Packaging Innovation Day is Borderless Success

With over 150 international attendees representing 92 leading companies in the world of eCommerce and logistics, the 2025 edition of CMC’s Innovation Day on Wednesday concluded with outstanding success. Held at the CMC Packaging Automation headquarters in Città di Castello, the event reaffirmed the company’s central role as a global benchmark in packaging automation.

This year’s theme, LIMITLESS, served as the guiding thread for a day filled with insights, visionary thinking, and innovations that are reshaping the future of right-sized packaging. The morning conference featured presentations from international customers, system integrators, and industry leaders who shared real-world case studies and emerging market trends. Logistics Business will bring you the full story in our next issue.

Among the speakers were DHL – who presented its project with Adidas; Avantor and Element Logic – who highlighted their joint project in Germany and the crucial role of CMC Genesys integration with AutoStore; and eMAG – the largest eCommerce player in Eastern Europe, who presented its packaging automation project developed in partnership with CMC. Exotec offered insight on the importance of right-sized packaging in complementing the new Skypod system.

In the afternoon, guests visited CMC’s production facility for exclusive demonstrations of the full range of on-demand packaging solutions and two of 2025’s key technological innovations:

• CMC Super Vertical: an ultra-compact machine capable of producing right-sized boxes and mailers, specifically designed for small to mid-sized distribution centers. It is ideal for retrofit projects and for maximizing space without compromising productivity.

• New CMC Genesys Concept and Genesys PRIMA: a scalable and modular machine, able to operate either as a stand-alone box-first solution or integrated within warehouse workflows. With the integration of CMC’s patented Vary-Tote technology, the system can handle irregularly shaped products within advanced pick-to-pack processes.

The event also saw a strong presence of system integrators from across the globe, eager to explore the flexibility and scalability of CMC’s solutions for end-to-end project implementations.
Underscoring the event’s success and rising international demand, CMC announced that, for the first time, Innovation Day will also be held at its Tech Centre in Atlanta, Georgia on July 16th. Already functioning as a training hub and testing lab for clients and technology partners, the U.S. site will host the second edition of CID25 to offer an immersive experience to the North American market.

“Integration is no longer optional — it’s essential. At CMC, we believe that innovation must start with listening. Since 1980, we’ve helped companies improve their fulfillment processes and achieve their sustainability goals through high-speed, high-performance technology. In recent years, market demand has shifted: businesses now need scalable solutions that can be deployed in existing, space-constrained environments. This is what has driven our R&D efforts. The result is a new generation of ultra-compact, intelligent systems that can handle a wide variety of items without compromising on package integrity or throughput. With CID25, we wanted to demonstrate that when innovation is driven by vision and passion, there are no limits,” said Francesco Ponti, CMC Executive Chairman and CEO.

Tania Torcolacci, Head of Global Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at CMC, added: “The excitement we received during the event encouraged us to extend Innovation Day to the U.S., where we aim to replicate the energy, dialogue, and value generated here in Italy.”

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Packsize to Acquire Sparck Technologies

Packsize, supplier of sustainable, right-sized, on-demand packaging, has announced the company’s completed agreement to acquire Sparck Technologies, a European-based manufacturer of high-throughput, fit-to-size, automated packaging solutions.

The acquisition marks a significant milestone in Packsize’s growth strategy and strengthens its position in the automated packaging industry. By combining Packsize’s technology and service model with Sparck’s best-in-class box last and lid and tray solutions, the company will now provide the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of solutions to meet evolving customer needs.

“Sparck has long been recognized for its innovation, reliability, and strong commitment to sustainability – values that align perfectly with our own,” said David Lockwood, CEO of Packsize. “Together, our complementary technologies create a more complete product offering for our customers. This acquisition brings us one step closer to realizing our mission of Smart Packaging for a Healthy Planet by accelerating our ability to deliver more sustainable, right-sized packaging solutions to customers around the world.”

“Bringing Sparck into the Packsize team is a strategic move that expands what we can offer our customers – especially in high-volume, high-efficiency environments,” said Brian Reinhart, Chief Revenue Officer at Packsize. “Sparck’s box last and lid and tray solutions allow us to solve a broader range of packaging challenges. This isn’t just about growth – it’s about delivering smarter, more sustainable automation at scale.”

Sparck Technologies, headquartered in Drachten, Netherlands, is best known for its advanced CVP Impack and CVP Everest systems – automated solutions that optimize throughput and reduce waste by creating fit-to-size boxes at scale. “This acquisition is a perfect match,” said Kees Oosting, CEO of Sparck. “It allows us to bring more value to our customers faster and at a greater scale than either company could achieve alone.”

Peak Ecommerce Performance

Standard Investment has worked closely with Sparck to execute a successful transformation of the activities in Drachten. Originally part of French-listed multinational Quadient, Standard Investment segmented Sparck to become a standalone company in 2021.

Herbert Schilperoord, Partner at Standard Investment, said: “We are very proud of what the Sparck team has achieved with the involvement of Standard Investment, pivoting the organization to a cutting-edge technology leader in the fit-to-size packaging area. We’re confident that together, Packsize and Sparck will continue a strong growth trajectory, delivering fit-to-size technology to global tier 1 customers.”

