When building a new packaging line or updating a line that has been packaging products for decades, measuring KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) is an extremely important exercise. In the article below, we will take a look at the top 10 KPIs to track and discuss those which we deem most important for your packaging line.

When choosing a material to package your products for shipping, there are many options. While corrugated boxes remain a popular choice, those in the know are forgoing this antiquated method for the less costly options of shrink and/or stretch films. With a significantly lower carbon footprint, these films also result in less of an environmental impact. So what does shrink and stretch film have to offer that corrugated boxes do not? What benefits do stretch and shrink wrap have to offer in regards to sustainability? I invite you to discover the answers to these questions and more, in the article below...

One of the hottest new trends to hit the packaging world is the introduction of opaque packaging films, particularly for e-commerce businesses that ship a diverse array of items to consumers all over the world. Opaque packaging films are new films that eliminate the need for traditional corrugated boxes and fillers. With this innovation, the machinery wraps items as they are, cutting out bulky packages. And because the film is opaque, what’s inside remains private. This new type of film cuts down on waste, reduces costs, maintains privacy, takes up less space, improves overall efficiency, and upgrades the consumer experience.

In an increasingly connected world, there are few areas that the internet hasn’t gotten its megabytes into. The rise of data sharing is only on track to continue, with the Internet of Things (IoT) growing in scope and significance. In keeping with this rising trend, smart packaging (also known as intelligent packaging) is becoming the new standard in the manufacturing space. Think of it as an upgrade — like watches and televisions, adding “smart” elements to packaging can vastly improve the consumer’s (and manufacturer’s) experience, with infinite opportunities to take advantage of the technology. Read on to learn all about the possibilities of smart packaging, and how it’s being utilized by manufacturers.

You’ve probably heard the term Internet of Things (IoT), but what does this ubiquitous industry buzzword refer to, exactly? The IoT is the interconnectedness of everyday objects and machinery to the internet through computerization (microchips, sensors, etc.), enabling inanimate items to exchange data and communicate with other connected objects. Industry insiders are predicting that the IoT could change manufacturing as we know it by tracking and measuring every previously unquantified element of operations. Read on for everything you need to know about the IoT and packaging, including what’s trending now, how companies are innovating, and a predictive look forward.

In the 1960s, when The Jetsons made its cartoon debut, robots were a thing of the future. The idea that automation could permeate so much of our everyday lives seemed far-fetched and out of reach. Today, robotics are an ever-present reality. Advanced technology has given rise to equipment and processes that have transformed nearly every industry, and the food and beverage sector is no exception. Now more than ever, it’s important to understand how warehouse robotics could have a major impact on your own operations, machinery and setup.