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Tag: packaging

Pallet Sales Grow as Brexit Deadline Approaches

Posted on by David Priestman

EPAL UK & Ireland has reported pallet sales increases of 13 per cent in the third quarter of 2020, as businesses prepare for the final Brexit cut off on December 31. The open-loop pallet pooler manufactures and repairs all its pallets to an ISPM15-compliant standard, meaning they conform to regulations governing packaging movements that come into force on January 1 next year.

Wooden pallets and packaging that originate within the European Union are generally free to move between member states without having to meet international ISPM15 standards. However, when the UK leaves the EU, regulations state they must be heat-treated and marked as ISPM15-compliant when travelling in either direction between the UK and the EU. This means they may be subject to official checks that may delay shipments for a period immediately after Brexit.

The timber packaging and pallet industry has worked hard with industry and the UK government to build up stocks of compliant wooden pallets and packaging, expanding the country’s kilning capacity and announcing that ISPM15-marked components can be used to repair used pallets, for example. Nevertheless, EPAL’s chairman says some companies have sought out
guaranteed sources of ISPM15 compliancy such as EPAL.

Paul Davidson, Chairman of EPAL UK & Ireland, said: “We have seen a rise in demand from businesses wishing to eliminate completely the risks to their supply chains of the new regulations. When pallets are ISPM15-compliant, they are free to move through customs across Europe, and throughout the world, and won’t be the source of unnecessary details; so business have been looking for established suppliers. As EPAL pallets are kiln dried to ISPM15 specifications as standard, they automatically conform to these regulations.”

Other benefits of using EPAL pallets are that they are: safe for loads of up to 1.25 tonnes; kiln-dried, giving them extra strength and durability; and specified ‘as new’ whenever they are repaired.

Vaccine Packaging Wrapper

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Market leader in the end-of-line packaging sector and technology partner to Pfizer, Robopac will be guaranteeing the vaccine’s packaging and transport safety following its contribution to the
development of ad hoc solutions for the packaging of pharmaceutical products made by the American giant. A significant achievement for everyone, in which Robopac – once again – has
played a leading role in an industrial venture with great humanitarian importance.

The partnership between Robopac and Pfizer is based on a shared philosophy that focuses on collective interest from a global perspective, with a view to providing high-performing products
that are human-centred and environmentally conscious. In line with this approach, Ecoplat Plus is the solution adopted by Pfizer for packaging the vaccine doses due to be distributed in the USA. A wrapping turntable featuring state-of-the-art technology, it uses stretch film that guarantees advanced performance including maximum protection of the goods due to its reliability, strength, and ease of use. Not only that, the Ecoplat Plus technology also keeps film consumption down while ensuring product safety, which means a lower impact of the raw material used.

People and the environment are intrinsically linked and Robopac strivers to protect this relationship through continuous investments in innovation and technology. Demonstrating this, four TechLabs set up around the world offer a unique way of conducting research, concentrating above all on reducing the impact of plastic, and have delivered results including 60% less
consumption and full recyclability of materials.

Robopac is committed to demonstrating its belief in its role as One Global Company that offers high-performance packaging solutions throughout the world. Its particular focus on the end-of-line
equipment is backed by sensitivity to circular economy issues, resulting in a combination of technology, innovation, and sustainability.

At the same time, a widespread presence on international markets allows Robopac to fuel its untiring research and development activities following a tailor-made approach that responds to the most specific needs of each market and each customer. Responsibility and passion are the watchwords at Robopac, accompanied by an ever-growing focus on the environment as a core issue for the company.

With this in mind, Robopac is proud, once again, to be part of a process focusing on the well being of people and to see its technology as part of the fight against Covid-19 and its devastating effects worldwide.

New Packaging Process that is over 99% Plastic-Free

Posted on by David Priestman

E-commerce retailer Internet Fusion Group has created a sustainable packaging process that is over 99% plastic-free. Investments in two Quadient CVP-500 automated packaging machines and switching to Corrugated Fanfold material from Ribble Packaging, have aided with their pursuit of an environmentally sustainable right size packaging process.

