meeting at the end of March, Defra’s head of programme, Will Surman, told delegates he believed ISPM15 measures stipulating that all WPM travelling between the UK and the EU must be heat-treated are ‘here to stay’. It was also noted that, with average temperatures forecast to rise globally, ISPM15 compliance may also soon become the norm for WPM moving between countries within the EU to eradicate any risk to plant health.

Surman thanked TIMCON and the WPM industry for its work preparing for Brexit, which he said had been critical to a smooth transition and achieving a low level of compliance issues after the 31st December, 2020 deadline.

TIMCON president John Dye (pictured) echoed the comments and said establishing an open dialogue with Defra early in the process had been central to planning successfully for the change.

“The message is clear that the work we have coordinated with Defra to prepare our businesses for Brexit has stood us in good stead for a future where ISPM15 could become the norm,” he said. “The industry’s investment in extending heat treatment capacity means we were ready at the start of this year and well prepared should compliance requirements be extended to apply at the borders of further destinations.”

Surman said enforcement of ISPM15 regulations in the UK is continuing with a risk-based approach, where limited resources are targeted on WPM arriving in the country from high-risk origins.

The general meeting also heard from Brent J. McClendon, President and CEO of NWPCA, who gave an update on the US pallet and packaging business as the international market has recovered. He also spoke about his organisation’s work to promote the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) awarded to pallets, as an important endorsement of the industry’s sustainability credentials.

Gareth Stace, director general of MakeUK/UK Steel, spoke to delegates about the availability and price issues affecting his sector, which he said mirrored those currently affecting the wood business. He added that even after supply and demand returned to a better balance, he expected the ongoing global situation to keep prices high.

Meanwhile, Alun Watkins, executive director of PEFC UK Ltd, gave a presentation on sustainability and certification, which includes the launch of a chain of custody logo that businesses can use to demonstrate the percentage of certified timber they use.

During the meeting, TIMCON updated its membership on its ongoing work to represent the pallet and packaging industry, which included coordinating with other industry associations, such as the Wood Panel Industries Association (WPIF) and the Wood Recyclers Association (WRC). It also advised that the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging consultation document had been released and the date for final comments is 4th June.

TIMCON, having welcomed the reduction of targets for wood from 48% to 35% for 2021/22, said it will continue to work hard in this area to promote reuse before recycling.

There were also updates on the European market and activities of the European Federation of Wooden Pallet & Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB) from TIMCON past president and FEFPEB honorary treasurer, Gil Covey; and TIMCON’s work on ISPM15, communications, and the TIMCON/NAPD pallet stacking height guide.

Kite introduces biodegradable shredded paper

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Kite Packaging, an employee-owned business, has recently added a wide range of innovative solutions to their ecommerce offering providing customers with sustainable alternatives, its latest being shredded paper.

Kite’s reusable, recyclable and biodegradable FSC and PEFC certified shredded paper is a sustainable void fill solution for not only protecting items but also as an added aesthetic, and is FSC and PEFC certified. Commonly used in boxes, hampers, gift bags, baskets and much more, its zig-zag shape ensures it works its way into every corner, filling small gaps and providing ultimate cushioning.

Available in kraft (produced from 100% recyclable materials) black and white, Kite’s smooth and uncoated 70-80gsm paper does not need fluffing up beforehand and is industrially dust-extracted, therefore reducing the dusty mess often associated with other alternatives. This high-quality alternative to many void fill solutions provides great cushioning for fragile products with good holding power.

Shortage of Cardboard Packaging Caused by e-Commerce Boom

Posted on by David Priestman

A shortage of cardboard packaging means a growing number of internet retailers are struggling to fulfil orders amidst the boom in online sales during the pandemic.

Jo Bradley, Business Development Manager for packaging solutions at Quadient (pictured above), warns that with some paper and sheet board producers rationing supply to even their biggest customers, buyers are having to pay a significant premium to secure the packaging materials they need.

“The price of corrugated cardboard (OCC) has risen from around £60 a tonne in December 2020 to about £75.50 a tonne in late January 2021,” Jo Bradley says.

“The problem,” she continues, “has been caused by the switch in consumer spending from the high street to online since the start of the Covid-19 crisis. Figures from the Office of National Statistics indicate that internet retail sales grew by 32 per cent during 2020.

With countless surveys indicating that any significant drop off in online sales is unlikely even after non-essential retailers have re-opened, demand for cardboard is set to remain high.

Jo Bradley says: “Quite simply the switch to online retailing has resulted in a substantial and sustained hike in the amount of cardboard that is needed throughout the retail supply chain so, in the short to medium term at least, packaging buyers will have to cope with the ‘double whammy’ of longer lead times and higher prices.”

Despite the rising costs and the increasing shortage of cardboard packaging, it is estimated that e-commerce sellers continue to waste in the region of 30 per cent of this increasingly precious commodity by shipping orders in vastly oversized cardboard boxes.

“It has never been more essential for retailers to reduce the amount of cardboard material that they use within their pack and despatch operation, and yet many continue to pack outbound orders in boxes that are way too big,” says Jo Bradley.

The CVP Impack and CVP Everest fit-to-size automated packaging systems from Quadient have been developed to reduce the waste associated with oversized packaging within fulfilment operations by creating perfect sized boxes for every consignment.

A single operator can construct up to 1100 bespoke packages per hour with the CVP Everest ­– typically amounting to a 30 per cent saving in cardboard across the year.

