Ranpak has implemented three new digital tools to enhance its Cut’it! EVO automated in-line packaging machine – aiming to keep customers ahead of regulatory requirements and give them a competitive advantage.
Cut’it! EVO shortens cartons to their highest point of filling and glues a lid securely in place. With such solutions, Ranpak aims to minimize void fill in line with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s maximum 40% void target and enable the use of fully recyclable paper materials, all using the smallest amount of volume.
The machine also claims to save labour, optimize end-of-line flow, improve the unboxing experience, lower shipping costs, cut down on material usage, consolidate box footprints, and offer ‘unrivalled’ ROI.
To enhance these operations, Ranpak Precube’it! Draws upon existing site order data to predict machine utilization and box fill rates in the future. It apparently chooses the suitable box size and design for each package and optimizes the range of sizes needed to be kept on-site to reduce the amount of corrugated material required.
Additionally, it is said to lower the number of split shipments and produce a more accurate analysis than other tools, which tend to calculate using liquid volume.
Meanwhile, the DecisionTower tool combines 2D and 3D AI-supported computer vision technology to support quality control, order insights, precision void filling, and more. Cut’it! EVO uses these features to dispense the optimal amount of paper into each box it fills – making the best use of packaging materials and dimensioning.
Using AI and machine learning algorithms, DecisionTower seeks to continually improve its precision over time and across applications.
Ranpak Connect is the third tool. It is designed to improve daily reporting with a detailed overview of machine utilization and performance, taking note of the root causes of uptime and downtime, among other parameters. Its integrated camera helps with this function, as well as capturing shortcomings in training and maintenance before escalation becomes necessary.
“We are pleased to be presenting these uniquely integrated digital EOL packaging solutions to the marketplace, in order to support increased efficiency within warehouses combined with a more sustainable EOL packaging experience,” said Bryan Boatner, global managing director of Automation at Ranpak. “Our perspective is that as packing operations look to gain efficiencies, EOL packaging automation, rather than an afterthought, should actually be where companies begin their automation process.
“Our experience is that the cascading benefits of end-of-line automation can condense time to ROI to within one to three years Instead of the three to five years piecemeal and back-end investments usually deliver. This is unique in the industry, and not only ensures regulatory compliance around the globe, but also helps packaging operations meet their profitability and sustainability goals in new and innovative ways.”
Ranpak will display these solutions at LogiMAT 2024, taking place at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre from 19-21 March.
The news comes after Ranpak’s FillPak Trident Mini void fill paper converter was adopted by Antalis for use in its e-commerce equipment range. The space-saving machine fills delivery packaging with protective and recyclable kraft paper.
Amazon has also trialled automated packaging machines to produce made-to-measure bags on demand – aiming to cut down on pack volume and weight to lower carbon emissions in transit.
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