To highlight the full extent of their achievements, Internet Fusion have released a report investigating the environmental effects of paper-based packaging versus plastic packaging products. The report explores the full manufacturing process of both paper and plastic packaging, through to the recyclability and long-term environmental effects once a package has reached its destination. Head of Sustainability at Internet Fusion, Adam Hall said; “Our customers are tired of plastic pollution, and we are tired of the justifications being put forward for continued plastic production in the middle of a marine plastic crisis. When you dig a little deeper these arguments simply don’t stack up, so we felt it was time to share the decision-making process that has led us to our packaging being over 99% plastic-free. Our customers choose us because of our environmental efforts and in turn, we choose Ribble for the same reasons – it’s partnerships such as these that can shift a whole industry towards a more sustainable future.”

Right Size packaging specialists Ribble Packaging supply Internet Fusion with over 75% of their packaging material in the form of Corrugated Fanfold board, a versatile fully recycled and recyclable cardboard product that feeds many of the leading automated packaging systems in the UK.

Stephen Rector, Managing Director of Ribble Packaging, commented on Internet Fusion’s success: “It is fantastic to see that Ribble products are helping our customers in creating more environmentally sustainable packaging processes. We also see the need to improve our in-house operations to make them more sustainable.”

Earlier this year, Ribble embarked on a project to make their operations carbon neutral. Stephen added; “We understand the need to focus on the effects our manufacturing process has on the environment, this has led to us embarking on a carbon-neutral project that will see us embrace new sustainable technologies and practices. Our products allow customers to create a more sustainable packaging process, but we can enhance these benefits by offering a carbon-neutral manufacturing process as well.”

New Packaging Process that is over 99% Plastic-Free

Posted on by David Priestman

E-commerce retailer Internet Fusion Group has created a sustainable packaging process that is over 99% plastic-free. Investments in two Quadient CVP-500 automated packaging machines and switching to Corrugated Fanfold material from Ribble Packaging, have aided with their pursuit of an environmentally sustainable right size packaging process.

To highlight the full extent of their achievements, Internet Fusion have released a report investigating the environmental effects of paper-based packaging versus plastic packaging products. The report explores the full manufacturing process of both paper and plastic packaging, through to the recyclability and long-term environmental effects once a package has reached its destination. Head of Sustainability at Internet Fusion, Adam Hall said; “Our customers are tired of plastic pollution, and we are tired of the justifications being put forward for continued plastic production in the middle of a marine plastic crisis. When you dig a little deeper these arguments simply don’t stack up, so we felt it was time to share the decision-making process that has led us to our packaging being over 99% plastic-free. Our customers choose us because of our environmental efforts and in turn, we choose Ribble for the same reasons – it’s partnerships such as these that can shift a whole industry towards a more sustainable future.”

Right Size packaging specialists Ribble Packaging supply Internet Fusion with over 75% of their packaging material in the form of Corrugated Fanfold board, a versatile fully recycled and recyclable cardboard product that feeds many of the leading automated packaging systems in the UK.

Stephen Rector, Managing Director of Ribble Packaging, commented on Internet Fusion’s success: “It is fantastic to see that Ribble products are helping our customers in creating more environmentally sustainable packaging processes. We also see the need to improve our in-house operations to make them more sustainable.”

Earlier this year, Ribble embarked on a project to make their operations carbon neutral. Stephen added; “We understand the need to focus on the effects our manufacturing process has on the environment, this has led to us embarking on a carbon-neutral project that will see us embrace new sustainable technologies and practices. Our products allow customers to create a more sustainable packaging process, but we can enhance these benefits by offering a carbon-neutral manufacturing process as well.”

Packaging Firm wins ‘Supply Chain Solution of the year’

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The employee-owned packaging business, Kite Packaging has 7 sites located across the UK with a team of dedicated in-house specialists in the fields of load retention, in-the-box, packaging technologists and aerospace and automotive packaging design engineers. Kite’s packaging specialists are supported by best-in-class technology, systems, design capability and their Mobile Testing facility Unit – home to some of the industries leading technology and testing equipment.

This was the first year the employee-owned business entered the prestigious UK Packaging Awards. Entering 5 submissions, 4 of which were shortlisted, was a great achievement. The announcement that Kite are winners in the supply chain solution of the year category, was a fantastic success for the whole team.

The winning solution was a complete packaging re-design for a leading manufacturer of cookers, kitchen appliances and interior furnishings. The client approached Kite as their existing packaging did not sit correct with their philosophy, was taking too long to pack and was not actually doing the job it was meant to – protecting their items.

