Now more than ever before, brands, retailers and even logistics companies need to develop new ways of supporting people and communities with packaging that enhances relationships between brands and their customers while advancing sustainability. This is particularly true for the e-commerce channel since the packaging is not only preserving the product, but it is also the first touch point with consumers receiving goods. Although Automation might not be the first solution that comes to mind when you think of sustainability, it is a core element of WestRock’s approach and essential for any organization navigating the e-commerce channel.
Packaging that is right-sized eliminates voids, reduces dimensional weight and can be automated to accelerate throughput – that’s how machinery promotes sustainability.
Through the expertise and experience of our team – from designers, engineers, marketing and sales professionals, technical support and customer service – we are dedicated to developing and implementing the right solution that meets your supply chain needs and manufacturing system to drive increased productivity.
“Generally, when we install a machine, our customers see an immediate gain in efficiency and throughput,” Rick explains. “This allows them to ship orders faster while using less packaging. We’ve found over and over that using less packaging helps our customers save money, increase consumer satisfaction and advance their sustainability objectives.”
WestRock and e-commerce have this in common. Neither can be relegated to being simply ‘about boxes.’ It’s about getting product out the door in a more efficient, sustainable way. Our on-demand platforms accomplish that, which is a real win for customers.
In addition to making innovative fiber-based packaging, WestRock designs systems to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the manufacturing process. We do this through our Automated Packaging Solutions (APS) business, which develops machinery that produces custom, on-demand packaging accurately sized for any product type.
The ability to optimize manufacturing efficiency while leveraging fiber-based packaging, which in many cases is curbside recyclable, is a formidable one-two punch to promote sustainability. But central to both machinery and the product portfolio is protecting products in transport.
With right-sizing packaging system capabilities, like Box On Demand®, Opera and BoxSizer™, our customers are able to create the right size box for every product, every time, which allows them to save on labor costs, reduce packaging waste, reduce shipping cost and lower their transportation carbon footprint. The Meta® e corrugated case, designed to block and brace products with a cohesive paper, eliminates voids filled with plastic material, protects products and provides the benefit of speed. Our Pak on Demand Mailer system eliminates plastic mailers with SF Corrugated protective mailers.
“Many customers come to us looking to reduce or eliminate void fill and reduce their overall packaging and shipping costs,” added Rick Anderson, VP Automated Packaging Solutions. “Our right-sizing solutions not only solve those challenges, but they also provide our customers with a more sustainable package being delivered to their customers who are demanding better solutions for the planet.”
Customers often report that on-demand packaging systems improve their labor and factory logistics. For manufacturers packing and shipping products that vary in size, the old way required them to keep stacks of ready-fold corrugated boxes on the shop floor to be manually opened, taped, packed and shipped.
Systems like Box On Demand and BoxSizer make it possible to not only produce right-sized boxes for each order, but also to do it faster and with less labor. Many customers report an increase in the number of direct-to-consumer shipments per day, reduction of floor space used from stored corrugated boxes, cost savings from reduced packing labor costs and decreased waste – all of which help our customers win in e-commerce.
“Generally, when we install a machine, our customers see an immediate gain in efficiency and throughput,” Rick explains. “This allows them to ship orders faster while using less packaging. We’ve found over and over that using less packaging helps our customers save money, increase consumer satisfaction and advance their sustainability objectives.”
WestRock and e-commerce have this in common. Neither can be relegated to being simply ‘about boxes.’ It’s about getting product out the door in a more efficient, sustainable way. Our on-demand platforms accomplish that, which is a real win for customers.
Subscribe to receive product and industry content straight to your inbox
.png?sc_lang=en&h=1600&w=4000&la=en&hash=E7329708A836FA9E4CB620868A397727)
