Revolutionizing Packaging: Precision, Sustainability, and Efficiency.
No More Shipping Air: How IMI Bahr actuators and OPITZ are revolutionizing packaging
In the modern industrial landscape, every business faces the same mounting pressures: reduce waste, cut costs, increase speed, and act sustainably.
Nowhere is this pressure more acute than in the packaging sector.
We have all experienced it as consumers. You order a small item, only for it to arrive in a disproportionately large box. You open it to find generous amounts of bubble wrap or paper, surrounded by empty space.
Not only is this a nuisance, but for packaging companies, it is fraught with operational, sustainability and cost disadvantages due to the high level of wasted carton material, unnecessary carbon emissions and inflated shipping costs. Essentially companies are paying to transport air around the world.
But as the packaging industry looks to address such inefficiencies, Opitz Packaging Systems GmbH – a German packaging innovator is leading the way.
By collaborating with IMI’s Industrial Automation sector, Opitz specified IMI Bahr modular linear actuator platforms. As a result, they have developed a high-performance motion system - a patented carton volume reducer system - that delivers precision, speed and flexibility across multiple packaging functions. In effect, the fully automated motion system allies the appropriate amount of packaging for the individual item being shipped.
And the results of the smart motion solution have been tangible.
From a sustainability perspective, the system has eradicated the presence of up to 85% of the air previously seen in each package. Alongside a significant reduction in the amount of filler material and lower carbon emissions, such improvements are making positive contributions to the impact of the packaging sector.
And with operational efficiencies key to productivity enhancements, the ability to handle multi-format cartons via one automated system delivers high-speed, reliable and accurate outcomes.
Finally, the motion system is helping with financial control ambitions. Savings in shipping, materials and labor costs are clear to see, alongside a short payback period thanks to the increase in operational efficiencies.
IMI Bahr actuators central to success
The IMI Bahr modular linear actuator platform has been the foundation of the smart carton volume reducer system.
The actuators are used to:
Support the cutting and upper closure function for dust-free carton cutting and flap folding
Perform the application of tape to individual parcels with both precision and speed, with a parallel actuator system ensuring smooth carton flow across multiple formats
Provide the basis for accurate glue application to guarantee secure sealing for the parcel in readiness for warehouse dispatch
Award winning
Such has been the sector impact of the Opitz motion system it was recognized by the German Packaging Institute and won a German National Innovation Award for the automated “right-size packaging solution”. In particular, it was recognized for its sustainability contribution by reducing packaging waste and CO₂ emissions.
In an era when business efficiency, sustainability concerns and cost control are key priorities, the compelling engineering collaboration between Opitz and IMI is helping the packaging sector achieve the results it wants and needs.
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