The interaction between Ranpak’s Cut’it!™ EVO automated in-line packaging machine and three new AI-powered vision tools creates a solution far greater than the sum of its parts.
Ranpak Holdings Corp. (“Ranpak”) (NYSE: PACK), a global leader of environmentally sustainable, paper-based packaging solutions for e-commerce and industrial supply chains, today announced it has enhanced its breakthrough Cut’it!™ EVO automated in-line packaging machine with three game-changing digital tools that deliver unrivalled ROI to end-of-line (EOL) packaging applications.
Ranpak’s solutions are designed to ensure materials are packed using the smallest amount of volume while minimizing void fill, supporting customers in reaching the maximum 40% void target mandated by the EU Packaging Directive. With over 50 years of innovation in paper packaging, Ranpak solutions are also uniquely sustainable, leveraging fully recyclable paper materials.
Unlocking Unrivalled ROI By Beginning with the End in Mind
The Cut’it!™ EVO automated in-line packaging machine is at the core of Ranpak’s integrated approach to EOL automation. The machine automatically shortens cartons to match their highest point of filling before gluing a lid securely in place. Cut’it!™ EVO delivers unrivaled ROI as a standalone solution by enabling labor savings, EOL flow optimization, enhanced unboxing experience, shipping cost reduction, reduced material usage and consolidated box footprints.
However, when used in combination with Ranpak’s new digital tools, the benefits of the solution increase multiplicatively, helping customers stay ahead of regulatory requirements while unlocking a clear competitive advantage. These three digital tools accelerate the ROI already delivered by Cut’it!™ EVO to an unrivalled level. They include:
Ranpak Precube’it!™ which is the first element of this breakthrough EOL technology suite. This solution uses historical site order data to simulate machine utilization and box fill rates for future scenarios, amongst its other capabilities. It also consolidates and optimizes the range of box sizes required to be maintained on site, reducing the amount of corrugated material required by choosing the right design and size boxes for each parcel. It can also be utilized to reduce the number of split shipments. Precube’it!™ supports actionable insights in an analysis that is much more precise than other tools that typically calculate using liquid volume.
DecisionTower™ applies a unique combination of 2D and 3D AI-supported computer vision technology for a variety of insightful tasks, including quality control, order insights, and precision void filling. In this case, the solution directs the void fill converter to dispense an optimal amount of paper for each specific box. This optimizes dimensioning and usage of packaging materials. AI and machine learning algorithms help the solution deliver increased precision over time across all its applications.
Ranpak Connect works in conjunction with Cut’it!™ EVO, providing a detailed overview of machine utilization and performance in daily reporting on parameters including uptime and downtime root causes. It includes an integrated camera in the machine to support performance analyses and identifies training and maintenance needs before escalation is required.
“We are pleased to be presenting these uniquely integrated digital EOL packaging solutions to the marketplace, in order to support increased efficiency within warehouses combined with a more sustainable EOL packaging experience,” said Bryan Boatner, Global Managing Director of Automation at Ranpak. “Our perspective is that as packing operations look to gain efficiencies, EOL packaging automation, rather than an afterthought, should actually be where companies begin their automation process. Our experience is that the cascading benefits of end-of line automation can condense time to ROI to within one to three years Instead of the three to five years piecemeal and back-end investments usually deliver. This is unique in the industry, and not only ensures regulatory compliance around the globe, but also helps packaging operations meet their profitability and sustainability goals in new and innovative ways.”
Ranpak will be bringing these updated automated end-of-line (EOL) packaging solutions and more to LogiMAT 2024, scheduled for 19-21 March at Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre, Stuttgart, Germany.
www.ranpak.com
