Packing products into cases is essential in producing all goods, including food and beverages. In the past, this task has always been completed by hand; however, due to technological advances, various automated options are now available. What is it that will be most beneficial to one’s company?
There is a wide variety of case packing available. Case packing primarily consisted of packaging the final product inside corrugated carton material (generally referred to as the “case”) by hand employing human labor. This aspect of the process was typically outsourced. The automation of the last production stage is usually not given the appropriate amount of attention by manufacturers for various reasons.
Case Packing Automation
Case packing automation is something that manufacturers should look into implementing for a variety of reasons, even though the first expenditure in the capital could appear to be challenging in comparison to other capital investments that are in the scope. In addition, if a business already has case packing equipment in their production line, the assortment of new technologies and automation would make it possible to provide a superior dimension to the setup that is currently in place.
Case packing can be done in a few different ways, including wrap-around case packing, top-loading case packing, side-loading case packing, and bottom-loading case packing. Each concept of packing is determined by the application associated with the product.
The Different Types of Case Packers
When customers open their purchases, many do so without considering the packing that ensures the product’s safe arrival at the store. However, companies must carefully consider the packaging techniques to guarantee that the packaging process is as straightforward, practical, and advantageous as humanly possible.
Shrink Wrappers
When packaging your goods, shrink wrappers are a versatile and dependable option. They come with a tray or pad that may be placed at the bottom of your packing to provide additional stability. Before beginning operation, workers will position a batch of products on the conveyor built into the shrink wrapper. The shrink wrap machine lifts these products and then applies the film with the tray or pad. Shrink wraps can come with a variety of one-of-a-kind characteristics, such as the capability to employ branded film for your packaging, which is just one example.
Wrap-Around Case Packers
Wrap-around case packing is an alternative type of case packing that utilizes pre-cut flat sheets of corrugated blanks to the standard American case available on the market. This form of case packing was developed in the 1970s. This type of packaging is generally done for canned foods or beverages since the case saving in corrugated material enables a faster return on the investment and decreases the carbon footprint. It is also commonly used for pharmaceutical products.
Combination Case Packers
Combination packers are a novel approach to packing that creates a flexible packaging system by combining the functions of shrink wrap and wrap-around in a single machine. They are forward-thinking devices that enable you to wrap in various formats, including film only, pad and film, tray and film, and wrap-around case packaging.
Top Loading Case Packers
Case packers with top loading are the best choice for use with pouches, bags, and cartons. These case packers are ideal for use with any product that requires vertical casing to create memorable retail displays that are functional and eye-catching. Top-loading case packers can be adapted for use with frozen foods.
Advantages of Case Packaging
Every idea and method of packaging comes with its own set of benefits, and it is up to the manufacturer to figure out what combination of those benefits would work best for them. A lot of benefits are there to assist you in taking your manufacturing to the next level of production; these include:
Reduced Labor Costs
Case packer machines are not an exception to the rule that automation confers significant benefits by lowering costs associated with labor. In the packaging and preparation process, the utilization of human resources can be cut down significantly, if not entirely done away with, by using a case packer machine. Because of this, you will be able to reduce the cost of labor or repurpose labor so that your staff may spend their time working on other projects.
Fewer Packaging Materials
When you rely on human labor, it is unavoidable that errors will be made, in addition to the increased amount of material that will be squandered. By using a case, the packer may limit the number of errors and ensure that just the precise amount of essential material is utilized every time.
Faster ROI On Investment
The savings generated by increased output and efficiency contribute to the return on investment generated by case packing automation. Automation enables you to enhance your production compared to the prior inefficiencies on your line, allowing you to fulfill your production demands earlier than usual.
What Each Case Contains?
Mistakes are inevitable when dealing with human beings. When you use human labor, there is a possibility that one of the people working for you will pack the incorrect quantity of items or pack an item that was not supposed to be filled. On the other hand, a case packer machine will promptly pack the appropriate amount of product into each case while maintaining accuracy.
Create a Strong Impression
It is essential to leave a lasting impression on your customers, particularly in the early stages of your company’s existence when you are just starting. If your customers discover that the things they purchase from you contain flaws, they may decide never to do business with your firm again. Case packers enhance the level of protection and structural integrity provided by your packaging, which in turn helps your products maintain their appealing appearance throughout the supply chain.
The Bottom Line
Increasing the manufacturing efficiency of your facility can be accomplished by learning about the many types of case packers and selecting the one that is most suitable for the products you produce. You will save time and money, which you will be able to put toward other, more critical aspects of your company. In a similar vein, case packers liberate your personnel so that they can focus on activities that offer more value to the business.
