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Tag: packaging

Packaging company expands to Yorkshire site

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Reusable packaging specialist Tosca has finalised a new 10-year lease from Onward Holdings Ltd, doubling the company’s warehousing capacity at the Yorkshire, UK site. The deal combines two 30,000 sq ft units on the Green Lane Industrial Park in Featherstone.

Tosca, a global leader in reusable plastic packaging and performance pooling solutions with a portfolio including crates, pallets, bulk containers, and more, acquired a warehouse at the location around eight years ago shortly after the facility was built. Tosca acted quickly when the unit next door became available as it coincided with the business’s expansion strategy for the region.

Onward Holdings’ continuing investment in sites in Yorkshire for commercial property development has sustained economic activity in the area. Featherstone is a sought-after supply chain location only a short distance from the major motorway infrastructure of the M62, M1 and A1M and is within easy reach of the northern container ports.

The industrial estate benefits from excellent distribution connections and is also close to the railway freight network via the nearby Wakefield Europort. According to Onward Holdings around 80% of the UK’s population is accessible in four hours, making the site ideal for bulk distribution items.

Yorkshire is “important geographic area”

Steve Raybould, Tosca’s Operations Director UK & Ireland, says: “The signing of a new and extended lease with Onward at the Featherstone site builds on our existing relationship with Onward and makes an important commitment to support our UK business for the long term, with the enlarged footprint giving us additional capacity in this important geographic area.”

Onward director, Neil Storey, added: “Tosca is a long-standing client and has been operating out of Featherstone for many years. They had first bite of the cherry when next door became available and agreed a new lease on the whole site.”

Along with logistics facilities for storage and distributing across Yorkshire, Onward Holdings also supplies value-added services, including 3PL managed warehousing, Pallet Storage, Container Emptying, Order Picking and Reworking – all controlled by its Managed Warehouse System. Suitable for both durable cargo and ambient food storage, long and short-term leases are available.

Operating high quality industrial warehousing, Onward Holdings’ sites include Castleford, Doncaster, Ackworth and Scunthorpe. The company also built Onyx Retail Park, the successful shopping and eating destination on the former Manvers colliery in South Yorkshire.

 

Plastic – an advantage in winter conditions

Posted on by David Priestman

Construction work in cold, ice and snow – the winter months are a great challenge for the building and civil engineering sector. Advances in technology as well as the development of new materials and products mean that construction sites can now run smoothly almost without interruptions, even during the winter months.

With more than 60 years of know-how in plastics processing, the Craemer Group is actively contributing to this trend with its range of high-quality products made from injection moulding. For the construction sector, the family-owned company offers a robust range of pallets, boxes and containers made of pure polyethylene (PE). All products are easy to handle, load and fill, empty and clean.

Craemer, a leading manufacturer of durable and sustainable load carriers and containers made of robust plastic, benefits from decades of experience and its own modern technical centre at the group’s headquarters in Herzebrock-Clarholz, Germany. In this centre, research and development, design and tool making are closely interconnected – together they form the cradle for innovations.

This is the hub where new products are developed and already existing products are further improved, while practical trials are performed to determine their suitability for use, various areas of application and different framework conditions. This is also the place where cross-site teams deal with interdisciplinary approaches and sustainable solutions, using alternative materials and combinations of plastic and metal.

International presence – interdisciplinary expertise

Thanks to its international presence, a network of sales partners and close customer contacts, Craemer says it is able to anticipate and pick up market requirements and trends at an early stage. This permits the group to quickly develop solutions and implement them in innovative products and processes across various sectors of industry. In the plastics business area, this comprises pallets and pallet boxes, skips, tubs and buckets, bins and universal containers for the building and civil engineering sector.

The construction industry also benefits from Craemer’s many years of interdisciplinary experience and expertise with a wide range of materials, as well as from continuous investments in new technologies.