Jo Bradley adds: “The Quadient technology dramatically reduces cardboard use and, therefore, costs. With the upturn in demand for cardboard packaging forecast to be on-going and material prices set to continue their upward trajectory, the economic argument for investing in fit-to-size box making technology has never been more compelling. E-commerce retailers and their fulfilment services partners simply cannot afford not to make optimum use of their valuable cardboard resources and the best way to do this is to adopt technology that cuts down on waste.”

Toy Story for Packaging

Posted on by David Priestman

Constraints to business expansion, presented by manual packing, lead one international logistics business to invest in fast, fit-to-size automated packaging technology. Established in 2015, Global Freight Management Hersden Ltd is a highly successful international logistics business. Having at the outset secured the Warehousing and Logistics Contract for iconic toy and hobbies brand, Hornby Hobbies, the business has gone on to win a steady stream of clients across the mobile phone, sports equipment and organic food sectors.

From a 120,000 sq ft warehouse in Hersden, Kent, the global logistics services company picks, packs and despatches orders to both trade customers and direct to consumers, across the world. However in 2020, with the explosive growth of ecommerce, the management team quickly came to realise that their highly manual packing operation was a constraint on further expansion of the business.

“We were limited by the fact that there were only so many people that you could get to work in a given space, for so many hours, to pack product,” says, Will Todd, Director and part owner of Global Freight Management Hersden. “We realised that we needed to introduce a level of automation to our packing processes if we were to gain the additional capacity required to take on new clients and develop the business.”

But, for their largest client, Hornby Hobbies, the integrity and quality of the outer packaging was of critical importance, as many of their highly sought after toys and models are purchased by enthusiasts and discerning collectors that seek to retain the original product packaging in mint condition for twenty years or more. A crumpled corner or a scratch to the varnish can be a big issue.
Important considerations for the business were: Could automation deliver the precision and care needed to ensure full protection of the product? And would automation deliver the speed, throughput and productivity levels required to future proof the business?

The solution came in the form of Quadient’s CVP Impack; an advanced automated fit-to-size packaging system, capable of tailor making 500 individual cardboard packages per hour. Will Todd explains: “I read about the CVP Impack in the trade press. It sounded impressive, so I went to see one in operation and realised it was the way to go.”
At the end of July 2020 Quadient’s engineers delivered and installed a CVP Impack automated packaging system, complete with a twin feed for both 600 and 1000 mm cardboard to minimise off-cut waste – the first application of a twin feed CVP Impack in the UK. Will Todd says, “Quadient gave us a delivery date earlier than we were expecting. The machine was unloaded and installed, and within a day perfect boxes were being produced.”

Quadient’s CVP Impack is unique in that it has the potential to construct bespoke individual cardboard boxes to the exact size of an ordered item at the rate of up to of 500 boxes per hour – combining multiple items, as required.

The CVP Impack measures, constructs, tapes, weighs and labels each parcel in one seamless process. The operator simply places the item(s) to be packed onto the machine and scans the order. The system identifies the order and automatically conveys the items to a 3D scanner to measure and calculate the minimum box size required. The cardboard is then cut and folded to create a snug fit around the goods and tape is applied on just two sides to secure the box. Then an in-line scale checks the weight against the order and, finally, the box is automatically conveyed to a label printer where a carrier compliant label is created and applied. The whole process, from start to finish, takes just thirty seconds with a custom made box configured every seven seconds.
“It’s a fabulous piece of kit. It does exactly what was promised. It packs products in the most economically, environmentally friendly and protective way – at high speeds. The packages are perfect for shipping around the world,” says Will Todd.

He points out that although their key reason for investing in the CVP Impack was extra packaging capacity to expand the business, there were several other important benefits too.
“As we are shipping out every order as a box made precisely to the optimum size for the order, we are now using less cardboard – probably around 30% less – which is good from both an environmental and cost view point,” says Will Todd. “And as the boxes are right-sized, that means fewer pallets of boxes being shipped, less lorries on the road and lower emissions – which again brings cost savings.”

The CVP Impack has also freed up labour resources for other tasks, giving greater flexibility across warehouse processes – all part of the business expansion plan.
Will Todd is enthusiastic about the machine’s capabilities and the potential it offers the business. “It’s performing brilliantly. You can’t get much faster in terms of packaging performance and that gives us the capacity to take on more clients.”

More on Quadient’s fit-to-size automated packaging solutions at https://packagingbyquadient.com

Ecommerce Boxes added to Packaging Range

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Packaging company, Kite Packaging, have expanded their ecommerce offering by adding ecommerce boxes to their range. The employee-owned packaging company has a vast range of packaging perfectly suited to the ecommerce sector, available on their market leading b2b ecommerce website.

Their range of ecommerce boxes are available in 5 sizes and 100% recyclable and biodegradable, making them perfect for customers looking to improve their carbon footprint. Suitable for a wide range of items being sent out in transit, they are perfectly suited to fast paced operations due to their crash lock base design and integrated lid, making them extremely easy to erect and secure. They each have a peel-&-seal adhesive strip for a secure closure and open tear strip ensuring ease of opening for customers, making for a better experience. Aesthetically pleasing and commonly used for items such as homewares, beauty products, retail, accessories and much more. They are perfectly suited to be used in conjunction with Kites wide range of voidfill and tissue paper.

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.