When we talk about industrial packaging, we often think about using environmentally friendly packaging materials, avoiding single-use plastics, or minimizing waste.
But we can go much further. That is why at ATP Packaging, when we engineer a packaging machine or line, we consider not only the efficiency, speed and accuracy of the process, but also the reduction of its environmental impact, for example by minimizing energy consumption, optimizing the system to minimize waste, and adapting to the use of environmentally friendly packaging materials, ensuring a more sustainable overall packaging process.
ROBOTICS, A KEY ELEMENT FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING PROCESSES
Integrating robotics into packaging processes creates a synergy that not only enhances energy- efficiency, but also minimizes waste generation. What do we achieve? What did we achieve?
Extending the life of mechanical components
This is a significant benefit that is often over-looked: the substantial reduction in mechanical wear and tear, which translates into a decrease in waste. These parts require regular maintenance and replacement, and often end up as discarded waste, adding to the environmental burden.
However, the implementation of advanced robotic controllers introduces a paradigm shift. These controllers operate with precision, optimizing machine functionality and reducing stress and strain on mechanical parts. By efficiently managing operations, they minimize unnecessary motion and friction, extending the lifespan of packaging system components.
What is the result? A significant reduction in the frequency of parts replacement and maintenance requirements. As a result, there is a significant reduction in the volume of mechanical parts that are discarded, helping to reduce the waste generated by the packaging industry. In addition, fewer replacements mean less money spent on new parts and maintenance, ultimately saving companies money.
Reducing the volume of waste
The precision of the robotics vision helps in minimizing the number of non-good products that would otherwise lead to rework or wasted materials.
Replacing plastic per cardboard containers
The production of plastic trays demands substantial energy resources, from extraction to manufacturing and transportation. On the contrary, cardboard trays are more energy-efficient throughout their lifecycle. Not only are they lighter in weight, reducing transportation energy costs, but their production process also requires less energy compared to plastic. When designing a machine or packaging line, we take into account not only the current system, but also the fact that the company may change the packaging material.
Using eco-friendly containers and films
Our machines are adept at working seamlessly with a wide range of sustainable packaging materials, for example:
- Biodegradable plastics: Biodegradable plastics derived from plant-based sources such as cornstarch or sugarcane. These materials break down naturally, and a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic packaging.
- Compostable films: Our machinery is well-suited for handling compostable materials made from organic compounds such as cellulose, which decompose into nutrient-rich compost.
- Recycled cardboard or paperboard: By incorporating post-consumer recycled content, these materials reduce the demand for virgin resources and lower the carbon footprint.
- Reusable containers: Reusable containers made of materials such as glass, stainless steel, or certain types of plastics that are designed for multiple uses, and reduce single-use packaging waste.
- Edible packaging: Solutions made from natural materials such as seaweed, rice starch, or even fruit-based coatings, that provide an innovative and fully biodegradable packaging option.
THE IMPACT OF ENERGY SAVINGS ON SUSTAINABILITY
Another key feature of our machines is that they are designed to optimize energy consumption as much as possible. In addition to cost savings, energy savings also have a positive impact on the environment. How do we minimize these costs?
- Optimized robot controllers. The adaptive nature of these controllers allows for precise adjustments in the robotic operation, ensuring that the speed and energy consumption are modulated according to the specific production requirements.
- Precision and speed in packaging. Robots perform tasks accurately, minimizing energy consumption per packaged unit.
- Customization and flexibility. The versatility of our robotic systems allows for customization in packaging processes. They can adapt to various packaging sizes and formats, minimizing the energy required for manufacturing new machines.
- Minimized downtime. Automated packaging processes using robots significantly reduce downtime. Their continuous operation, without fatigue or breaks, maximizes production efficiency and minimizes energy waste associated with starting and stopping machines.
- Resourceful energy consumption. Advanced robotics are designed with energy-efficient features. They incorporate intelligent power management systems and energy-saving components to ensure optimal performance with minimal power consumption.
- Enhanced quality control. Robots help improve packaging quality control with their precision and consistency. This reduces the need for rework due to errors, resulting in less energy being expended to correct errors. This reduction in waste not only saves resources, but also the energy associated with producing additional packaging.
In summary, sustainability in industrial packaging machinery not only reduces the environmental impact of the activity, but also has a positive impact on economic benefits and enhances a company’s reputation.