The construction industry is one of the most crucial economic drivers. Due to many upstream and downstream branches of industry, numerous application fields and fast processes typical for construction sites, this sector is characterised by a high turnover of materials and a large amount of transport. Robust, handy and durable items for transport and storage are therefore indispensable for ensuring smoothly running processes.

Plastic: hard-wearing and durable

As a developer and manufacturer of high-quality plastic containers for storage and transport, Craemer knows the requirements of the industry and has optimised its product range for construction works to match these. Whether sun, rain, ice or snow, in freezing and hot temperatures: With the robust and durable Craemer portfolio, the construction industry is always well prepared for every season.

Plastic products from Craemer, i. e. pallets and containers made of high-quality polyethylene (PE), are absolutely weatherproof and break-resistant – even after years of intensive use.

Compared to other materials, plastic also offers many advantages for outdoor use. Craemer has bundled these advantages in the PE portfolio for building and civil engineering. The relevant products impress with their high resistance and durability as well as their long service life – thanks to single-mould production and their stable construction. Due to the thick-walled products, the entire portfolio is highly shockproof and impact-resistant. The low weight makes daily handling considerably easier. And what’s more: the seamless manufacturing process and the smooth surfaces of the plastic products ensure easy emptying, cleaning and drying.

Craemer’s ready mortar skip

Craemer says its ready mortar skip (FMK) is the number 1 in construction. Specially developed for transporting ready mortar, this skip is incomparably impact-resistant and optimised for the tough everyday work on building sites. Massive wear ribs prevent the floor from chafing. The robust D-SMK skip for thin-bed and silo mortar is the ideal complement to the ready mortar skip.

Just like the FMK, the D-SMK has sturdy brackets and handles and a high load-bearing capacity. Provided that it is properly used and regularly maintained, the TÜV certifies a safe service life of five years for both craneable skips.

In addition to the classic FMK ready mortar skip and the D-SMK mortar tub, Craemer also offers mortar boxes, construction buckets, pallet boxes, storage containers such as stack & nest boxes and stack & nest containers for space-saving transport, universal containers for safe storage or round containers for mixing and blending with different capacities for the construction industry. Beyond that, there are various pallets for light or heavy loads.

Suitable for use in coldest winter

All products can be used for different trades and convince through high wall thickness and breaking resistance. They are all temperature-resistant from Arctic chill of up to -30°C to scorching heat of +40°C, with short-term heat resistance of up to +90°C, so that they can be used in every season. Due to their extreme temperature resistance, they remain dimensionally stable and reliable – day in, day out… in any weather.

Dedicated fields for prints on the products provide space for individually stamped logos, lettering or numbering. In addition to the standard colours, they are also available in special colours on request.

Craemer’s weather-resistant construction portfolio has been tried and tested for safety and durability. On top of economical aspects, the plastic products are also sustainable thanks to their recyclability.

CMC Machinery rebrands to CMC Packaging Automation

Posted on by Keith McKinley

CMC Packaging Automation, a global leader in right-sized packaging technology, has a new brand, logo, and website. Formerly known as CMC Machinery, the new brand reflects CMC’s focus on innovation and will support the company’s global expansion.

To meet the demands of the global logistics and e-commerce market, CMC pioneers solutions for right- sized packaging. Grounded in its approach to innovation and partnership, the company says it is shaping the future of packaging automation. Every solution has a positive environmental impact, with cost-saving, climate-conscious packaging that is helping e-commerce and logistics industry giants reach their sustainability goals without compromising on quality.

With a proven track record of efficiency and global recognition as a leader in its sector, in November 2020 CMC became a portfolio company of KKR’s Global Impact strategy – powering greater innovation with sustainable technology. CMC Packaging Automation is also part of the Amazon Climate Pledge Fund, a US$2bn venture investment programme supporting the development of sustainable technologies and services.

The e-commerce industry, CMC’s core client base, is currently facing new challenges to packaging. EU policy makers are increasingly scrutinising the industry, with plans to unveil new legislation that will limit packaging sizes and the amount of “empty space” allowed in boxes being shipped. CMC technology helps to reduce the cubic volume of each box by 40% on average and eliminate the use of plastic air pillows.

