Page 30 - EngineerIT July 2022

AUTOMATION AND CONTROL

New approaches for more

efficiency in high-mix,

low-volume (HMLV) packaging

Five challenges in packaging and palletising processes and how they can be overcome with
the help of smart robotics solutions.

he new product has just left the Agile manufacturing in focus: why flexibility matters now
factory in a shelf-ready package, in To approach the topic, it is first worth looking at consumer behaviour, which is currently
Tthe specified mixed ratio to meet undergoing significant changes. The trend is moving from mass consumers to consumers
customer needs. The packaging has been who make individual decisions – regardless of whether they are concerned with health,
handled by another company: a co-packer. safety, freshness or sustainability. Added to this are changes in pack format, leading to
Co-packing can be found in all fast-moving polarisation in pack size (large family and individual packs), different store displays, and
consumer goods (FMCG) markets, but advertising banners.
especially in the higher priced product In this context, HMLV manufacturing models are a consequence of the growing
segments such as personal care or diversity of products and packaging. A good example to illustrate such an HMLV process
confectionary, to name a few examples. in the packaging environment is the repackaging of food products in multipacks –for
It is a fast-growing activity to satisfy example, different chocolate bars in a single box. Here, the focus is not only on physical
consumer demand for more variety. packaging and re-packing, but also about supply chain and logistics expertise, warehouse
If there is a lack of space, resources availability, the ability to defer packaging tasks, flexibility and agility. And the most
or infrastructure in their own company, important: quality: the right quantity of the right products in the right package.
handling these activities in-house
might simply be too expensive. Many
decision-makers may decide to outsource
the re-packaging of their products to
special service providers. Almost 90% of
respondents to a study published by the
European Co-Packers Association (ECPA)
state in this context that they would
offer a complete service. According to
three-quarters of the co-packers, the
requirements, particularly in terms
of quality, have also recently become
significantly more demanding.
What should be considered
in connection with co-packing
processes and the increased demand
for variant-rich products in small
individual quantities – high-mix, low-
volume (HMLV). New strategies and
technologies are needed to support
packaging processes and co-packing in
the HMLV environment.

EngineerIT | July 2022 | 28