This year the biggest trends shaping the warehousing and logistics industry will be the continued growth of Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automotive Guided Vehicles (AGVs). The global warehouse robotics market size is expected to rise from USD 4.7 billion in 2021 to USD 9.1 billion by 2026.
Storopack are at the forefront of efficient packaging solutions to the warehousing and logistics industry. With the continuing growth in the ecommerce sector, coupled with consumer demand for faster delivery, Storopack have developed automated and robotic solutions to help businesses meet expectations.
Richard Pulfrey, Managing Director Storopack UK, explains, “Over the last few years we have seen automation and robotics change from being an emerging and developing technology into a key requirement for packaging logistic fulfilment operations. Alongside the effects of the pandemic, operations have faced supply chain disruption and workforce shortages leading to the need to invest in new technology to keep up with increasing customer demands against the backdrop of a challenging environment. Storopack have been working with strategic partners to deliver efficient solutions to our customers, enabling them to increase accuracy and throughput.”
BOXminimizer System
One of these strategic partnerships is with OPTIZ who have developed Storopack’s BOXminimizer. It is a fully automated system which is designed to reduce the void in the package, reducing the amount of packaging material required. Firstly, the BOXminimizer determines the box format and the parcel’s filling level based on the height of the product in the box. Oscillating blades then cut the corners of the box to just the right height, after which the box is closed and sealed with gummed paper tape, which is not only resource-saving but also tamper-proof.
By using paper tape to seal the box, the packaging becomes fully recyclable and easy for the end-user as both box and tape can be recycled together. For the company, it also has the advantage of being exempt from the Plastic Tax which was introduced in April 2022.
The BOXminimizer makes transport more resource-saving and efficient. By reducing the void and optimising the box dimensions, more parcels can be shipped per vehicle. This reduces shipping costs and the number of vehicles on the road, in turn, reducing CO2 emissions. Thanks to fully automated processes, it also enables shorter turnaround times and improved throughput.
Pick and Place Robotic System
For operations where precision, speed and dexterity are particularly important, Storopack have introduced a robotic pick and place solution.
We selected the KUKA system which has proven to deliver a product with outstanding speed and accuracy which outperforms similar products from other manufacturers.
The KUKA system is ideal for reducing cycle times and increasing repeatability making it ideal for many fast-paced, high-volume operations. As well as being energy efficient, this system helps reduce a company’s carbon footprint by increasing accuracy leading to less defects, damages, rework and material waste, all of which lead to unnecessary CO2 emissions.
Storopack recently installed this system for one of its largest independent distributors. Their customer was looking for an automated system with an operational target speed of 15 boxes per minute. By replacing their manual system with the new Storopack robotic pick and pack system, these were filled every 4 seconds with PAPERplus® paper pads.
The Account Manager for the customer says, “Our customer, a leading beauty products business, has reduced manual packing constraints in their operation by adopting Storopack’s pick and place six axis robot and right-size packaging automation. This has successfully helped their business meet their increasing order volumes driven by the rise in e-commerce and customer demands.”
Richard Pulfrey concludes, “There have been concerns over the use of automation and technology as a replacement for human workers. The use of automation and robotics in logistics operations increases their efficiency and enables repetitive and manual tasks to be completed quickly and accurately. This, in turn, allows workers to be upskilled to other parts of the operation to increase output in other areas. Far from being ‘job stealers’, these technologies allow for better working conditions and greater opportunities for existing staff.
“There is still a perception of robotics being a futuristic technology perpetuated by sci-fi novels and films. As a forward-thinking company, Storopack know that the future is here and now. This is why Storopack have invested in developing strategic partnerships and new technology to bring the modern warehouse into this new, exciting reality.”
For more information on Storopack and their range of protective packaging solutions visit: www.storopack.co.uk
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