RANPAK has announced the global launch of the Flap’it!, a machine designed to automate the packing of a variety of small products.
The solution works by automatically adapting to the height of the item and secures the product in place with inner-flaps and integrated cushioning bumpers at the corners.
Ranpak explained the system is run by a single operator and can ‘easily’ be moved around the facility. Flap’it! can pack up to 540 packages per hour and can be integrated with labelling solutions for in-line application of shipping labels. As it uses blanks to form the packages, Flap’it! eliminates the need to store multiple box sizes in inventory. Once received, packages are said to be easy to open, with no need for knives, scissors, or other tools. Small parcels can be delivered via traditional mail.
Omar Asali, chairman & CEO of Ranpak, said, “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. We are pleased to add Flap’it! to our growing portfolio of sustainable automated packaging solutions to help our customers improve their supply chain performance, lower their labor and materials costs, and reduce their environmental impact.”
The solution is described as ‘ideal’ for e-commerce and logistics operations.
One early Flap’it! customer is CEWE, a Germany-based photo service that ships more than six million photo books annually. By implementing multiple Flap’it! units, CEWE has reportedly been able to reduce the number of temporary workers hired during peak periods and has automated 30% of its total packing operation.