CMC connects past, present and future

Commenting on this important milestone, Francesco Ponti, Chief Executive Officer of CMC, said: “I am proud to reveal our new brand name – CMC Packaging Automation – as well as our new logo and website. We refreshed the brand to support our next phase of growth while keeping a connection to the passion and quality which for over 40 years has made CMC an industry leader. Connecting the past, present and future is our commitment to innovation to solve critical challenges for our clients. Now more than ever sustainability is paramount, especially reducing waste and their climate impact.

Pedro Ramos, Principal in KKR’s Global Impact team in EMEA, said: “We share the vision of the Ponti family and its team to create the future of packaging and e-commerce at a time when global retailers are increasingly focused on reducing their environmental footprint. CMC’s solutions ensure sustainability is embedded from pick to pack, with a commitment to enabling a zero-waste future through innovation. With its refreshed brand, CMC is now better positioned to grow and deepen its partnerships with leading retailers, logistics and e-commerce companies.”

From family-run business to global enterprise, the business is now present in 25 countries across five subsidiaries. Headquartered in the heart of the Umbria region, CMC provides world-class automation solutions and service to a global network of over 600 clients. With over 40 years of homegrown experience and 3000 systems globally, CMC produces over 10 million boxes a year.

 

Food logistics must evolve in 2023

Posted on by David Priestman

Paul Empson, GM of bakery and food equipment company Bakers Basco, shares his reflections and predictions for the year ahead – and why the environmental fight against plastic waste must be a top priority.

From rising inflation to soaring energy and fuel prices, 2022 has been challenging for almost every business operating in the food and logistics industry; the crunch being felt by all parties across the supply chain – from source to shelf to shoppers.

Supply chain issues continue to dominate the news agenda – the latest pointing to a shortage of eggs in the run up to Christmas as the poultry industry grapples with spiralling costs and a bout of bird flu. If there’s one word to sum up the biggest challenge of 2022, it’s cost. It’s an issue faced by all corners of the food industry, including the baking sector.

In 2022, the baking industry has faced formidable challenges related to the supply chain, workforce development, rising inflation and costs of flour and energy – all compounded by the conflict in Ukraine and the continued fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic. Has the industry overcome it? Not fully – but yes, in the sense that they have continued and continue to operate and provide daily bread to homes across the country.

But as with everything, it comes at a cost – a cost to the bakers, the supermarkets and the suppliers working behind the scenes to manage efficient logistics to transport the goods.

Food logistics industry predictions

At the beginning of the year, I made three predictions for the food logistics industry: that plastic prices would plateau, that more HGV drivers would enter the pool; and that the government would clamp down on illegal recycling as part of its commitment to build towards a greener future, and reach net zero by 2050.

Encouragingly, the material costs and availability of virgin material has improved slightly during the latter stages of the year, which has eased the plastic supply chain to a degree. Uncertainty has relaxed to some extent which has been a great relief for those producing and procuring plastic trays. On the HGV driver front, various actions have been taken to try and address the shortage and its impact on supply chains – with recent reports stating that the number of HGV drivers is stabilising. Two out of three ain’t bad, right?

Unfortunately, where we continue to fall short is in the fight against plastic waste – and this must be a top priority now, in 2023 and beyond. The environment is an issue that continues to be front of everybody’s mind and it’s no different for us at Bakers Basco. Plastic waste must be reduced and we must continue investigations to maintain a healthy circular economy.

We’ve long talked about the benefits of a circular economy, promoting environmental policies to reuse and recycle, and ensuring that every product is as sustainable as possible. Plastic returnable transit packaging (RTP) like our Omega bread basket was designed from  virgin plastic as a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution for bakeries to deliver bread and other baked goods across the UK. It’s sturdy, reusable and it’s recycled once it reaches its 12-year life span – contributing in a positive way to the circular economy.

