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Packservice: The automation of packaging

As a contract packer, the Packservice Group has set itself the agenda of digitalisation, automation and sustainability. The Group is realising these plans at its site in Muggensturm with the help of a palletising cobot.

Material shortages, a lack of raw materials and late deliveries of goods do not make it any easier for packaging service providers to deliver top performance. It therefore takes a lot of experience and foresight to invest in the automation of processes and the courage to break new ground with young network partners.

Entrepreneurs want to be able to think ahead and control the market development of tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. New strategies are paving the way for extensive growth in a dynamic environment. What does this mean, for example, for the future-oriented organisation of a contract packer such as Packservice Group and its strategic programmes? Ralph Spiering, Managing Partner of the Packservice Group, puts it in a nutshell: „The goal of our growth agenda is clearly defined. In 2025, we want to be a pioneer in digitalisation, automation and sustainability as a co-packer.“

Palletising made easier

Automation promotes efficiency and scalability. Simplicity and standardisation of digital interfaces ensure better experiences and cost reductions for customers. Packservice has also invested in this area during the pandemic. Among other things, it has invested in a digital line manager console that simplifies, standardises and digitalises processes and saves tonnes of paper every year.

It was also examined whether the delicate and often complex activities in the area of assembly could be realised faster and with the same quality using automation measures. So far, no robot has been able to do this. In order to use a cobot profitably, processes would have to be repeated millions of times. This is not the case with the individual promotional campaigns that Packservice organises for its customers. However, simple activities can be easily realised.

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The deployment also involves preventative health measures for employees. (Image: Packservice)

This is why the first palletising cobot was implemented at the Muggensturm site, which supports and relieves employees on the line. It does not tire, is easy to configure and lifts loads of up to eight kilograms to a height of up to 2.30 metres. It can grip two packed cartons at the same time and palletises up to 14 packages per minute in seven possible cycles. A cobot works directly with the operator without the need for safety fences. In addition to its compact design, it also demonstrates its advantages over a permanently installed industrial robot.

Digital matching platform with start-up

The pressure on manufacturers to keep up with the competition from the internet at the point of sale has never been greater. And the demand for alternative, environmentally friendly packaging solutions has never been higher. Stable partnerships are therefore more important than ever for service providers in the packaging sector. In addition to established, trusting cooperation, external impetus is also important. For example, Packservice relies on dialogue with external professionals, universities and professional associations, but also with start-ups.

One of these young companies is PackPart GmbH, which sees itself as a digital matching platform for packaging machine projects and the right packaging machines and contract manufacturers. „We are noticing that customer requirements are increasingly moving towards ‚everything from a single source‘,“ emphasises Christian Baumann, founder and Managing Director of the start-up. Expertise and advice, especially for product complexes and services that require explanation, are a challenge for the modern world of the packaging industry. As a consultant, he advises the Group on the long-term expansion of its product portfolio. „Packservice is committed to continuous development and complete machine expertise. This is precisely where we can start and draw parallels,“ emphasises the founder.

Processes can be supported more effectively with the help of digitalisation. (Image: Packservice)

Launching a new product on the market requires a great deal of perseverance and energy: after successful product development, starting with research into packaging materials, the search for a packaging solution and finally packaging finishing together with the appropriate distribution channels. Through their co-operation, the Packservice Group and PackPart support the lengthy process of faster and more efficient procurement of interlocking components for their customers.

Packaging materials under own management

Customers also expect a supplier and service provider to Solutions for improving CO2-Balance sheets in the value chain, for example with more environmentally friendly materials or reusable systems. Since the founding of the subsidiary FPS Flexpack GmbH, co-packing specialist Packservice has also been able to significantly expand its services. The company responded to customer needs and added corrugated packaging and packaging materials to its portfolio.

„We are in constant dialogue with our customers. This enables us to recognise their needs in good time and offer suitable solutions. Over the past three years, we have added numerous new products to our portfolio, including labels and folded package inserts, for example. We are also continuously working on sustainable packaging solutions and alternatives in the area of packaging materials,“ summarises Flexpack Managing Director Tobias Kärst.

http://www.packservice.com

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