E-commerce taking off

ProMach’s edson packaging and Texwrap divisions see potential in e-commerce. At PACK EXPO Las Vegas, they showcased their packaging solutions that can help food and beverage manufacturers meet the demands of the e-commerce sector.

Edson demonstrated its new SR 3600 flexible e-commerce case packer, an advanced robotic mixed-product case packing solution that delivers the speed and flexibility required for e-commerce fulfillment and food packing, according to the company.

“The product flexibility of this case packer, to be able to accommodate all types of shapes and sizes, will allow e-commerce businesses and food companies to easily configure multiproduct orders,” said Mike Paskaruk, vice president of engineering. “Edson continually works with customers in advancing market spaces to provide innovative turnkey case-packaging solutions that enhance end-of-line operations.”

In particular, a tool-less changeover between end-of-arm tools on the robot provides for increased flexibility and uptime. Edson partnered with Balluff to use an IO-Link wireless coupler to change between two end-of-arm tools at the show.

Texwrap Packaging Systems, meanwhile, had its model 2410 e-commerce wrapper, capable of running as wide as 2 in. and as high as 10 in.

“When you run a product through the wrapper, the machine will automatically adjust for the different lengths and sizes,” said Al Kiggans, central U.S. sales manager. “The first thing we do is scan the barcode, then sense the height and trailing edge of the product. As the packages enter the film folder where they are wrapped, perhaps with a mailing film or something e-commerce ready, they continue through a side band sealer that puts a wide seal onto the package.”

A label, generated from the barcode scan, is printed and applied prior to the final cross-seal. The end result is the typical e-commerce-style film package, ready for mailing.

To learn about some of the other innovative packaging and processing technologies that were featured at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, please read "PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2017 Innovations Report."

To learn about how robotics are playing an essential role in packaging, please read "Robots continue to grow in packaging."

PACK EXPO Las Vegas attendees also got the chance to learn about the Cold Pressure Council's high pressure processing certification program. To learn about how the new certification will benefit food and beverage manufacturers and consumers, please read "Cold Pressure Council offers high pressure processing certification."