Impact of theft

But there’s a darker side of the plastics industry being overlooked that is preventing any progress towards a healthier circular economy – and officials are still turning a blind eye to it. The Government wants all plastic packaging to be reusable by 2025. For us and many businesses like ours, we’ve already got a reusable plastic packaging solution that we’ve been using for many years. We’re trying to contribute positively to the circular economy. Yet it’s not 100% working and that’s because people are stealing the equipment and illegally grinding up the plastic, taking it out of the circular economy. What’s more, after this process has taken place, it’s going back to legal companies in the UK – whether they know it or not.

As a business, Bakers Basco has continued to go from strength to strength on our quest to repatriate as much equipment as possible – making great strides in getting the message to businesses outside of the baking, food, logistics and recycling industries. For example, we’ve engaged with the Association of Festival Organisers (AFO) which has enabled us to secure quantities of equipment from Glastonbury (a new source for us) and connect with key individuals who have the power to support change.

We will continue to broaden our horizons in 2023 in terms of which channels we investigate, continuing this expansion to connect with areas and sectors that we previously have not. And we intend on opening up further areas in different settings to repatriate our equipment, all in line with our efforts to hammer home the message that bread baskets belong to a supply chain and that they belong to Bakers Basco and its membership.

Help save the planet

The recent COP27 has served as a reminder to us all that climate change needs to remain on the global agenda. Consumers are becoming more and more aware about how the actions they take today can build towards a better future for the planet. We ourselves have seen an increase in members of the public having greater awareness of the negative environmental impact caused by equipment ending up outside the supply chain – and informing our investigations team of misplaced equipment found where it shouldn’t be.

It shows that the message is getting through and reaching a wider audience – but we mustn’t forget that it’s an imperative for businesses and governments too to put plastic waste and waste crime back on the agenda. Cracking down on rogue carriers of waste is an area that’s very close to Bakers Basco’s heart; this is absolutely the source in which illegal recyclers are getting away with unlawfully collecting our plastic bread baskets and dollies, then selling them on to rogue recyclers and gaining huge profits – at the expense of others. We need more enforcement in the UK to catch the rogue carriers who are dealing with waste – or perceived waste – in an unlawful manner.

With the right enforcement, it will not only help curb theft and support those businesses and industries who suffer as a result of stolen or missing equipment, but it could also help to save the planet. And that’s the only trend that we really need to see happen in 2023.

 

Meeting the demand for sustainable e-commerce packaging

Posted on by David Priestman

Packaging machinery specialist Hugo Beck is seeing a strong demand for its servo X e-com range. The combination of high speeds, ease of operation, optimised machine accessibility and the flexibility in processing a variety of film types, together with the ability to minimise material usage make it a firm favourite with e-commerce, mail order and logistics customers.

Whether dealing with the direct dispatch of individual goods, packing multi-pack products, or meeting the complex requirements of returned goods packaging, the servo X e-com 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. As an addition, the servo X e-com fit model also adjusts the bag size to the product’s width, to support the precise fitting of shipping bags.

Meeting the shift in demand for sustainable film packaging, the servo X e-com is capable of processing a diverse 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% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) material.

“With sustainability now a key driver in the packaging industry, manufacturers in the e-commerce sector are looking for reliable film packaging systems which can optimise the efficiency of their operations and thereby save on resources,” says Timo Kollmann, Managing Director of Hugo Beck.

Various types of packaging

“At Hugo Beck, we realise that with certain applications, film packaging remains the best material of choice – hence why we wanted to make sure the servo X e-com can handle various film types including recycled content film. As more customers seek out alternative materials, at Hugo Beck this switch has never been easier. Films with a high percentage of recycled material can still be processed just as efficiently, making it simple for those looking to alternate between different film types without complication. This, combined with our paper packaging machines, ensures e-commerce customers have access to high-functioning, sustainable automated packaging solutions.”

