The Munich-based start-up Manyfolds has developed a system that digitally generates the right shipping box for smaller e-commerce retailers, manufacturers and SMEs.
17 February 2021
Dimensions can be easily entered via the Manyfolds app. (Image: Manyfolds)
How do I find the right shipping box? The Munich-based start-up Manyfolds has developed a system that digitally generates shipping packaging with a customised interior. The solution is particularly interesting for smaller e-commerce retailers, manufacturers and medium-sized companies.
Originally, company founder Frank Thomsen wanted to use a software-hardware system to produce ecological folding furniture in a simple but versatile way. Web software and a marketplace for (folding) furniture designers were to enable a large portfolio of folding furniture solutions. „But after a lot of market research, elaboration, three national awards and a trip to Silicon Valley, it became clear that the better and much larger area of application was in the field of shipping packaging.“
Shipping box business idea
And so Thomsen and co-founder Sebastian Gutmann adapted the system to the production of shipping packaging at the beginning of 2019. „We had hit upon a market that was incredibly large.“ Their product: shipping packaging for a wide range of applications - stable, environmentally friendly and versatile.
The algorithm developed by Manyfolds calculates customised packaging. (Image: Manyfolds)
Handling: The customer enters the dimensions of the items they want to send via the company's web app. The algorithm developed by Manyfolds then does the rest and creates customised packaging with an interior that fits perfectly.
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Frank Thomsen, founder and CEO of Manyfolds
„In the pilot phase, we are still producing the shipping packaging here at our Munich site. In future, this will be done on site at the B2B customers“ premises." Frank Thomsen, founder and CEO of Manyfolds.
To this end, Manyfolds has developed a prototype that, at two square metres, requires no more space than a photocopier and converts the digitally generated formats directly.
In the first half of 2021, ten to 15 machines will initially go into operation at selected pilot customers. „In the second half of the year, we want to have 50 machines on the market. And then series production will start in 2022.“
E-commerce needs the right shipping box
The company founders see a market primarily for small to medium-sized companies that ship many different products in varying quantities. E-commerce retailers, medium-sized industrial companies, logistics shop operators, retailers and manufacturers should benefit from the innovative solution. „With our system, expensive, complex systems are no longer required to create customised packaging for safe transport.“
Even flat items are packed securely. (Image:Manyfolds)
Automatically generated goods positioning inserts and spacers ensure that the packaged products are firmly positioned and can no longer slip. As less „packaged air“ is also shipped, delivery traffic is reduced. By dispensing with plastic fillings, the customer ends up with 100 per cent recyclable material.
Manyfolds currently employs seven people. Frank Thomsen: „In the coronavirus year, it was naturally difficult for us to secure financing, for example. We really missed personal contacts because of the cancelled trade fairs and events. But in the end, a lot of things went online, so we are now quite satisfied with the progress we have made so far.“
Co-founder Sebastian Gutman and CEO Frank Thomsen.
Thomsen and Gutmann have already received several awards for their idea, including the „Movin'On Startup Challenge 2020‘, the Munich Business Plan Competition and the international Clim@ Competition 2020. Manyfolds in the guidelines for sustainable packaging of the IHK Bayern.
