MACFARLANE Packaging has invested £1.3 million in a second packaging innovation lab at its regional distribution centre in Heywood, near Manchester.
The protective packaging specialist said the 5,000 square foot facility is equipped to create solutions for the ‘most demanding’ packaging challenges and fully test them to ensure they can withstand the rigours of supply chain handling.
The opening of the facility follows the success of Macfarlane’s first innovation lab in Milton Keynes, which opened in 2016.
The Manchester site features bespoke ‘Packaging Optimiser’ software, designed to reduce total cost and measure the CO2 equivalent impact of packaging. There is also the capability for stretch wrapping and pallet load containment testing.
Macfarlane added that a network handling simulator evaluates solutions to International Safe Transport Association standards, emulating real world supply chains, including conveyor impacts, vertical drops and last mile logistics.
An atmospheric conditioning chamber provides temperature and humidity testing for applications such as food or pharmaceutical storage and delivery, while full design, digital print and CAD prototyping is available for making same day packaging samples.
A HoloLens mixed reality head set and augmented reality design tools can showcase solutions to customers in-situ. There is also a packaging automation showroom, demonstrating the latest machinery.
Rachel Fellows, national account director at Macfarlane Packaging, said, “At Macfarlane, we are focused on protecting our customers’ products with packaging that’s tailored to their business needs and goals, while reflecting their brand and minimising the impact on the planet. Our north west innovation lab is uniquely equipped to help us do that and I am confident that it will be an asset for our customers – existing and new – as we work together to ensure their products are effectively and efficiently protected on their route to market.”
Richard Garratt, head of design at Macfarlane Packaging, added, “Ongoing investment in our innovation labs allows us to push forward with the latest tools and technology to deliver creative solutions that reduce cost, improve sustainability and enhance customer experience. The new centre offers market-leading testing capability, including technical offering with ISTA testing, load containment and climatic conditioning, all accessible remotely through an advanced video conferencing system that connects our UK and European operations together.”