Another valued feature is the servo X e-com machines’ outstanding accessibility and ease of operation. As packers only have a short window of time to fill packages with individual or multiple products, it is vital that each manoeuvre is executed precisely. High efficiency is achieved through the servo X e-com’s built-in scanner with a controller for product detection and creation of a shipping label, which is continuously dispensed directly onto the film without an external applicator, whilst maintaining high speeds. This labeller is movable, along with other easily accessible machine parts.

At the same time, the servo X e-com packaging machines include the option to add an easy-opening perforation to the bags as well as inserting a double-sided adhesive tape for resealing a bag for returns as well as adding a carry handle.

Additionally, the servo X e-com is industry 4.0 ready and syncs seamlessly with ERP or control systems enabling the easy integration within a production line. As an option, it can be supplied with the Hugo Beck Cockpit software which monitors and analyses the machine’s performance and operating data.

Handling the entire bagging process in one unit, from barcode scanning to product measurement, bagging and sealing, to application of corresponding shipping labels, the servo X e-com range is ideally equipped to provide secure but appealing shipping bags that are ideal for the fast-paced e-commerce industry.

 

Parksons Packaging makes senior appointment

Posted on by David Priestman

Parksons Packaging, a leading folding carton group of companies, headquartered in India, has appointed Malcolm Farnan as Executive Vice President of Global Marketing. Based in the UK, Farnan will be responsible for global sales force operations, strategy, product & category marketing, and innovation & design for Parksons.

Farnan has a wealth of experience in value-added packaging along with a global understanding and customer insight of branded consumer, healthcare & specialty sectors. He was previously working as senior vice president of global sales & marketing at Multi Packaging Solutions (part of the WestRock packaging group). He has also worked in senior sales & marketing roles with Netherlands- based Clondalkin packaging group.

Farnan is a veteran of the packaging business, and has led several initiatives including business development with key end users in consumer and healthcare markets, sales force effectiveness and establishment of multiple CRM platforms, design hubs and innovation resources. He also has significant operating experience in the APAC, North American and European regions.

A Fellow of the UK Chartered Institute of Marketing, he holds a degree in Business Management and an MBA in Strategic Marketing. He has also completed his post graduate Diplomas in both Management Systems and International Marketing.

Siddharth Kejriwal, Chief Executive Officer of Parksons Packaging, said: “We are delighted to welcome Malcolm to our senior management team. We have known Malcolm for several years and believe that his knowledge and inputs will drive the growth of the Parksons Packaging business globally. Malcolm’s experience in developing appropriate strategies and resources will be of huge benefit to Parksons and to our customers.”

Supply chain challenges in the luxury goods market

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Following the pandemic-related slump in 2020, the luxury goods industry has regained its former strength. The global market for personal luxury goods, which includes luxury fashion, decorative luxury items such as jewellery, watches and writing instruments, and beauty items, reached a value of €310bn this year and all indications are for further growth. According to current estimates, the market will grow to €480bn by 2030.

Increasing customer demand and current global uncertainties have made supply chain management a strategic core function, which poses major challenges for luxury brands. This is one of the conclusions from the recent study “Personal luxury: Supply Chain challenges & how to prepare for the future”, developed by Arvato Supply Chain Solutions in cooperation with the international strategy consultancy Roland Berger.

“The market for personal luxury goods offers significant opportunities for growth,” explains Julia Boers, President of Consumer Products at Arvato Supply Chain Solutions. “We commissioned Roland Berger to conduct a study to learn more about current and future developments and obtain detailed information about the market in which we already serve clients.”

The strategy consulting experts analysed the European and American luxury markets intensively. “Important industry experts from different areas were also interviewed, individually speaking to current market developments and their effects on supply chain management,” says Dr. Richard Federowski, Partner Consumer Goods and Retail at Roland Berger.

Four key trends were identified that will have massive impacts on the market for personal luxury goods until 2030. One of them is the emergence of a younger buyer group who holds higher expectations from luxury brands – they not only expect a unique and consistent customer experience through all touchpoints, but also react very sensitively to issues surrounding sustainability. There is also a revelation that selling standardised products worldwide will no longer suffice; local product collections will be expected. This will lead to greater complexity in products.