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Right-Sized Packaging Portfolio Expanded

CMC Packaging Automation, a global supplier of sustainable, advanced packaging solutions, today announced the launch of the CMC Genesys Compact, a state-of-the-art addition to its portfolio of right-sized packaging technology. Developed in response to the growing demand for compact, efficient, and easily deployable systems, the CMC Genesys Compact offers a scalable solution designed to seamlessly integrate into both greenfield and brownfield environments, making it an ideal option also for businesses looking to upgrade through automation existing facilities with minimal disruption.

Capable of producing right-sized corrugated boxes at a rate of up to 500 pieces per hour, this new system is tailored for packing both single and multi-line orders without the need for void fillers, significantly reducing material waste and providing a boost to operational efficiency. Unlike its predecessor, the CMC Genesys, this new model does not require the CMC Vary-Tote for product handling. Instead, items are precisely scanned directly on the inlet conveyor, sized, and securely packed in custom boxes. Optional features include easy-opening strips and resealable options to enhance the unboxing experience for customers.

Advanced Material and Compact Design

The machine supports corrugated materials from different sources: Z-fold, cut sheet channel and the innovative CMC Wave-Line system, which combines a kraft paper liner with open flute corrugate. With a compact footprint of 44 sqm, the Genesys Compact offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing it to be easily relocated or reconfigured for future projects, making it a versatile choice for dynamic fulfillment operations and offering scalability and long-term investment value.

Enhancing Sustainability and Compliance

The introduction of the CMC Genesys Compact aligns with the upcoming European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) as well as the EPR and similar packaging laws emerging across U.S. states such as the 2021 New Jersey’s Recycled Content Law or the 2022 California’s Packaging EPR Law, supporting companies in meeting stricter sustainability standards. The system efficiency in eliminating void fillers and optimizing box sizes helps businesses significantly reduce empty space and their environmental impact, contributing to a more sustainable packaging future.

“Retailers, e-commerce players and logistics companies are increasingly looking for flexible solutions to right-size their packaging and streamline fulfilment processes. Automation is the key to achieving these objectives, optimizing operational costs and footprint,” said Luigi Russo, CEO of CMC Packaging Automation. “Automation addresses labour shortages and rising costs, providing scalability during peak demand periods, ensuring reliable performances.”

“Retailers and logistics providers are under immense pressure to optimize their packaging processes while meeting new sustainability standards,” continued Luigi Russo. “CMC Genesys Compact provides an innovative solution that not only complies with these new global requirements but also helps reduce the environmental impact of packaging. This machine is a testament to our commitment to driving sustainable automation solutions for our partners.”

Experience the Genesys Compact Live

CMC is offering personalized demos of the CMC Genesys Compact at their headquarters in Città di Castello offering prospective customers a hands-on experience of its capabilities. The machine will also be showcased at the upcoming LogiMAT 2025 and ProMat 2025 exhibitions, where attendees can experience firsthand how CMC’s latest innovation is setting new benchmarks in automated packaging.

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Strategic Partnership to revolutionise Packaging on Demand

CMC Packaging Automation, a leading supplier of fully automated, right-sized packaging solutions that is a proud partner of KKR’s Global Impact team and backed by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, and Antalis, a part of the Kokusai Pulp & Paper group, a worldwide leader in papers, packaging and visual communication distribution, are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership aimed at delivering innovative, efficient and sustainable packaging solutions for web shops, retailers, 3PLs and logistics companies in Scandinavia.

This partnership brings together the complementary strengths of both companies. CMC Packaging Automation is renowned for its innovative on-demand packaging technology and automation expertise, while Antalis boasts an extensive distribution network and a deep understanding of customer needs across various industries. By combining forces, CMC and Antalis will offer integrated packaging solutions that meet the evolving demands of the Scandinavian market and create a one-stop shop for all packaging needs, providing tailored solutions that drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Automated packaging solutions from CMC will help Antalis’ customers reduce labour costs, minimise material waste and optimise packaging and shipping processes. Additionally, the partnership will enhance customer services and offer comprehensive support, including installation, training, maintenance and technical assistance, resulting in faster and reliable service.

Both companies share a commitment to innovation and sustainability. By collaborating, CMC and Antalis will develop and promote eco-friendly packaging solutions that align with the growing demand for sustainable business practices. The partnership will leverage shared technological advancements to create cutting-edge packaging solutions that benefit from the combined expertise of both companies.

“We are incredibly proud of this partnership with Antalis. Together, we can provide tailored advice and services that meet the specific needs of our customers across different industries, while advancing market demands,” said Francesco Ponti, CEO of CMC Packaging Automation.

“By uniting our innovative on-demand packaging technology with Antalis’ expansive distribution network and deep industry insight, we are setting a new standard for efficient, sustainable packaging solutions in Scandinavia. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to driving customer satisfaction and loyalty through cutting-edge advancements and eco-friendly practices so to help clients achieve their sustainable supply chain targets and meet their ESG criteria,” added Luigi Russo, General Manager of CMC Packaging Automation.

Commenting on the partnership, Jacob Ejlskov Andersen, Sector Director for Antalis Packaging in Scandinavia, said: “We are excited about this partnership as it represents a significant step forward in the development of our business within automation as well as our focus on addressing the increasing need for sustainable packaging solutions.”

“By combining the innovative CMC Packaging Automation machinery with our deep know-how in the packaging industry, we are well-positioned to deliver comprehensive automation solutions and services to support our customers’ needs, ensuring compliance with upcoming regulations such as, Empty Space Ratio, and driving sustainable initiatives,” Jacob Ejlskov Andersen concludes.

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Redefine Packaging Efficiency and Compact Footprint

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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