Ranpak Debuts Automatic Packaging Solution

Paper-based eco-friendly packaging and automated paper packing solutions company Ranpak has launched Flap’it!, a machine that automates the packing of a suite of small products, according to a Thursday (July 21) press release.

The machine automatically adapts to the height of the item and secures the product in place with inner flaps and integrated cushioning bumpers at the corners, ensuring that products are protected during shipment to reduce costs, damage and product returns, the press release says.

The system is run by a single operator and can be moved around the facility. It includes a number of safety features and has a small physical footprint. The product can pack up to 540 packages per hour, nine packages per minute — five times faster than manual packing, according to the release.

The machine is integrated with labeling solutions for in-line application of shipping labels and eliminates the need to store multiple box sizes because it uses blanks at the start of the process.

“The global launch of Flap’it! is the latest example of how Ranpak is strategically investing in innovative automated packaging solutions to deliver cost-savings, efficiency gains and sustainability benefits to our customers,” Ranpak Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Omar Asali said in the press release.

Related: Amazon, Walmart Lead Retail Innovation as Spiraling Packaging Costs Can’t Be Ignored

Retailers are now being forced to rethink everything they buy, sell, ship or import. Whether goods are wrapped or packed in paper, plastic, glass or metal, the cost of doing so has skyrocketed to the point where finding alternatives suddenly makes a lot of sense.

“Demand in the packaging segment remained very strong as sales volume in both our containerboard mills and our corrugated products plants had record-setting performances,” Packaging Corporation of America CEO Mark Kowlzan told investors on the company’s Q1 earnings call in April.

While the company is slated to update its results on July 26, the same mix of inflationary pressures that are crushing its customers — and retail consumers — has not bypassed their business.

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