In addition to stationary trade, omnichannel commerce – the combination of online and offline channels – has become an important growth engine for luxury brands. Buyers demand seamless interactions between the channels coupled with the ability to contact the brand directly online. With the move to increased online sales, expectations for short delivery times and highly flexible shipping options are also increasing.

The fourth emerging factor is new market uncertainties which luxury brands must navigate. Geopolitical and pandemic crises have already led to instabilities in the business environment, and these have had a strong impact on sales processes in various regions or have put a strain on existing logistical processes.

Turning challenges into opportunities

“These complex and multidimensional developments pose major challenges for luxury brands and retailers,” explains Abbas Tolouee, who worked on the study as a senior consultant at Arvato Supply Chain Solutions. “We have identified four critical points that companies must turn into factors of success in order to remain competitive in the long term.”

Luxury brands and retailers face the challenge of offering a luxurious customer experience embodying the brand’s DNA across increasing numbers of sales channels – from initial customer contact, through order placement and including after-sales service. They must have control over all customer touchpoints within the supply chain, which is only possible when there is end-to-end integration of all IT systems and corresponding interfaces. Particularly an online shop must have real-time product availability, provide order status information, and offer several shipping options.

Additionally, speed and punctuality in last mile delivery are essential. The second challenge is inventory management across different regions and channels. To accomplish this, luxury brands and retailers must synchronise all data in real time and invest in intelligent inventory optimisation technologies and forecasting tools to anticipate demand, plan supply and detect fraud.

To get a handle on rising operating costs, luxury goods manufacturers should increase their operational efficiencies through automation and digitalisation. Warehouse services solutions should include a cloud-based IT infrastructure with fully integrated and automated supply chain processes that ensure high operational efficiency. This also ensures that errors and product losses are minimised, and inventory control is optimised. Transparency surrounding the CO2 footprint is also extremely important, especially for the younger target group. It is not enough to know the origin of the product and to measure its impact on the environment. Companies must monitor sustainability throughout the entire supply chain and define a company-wide framework to meet the expectations of their customers.

“This is where partnerships with experienced logistics service providers such as Arvato Supply Chain Solutions offer an advantage,” explains Tolouee. “We not only support our clients in developing holistic sustainability concepts for transport, packaging and storage optimisation, but we also offer a number of practical solutions which we have already developed to assist our clients in mastering these challenges.” Those solutions also form part of the study, and selected examples are reviewed in depth.

CLICK HERE to read the complete study: “Personal luxury: Supply Chain challenges & how to prepare for the future”.

Goplasticpallets.com makes key senior appointment

Posted on by David Priestman

Goplasticpallets.com, the responsible plastic pallet company, has made a key senior appointment to help facilitate the next chapter of the organisation’s growth. Lee Denyer has joined the company as Finance Director.

In this newly created role, Denyer’s remit will encompass all financial aspects of company strategy, monitoring business performance, optimising existing processes and developing new ones. He arrives at goplasticpallets.com after spending 12 years at aerospace and defence giant L3Harris, where he most recently held the role of Head of Finance. Earlier in his career, Denyer enjoyed spells at food manufacturer Kate’s Cakes, as well as Parker Hannifin, a global leader in motion and control technologies.

Denyer completes a strong senior leadership team – spearheaded by Managing Director Jim Hardisty – who will focus on overseeing goplasticpallets.com’s future development plans, which includes adding to its existing portfolio of innovative and sustainable products. The company already supports a number of household names across multiple sectors – including retail, food and agriculture, automotive and pharmaceuticals – whilst also working closely with supply chain and automation professionals to increase efficiencies.

Commenting on the appointment, Hardisty said: “We are thrilled to add someone of Lee’s calibre and experience to our senior management team. After a period of sustained growth, we have a number of exciting plans in place that will push the business forward even further. Lee will play a fundamental role in helping us to achieve our goals as we embark on the next chapter of goplasticpallets.com’s journey.”

