4 automated packaging systems to speed up your warehouse operation
In today’s fast-paced world, time is money! If you work in operations and logistics, you’ll know that it’s important to run your warehouses and packing areas as efficiently as possible.
A lean, well-oiled process allows you to save on labour costs, while maintaining efficient dispatch for your customers.
Packaging is often one of the last steps in the dispatch process. If you’re finding that this area creates bottlenecks or suffers during spikes in demand, it could be time to consider packaging automaton. Automated packaging systems can revolutionise the way your warehouse functions, helping you speed up processes, maintain packaging quality and lower waste, all while allowing you cut costs.
In this blog we’ll review what packaging automation is and its benefits, alongside four automated packaging systems that could transform your productivity.
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What is packaging automation?
Packaging automation is the use of machinery to streamline your packaging process, increasing efficiency, reducing costs and ensuring consistency. Packaging automation solutions can include removing all manual intervention in your packing process or using semi-automated equipment where some manual involvement is required.
The benefits of automated packaging systems in your warehouse
Using automated packaging systems can offer a whole host of advantages. Some of the key benefits of using packaging machinery include:
- Lowering costs – automation helps cut operating costs by reducing material usage, storage requirements and labour. This offsets initial expenditure on packaging machinery, returning on investment quickly.
- Increasing productivity – packaging automation speeds up the packing process, allowing for higher output in less time. Perfect if you’re in a high-demand environment or are forecasting significant growth.
- Improving sustainability – using automation helps you optimise your packaging. In turn this reduces waste and can ensure lower pack weights, as well as optimal cubage – helping you lessen CO2 created when your products are shipped.
- Quality control – implementing packaging automation can ensure packaging quality, reducing manual errors and potential damage.
Why not watch this video to check out other benefits.
4 automated packaging systems to speed up your warehouse operation
So, if you’re sold on the idea of packaging automation, which packaging machinery is right for you?
You can automate almost any packaging process, from box assembly and sealing through to bagging, in filling, shrink wrapping, pallet wrapping and even strapping. Here, we’ve showcased four different automated packaging systems for you to consider, though it’s important to remember that packaging automation solutions should be geared towards your product, your operational needs and business goals.
Ranpak PadPak Multi-Station
The Ranpak PadPak Multi-Station is a space-saving packaging material delivery solution.
With space at a premium in many packaging environments, it’s important to make the most of your time and labour. If your packers need to walk around to find materials or are in cramped conditions, you’re wasting valuable minutes and potentially increasing risk of repetitive strain injuries. Enter the PadPak Multi-Station.
This flexible, scalable and modular solution allows you to use a single PadPak paper converted to make the protective packaging material you need and then deliver it to multiple packing stations.
Features & benefits
- Easily integrated into your space with minimal disruption
- Ergonomic improvement of your packaging process
- Automatic replenishment of packing materials
- Space saving, with material generated by just one PadPak machine
- Works with a variety of sustainable RanPak PadPak papers which are all FSC, including 70gsm premium kraft and 70gsm and 90gsm Ecoline paper for different protective applications
- Customisable installation to suite your operation
Endoline Pre-Set Case Sealers
Offering precision sealing, Endoline pre-set case sealers can increase your productivity and throughput. Available in both semi and fully automatic options, pre-set case sealers work by sealing cardboard boxes that are all one size in the same production run. They can be sealed with hot-melt glue or self-adhesive tape.
They’re great for businesses that need secure, accurate and consistent sealing for high volume, long runs of the same pack. Many models can be adjusted to allow you to flexibility to change the sizes of box you seal between production runs.
Features & benefits
- Comprehensive range of models that can offer semi or fully automatic pre-set sealing
- Operator-friendly machines with simple controls, making sealing quick and easy
- Quality build means Endoline pre-set case sealers can run 24-hours with minimal servicing and downtime
- Fully automated options can seal up to 30 packs per minute using tape or glue
- Range of add-on features available to customise models to your sealing requirements
Lantech QL Series Semi-Automatic Pallet Wrappers
If you’re wrapping just 15 pallets a day, you could benefit from using a pallet wrapper. Lantech stretch wrapping machines offer high-quality, efficient performance.
Popular models include the Lantech QL400 and QL400XL semi-automatic turntable pallet wrappers. These stretch wrappers offer intuitive operation, wrapping a pallet in a faction of the time and with less film compared to manual application.
Features & benefits
- Offer up to 12 wraps per minute for speedy load containment.
- Turntable designs, able to hold up to 2268kg.
- In-built Load Guardian technology builds a safety profile for any load, ensuring optimum protection.
- Works well with 250% pre-stretch film.
- Operated via easy-to-use digital control panel.
- Customisation options include weigh and wrap scales and remote “Click-n-Go” control panel that can hold preprogrammed load profiles.
StraPack D-53PLT2 Semi-Automatic Pallet Strapping Machine
If you’re looking for a strapping machine that’s perfect for securing pallets, the D-53PLT2 Semi-Automatic Pallet Strapping Machine is an excellent choice.
It can quickly strap pallets with polypropylene strapping in less than 2 seconds! This portable semi auto strapping machine can be easily moved around your warehouse and works with pallets as low as 350mm.
Features & benefits
- Simple and efficient press-button operated strapping machine for securing pallets
- Works with polypropylene standard or heavier duty strapping
- Offers four-way pallet entry to cross straps when required
- Secures a pallet in 2 seconds, increasing productivity
- Choose from mains powered or battery powered models
- Variable tension settings up to 70kg
- Robust and portable, for flexible working across your warehouse
Summary
As demand for rapid delivery grows, businesses are faced with how to achieve this while managing costs, particularly in the 2025 economic climate. Automated packaging systems offer an opportunity for companies to maximise the productivity of their packing operations, while simultaneously ensuring their operating costs remain lean and improving their environmental impact.
By implementing packaging automation, businesses can optimise their warehouse processes and stay ahead of the curve.
At Macfarlane Packaging, we can provide tailored packaging automation recommendations for your operation and supply all machinery and consumables. For more information, you can download our free packaging automation guide or get in touch to book an automation consultation.