Ranpak Solutions Help Customers Exceed Requirements for Proposed EU Packaging Directive
Prepare your packing line today to meet tomorrow’s requirements
Blog by: Paul Spronken, Product Manager Automation at Ranpak
The EU Commission is putting in place a new Packaging Directive designed to reduce packaging waste, minimize the volume of packaging used, encourage use of recycled and recyclable materials, and over time, minimize the use of plastic packaging. This includes ensuring that the empty space ratio in the transport packaging is a maximum of 40%.
At Ranpak, we have been focused on delivering environmentally sustainable, paper-based protective packaging solutions for e-commerce and industrial logistics, which already meets many of the proposed requirements. In addition, our end-of-line (EOL) automated solutions are designed to package items in cartons with the least possible volume within packaging for transport, while still protecting the products being shipped. This includes transport packaging used to deliver “products to the final consumer as part of online sales or through other means of distance selling,” as stated in the draft of the EU Packaging Directive. As part of the Ranpak Automation solutions, packing cartons are fit to size to minimize voids.
In traditional packing operations for e-commerce using fixed box sizes, the average void level is between 60% and 80%, far exceeding the maximum specified in the draft regulation. With our innovative EOL solutions, Ranpak supports customers on their journey toward more efficient shipping and compliance with upcoming regulatory requirements. Currently, many packing operations attempt to achieve efficiencies by using a fixed box size for transport packaging, and voids are filled in a variety of ways, including plastic air pillows, plastic air bubbles, paper and other materials. Right-sized packaging is key to optimizing the parcel size to the content and minimizing voids within the box. Usage of the right type of packaging material and equipment enables regulatory compliance and more sustainable operations.
Solutions that already support packing operations in achieving the new EU targets by adapting the size of the parcel to its contents include:
- The Cut’it! EVO automated in-line packing machine reduces voids in parcels before shipping, cutting down on shipping costs. It automatically shortens cartons to match their highest point of filling, and then glues a lid securely in place.
- The ergonomic Flap’it! system is a highly effective solution that automates the packing of small products. E-commerce and logistics operations can benefit from outstanding product protection when shipping products such as books, video games, DVDs, spare-parts, and small electronics. Flap’it!-produced boxes significantly reduce damage during transport and ensure fewer product returns, thanks to integrated cushioning bumpers at box corners.
In order to define the optimal amount and size of boxes, Ranpak provides a consulting service based on our unique Precube’it!™ software. By analyzing historical orders, the system can calculate the average fill rate and advise on the most optimal box sizes including predicted fill rate. These automated solutions are successfully installed in a number of packing operations around the globe. They have delivered substantial benefits, including:
- Processing more boxes per hour with fewer employees,
- Less waste,
- Less volume that translates to more boxes per pallet and fewer trucks on the road,
- Improved sustainability, and
- Advance preparation for compliance with upcoming regulations.
Additionally, we will continue to increase our support for customers using data science and vision technology for continuous improvement and innovation. This includes utilizing available data about actual box sizes from Cut’it! EVO and front-end vision technology to analyze actual orders processed, providing real-time actionable data that helps validate and optimize the operation.
Let us help you prepare your packing line today to meet tomorrow’s requirements. The packing experts at Ranpak are available to help you design the configuration that best meets your needs and will assist you in achieving internal goals to comply with the EU directive well before the due date. You’ll improve your efficiency, reduce your carbon footprint and get ahead of the game with respect to the proposed EU Packaging Directive.
Additional information about Ranpak can be found on its website: https://www.ranpak.com/uk/.
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