Denyer said: “This is a fantastic time to be joining the talented team at goplasticpallets.com. I will be responsible for ensuring the company is in the best position possible to take advantage of new opportunities and that our internal processes and systems match our ambitious growth plans. I cannot wait to get started and make a positive impact across the business.”

 

Pharma container available for demonstration

Posted on by David Priestman

Tower Cold Chain’s latest product for smaller pharmaceutical shipments, the KTEvolution container offering protection, security, and visibility in a small box, is now available for demonstration globally, at the company’s Centres of Excellence in the EMEA, APAC and Americas regions.

The KTEvolution is the most recent addition to the temperature-controlled specialist’s product range and is available in 26-litre and 57-litre options, offering a new lightweight and cost-effective solution for the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Demonstrations will be held at Tower’s three Centres of Excellence in Reading (UK), Philadelphia (US) and Singapore where customers and prospects can gain tangible insights and observe the KTE’s benefits and features in real-time.

Hosted by Tower’s sales team, customers will have unmediated access to experts during the demonstration process and can ask detailed questions to help inform purchase decisions. Upon request, customers can also book a demonstration at their own location, where a Tower Cold Chain sales representative can organise a suitable date and time for customers within one working day.

This complementary offer comes after the KTEvolution’s successful debut at LogiPharma and CPHI Frankfurt in 2022.

Niall Balfour, CEO, Tower Cold Chain, says: “We have seen a significant interest following this year’s exhibition season, after showcasing the KTEvolution for the first time. The KTEvolution fills a gap in the cold chain market and provides a more compact, light-weight option that we feel many industries, customers and patients will be able to benefit from.

“We have found in-person demonstrations to be far more beneficial to our customers as they allow for a more in-depth insight into Tower’s products. We are delighted to be able to offer this service for the KTEvolution.”

The reduced weight and easy-to-handle nature of the KTEvolution makes it an ideal option for smaller shipments such as direct-to-patient, samples shipment, and last-mile deliveries.

The KTEvolution range will be available across a full temperature range, capable of transporting pharmaceuticals, life-science, and biotech products that require an internal temperature of -80°C, -60°C, -20°C, +5°C, +20°C and can provide 120+ hours of insulation without requiring any external power source or intervention.

Case study: efficient labelling for packages

Posted on by David Priestman

Etra Oy wanted to optimise labelling in its huge logistical centre in Finland, specifically for packages of bolts and screws it offers in all available sizes. Its huge stock of pre-printed labels kept growing along with its offering, and increased labelling efficiency became a necessity. In response, Brady helped Etra to optimise a huge stock of pre-printed labels.

Integrated high volume full colour label printer

Brady proposed the VP750 Label Printer that can quickly print huge volumes of high definition full-colour paper labels. The capabilities of the printer enable many on-site package label design options, both to identify and trace the contents of the package, and for marketing and branding purposes. Pictures, logos, barcodes, serial numbers and colours can easily be included.

Brady also supplied a number of rolls with custom-sized labels that fit any of Etra’s screw and bolt packages. These are easily recognised by the printer and the software Etra uses to avoid label design errors.

In addition, Brady technical experts supported the installation of the VP750 Label Printer and integrated it with Etra’s ERP-system and existing workflow. When bolts or screws are repackaged, their number and type per box are entered in the system, along with the number of boxes, and these data can be reused to print the labels on the VP750. A label rewinder was added to the printer and neatly printed label rolls can easily be inserted in Etra’s existing label applicator.

Racks of labels replaced by a few blank rolls

A small number of custom-sized labels on rolls, perfectly fit for the VP750 Label Printer, now replace huge stocks of labels with different pre-prints in Etra’s logistical centre. Operators no longer need to search for the right label.

After checking label size, any pre-designed data is easily and quickly printed with great accuracy on full-colour labels with the VP750 Label Printer. Adding colours and changing the look of a label is much easier and faster than before. The VP750 Label Printer brings highly practical flexibility in label design and implementation to the workspace.

 

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