The packaging technologists worked together with the in house specialist divisions and came up with a packaging solution that not only gave them a re-usable, highly protective solution, but achieved the following great results :- reduced packaging weight, damages, plastic content, cost, packing time and packing space.

Packaging Firm wins ‘Supply Chain Solution of the year’

Posted on by David Priestman

The employee-owned packaging business, Kite Packaging has 7 sites located across the UK with a team of dedicated in-house specialists in the fields of load retention, in-the-box, packaging technologists and aerospace and automotive packaging design engineers. Kite’s packaging specialists are supported by best-in-class technology, systems, design capability and their Mobile Testing facility Unit – home to some of the industries leading technology and testing equipment.

This was the first year the employee-owned business entered the prestigious UK Packaging Awards. Entering 5 submissions, 4 of which were shortlisted, was a great achievement. The announcement that Kite are winners in the supply chain solution of the year category, was a fantastic success for the whole team.

The winning solution was a complete packaging re-design for a leading manufacturer of cookers, kitchen appliances and interior furnishings. The client approached Kite as their existing packaging did not sit correct with their philosophy, was taking too long to pack and was not actually doing the job it was meant to – protecting their items.

The packaging technologists worked together with the in house specialist divisions and came up with a packaging solution that not only gave them a re-usable, highly protective solution, but achieved the following great results :- reduced packaging weight, damages, plastic content, cost, packing time and packing space.

Scott Technology Announces Partnership Savoye

Posted on by David Priestman

Automation and robotics solutions provider Scott Technology Limited has announced the signing of a global partnership with Savoye, one of the world’s leading high-speed storage and retrieval system organisation, as a further signal of Scott’s commitment to offering leading technology in its chosen fields of expertise.

The relationship will allow Scott to expand its material handling and logistics systems to include the critical component of automated carton storage and retrieval technology. This will seamlessly integrate with Scott’s own conveying, sorting and palletising applications and enables the company to offer a true end-to-end solution.

Scott CEO John Kippenberger, said: “The material handling and logistics business is already an important part of the Scott global Group. This has largely been focused on Europe given the successful legacy of the Alvey business which Scott acquired in 2018. We are excited about taking this existing carton handling and palletising technology to meat processors, general frozen food manufacturers in several global markets – most notably the United States – and believe the addition of the Savoye technology serves to strengthen this offer.”

The partnership will expand the global reach and harness the natural strengths of both companies. Scott and Savoye have extensive networks of global customers, facilities in multiple countries and a combined history of over 160 years in business.

Savoye Director for Partnerships Hervé Aubert, said: “Savoye is very pleased to enter into this global partnership with Scott which will enable the integration of Savoye’s X-PTS® solution in a market sector where Scott is a strong and renowned player. The combination of Scott’s experience in end-of-line solutions with Savoye’s shuttle based X-PTS® storage solution will enable Scott to propose a comprehensive solution for food applications”.

Both companies have focused efforts on opportunities within the U.S. market, and this strategic alignment will help realise these.
Savoye North America Director Paul Deveikis, said: “We’re glad to enter this partnership where Scott’s and Savoye’s U.S. teams will develop a common solution for U.S. food companies. Savoye North America will be able to accompany and support Scott through our shuttle manufacturing facilities (Aurora Illinois) and integration teams based in the U.S.”.
Scott and Savoye are already well advanced on two large project opportunities, one in Australasia and the other in the United States. https://www.scottautomation.com/news/announcements/scott-announces-strategic-partnership-with-savoye/

Supply Chain Pallet Movements for Customers

Posted on by David Priestman

James Jones & Sons (Pallets and Packaging) Ltd (JJPPL) has announced that its sites are some of the first in the country to achieve accreditation to repair wooden pallets and packaging using ISPM15 components, after the government approved measures to build up stocks of ISPM15-compliant pallets in the lead up to the end of the Brexit transition period.

Under the ‘easement’ and ‘exemption’ measures, accredited businesses can repair, respectively, white pallets and pool pallets with heat-treated ISPM15 boards and blocks. It avoids the need to completely re-treat a pallet after a repair, as usually required under the UK Wood Packaging Material Marking Programme.

The company says its Stretton site is the first in the country to be accredited under the exemption provisions, with its Golborne and Greetham sites also being approved under the easement provisions. It is also in the process of accrediting its sites in Wrexham, Workington and Gateshead. In addition to gaining accreditation at its own sites, the company has also been working closely with several of its customers, lending its expertise in this area to assist them by developing processes and procedures for also gaining accreditation.

Gil Covey, JJPPL Chairman said: “With the Brexit transition period ending on December 31, demand for ISPM15 wooden pallets and packaging has increased significantly. Accordingly, we have moved quickly to ensure we increase our capacity to supply businesses with the maximum possible number of compliant pallets and packaging before and after the deadline.”

Fast Pack Solution for Fastest-growing Sector

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The latest machine from Sitma is called ‘Fast Pack’. A high-performing and flexible solution for e-commerce businesses, it’s the product of the company’s fifty years of experience in the packaging industry and expertise in logistics. These two strengths have led not only to Fast Pack’s development, but to an entire portfolio of e-commerce applications for packaging a wide range of goods: from industries like cosmetics and personal care, to clothing, electronics, books, music and media.

Quick and flexible, for constantly changing needs
Fast Pack adopts the same characteristics that have made Sitma a brand leader in machine and system design for the logistics industry. This includes first, its flexibility, meaning it can consecutively prepare packages of various shapes and sizes while working at different speeds, reaching up to 3,500 packages per hour. The machine concept is modular and can be programmed to best suit the line’s layout and the client’s production needs. Fast Pack also handles varying shapes and sizes, measuring the product beforehand to create customized packages. These characteristics make it an ideal solution for fulfillment in the growth-heavy e-commerce industry, where package form and dimensions often vary widely.

Like all machines and systems in the Sitma line-up, Fast Pack is the product of a design philosophy devoted to sustainability. It allows for use of innovative materials with a reduced environmental impact in place of traditional plastic films for packaging, such as paper (from 60 gsm to 150 gsm) or different types of biofilm. The ability to create tailor-made packages also guarantees two advantages: on the one hand, the packaging material is optimized, reducing the amount of product that then has to be disposed of by the end user, and on the other hand, it facilitates transport in later phases of the supply chain, limiting ’empty transport journeys’ as much as possible and optimizing the load of transport vehicles in order to sensibly reduce their carbon footprint.

The new frontier of traceability
Another added value for the line is the option to include an innovative family of accessory units for managing complex data. These integrate and expand the possibilities offered by consolidated technology such as in-line printers and labelers. Sitma has implemented a hardware and software system that allows information tracking when managing e-commerce orders throughout the entire distribution chain, ensuring it is unique and interconnected.

In the preliminary phases, product data is collected and then analyzed, linked and further enhanced. Each product, which includes the package and its content, is assigned a distinct ID number, which is then tracked and traced throughout the whole process. The technology Sitma uses is engineered to be perfectly integrated with the client’s WCS and databases, thereby enhancing the already existing information by adding the possibility to carry out a further data control. All of this ensures greater effectiveness and minimizes the possibility of errors, waste and reworkings.

A family of systems suited to every need in the e-commerce industry
This offer perfectly satisfies the needs of Industry 4.0, which doesn’t stop at the packaging phase. The end-of-line proposal is also highly flexible and automated. It can include integration with weighing and labelling systems, or installation of digital in-line printers for printing transportation information or other details directly on the package. As for the packaging phase, in addition to Fast Pack, Sitma’s line-up of solutions dedicated to e-commerce includes: Quick Pack, Thick Pack and e-Wrap. For more information visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VEo6tnH-0U

The benefits of pallet wrap and pallet wrap systems

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Often the hub of many businesses, warehouses commonly see an increase in activity at this time of year. To support operations, Kite Packaging takes a brief look at some of the benefits of pallet wrap and pallet wrap systems and remind businesses of the importance of applying and using pallet wrap correctly. Not only do Kite have a vast range of solutions, they also have specialist pallet wrap engineers that are on hand to offer support and advice and have access to manual pull plate tests, electronic force/puncture tests and technology lab testing.

Some key benefits of using pallet wrap and pallet wrap systems

  • Secure palletised products during transit
  • Protection from dust, dirt, and moisture
  • Prevent damage to goods
  • Improving pallet stability
  • Reduce the risk of injury
  • Increase efficiency and speed
  • Reduce waste
  • Save money
  • Support towards best practice and quality
  • Prevent accidents during transportation and storage

Kite Packaging has released a number of new innovations this year, including a new protective face visor for the NHS which took a week to devise, design and supply 10,000 units to the NHS, and insulated box liners to its thermal range.

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