DS Smith Develops Display and Machine Concept for Ritter Sport

Supported across the entire packaging process – with the OptimSolutions consulting process DS Smith is developing solutions for its customers with increased efficiency.

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From the first idea about the packaging development and machine implementation to the final inspection of a fully functioning packaging system, DS Smith included every step of the process by realising an innovative display solution for Ritter Sport.

The centrepiece of the solution is a currently unique machine concept with which the new display generation for Ritter Sport is being produced. Developed by DS Smith in cooperation with Ritter Sport and other project partners, it allows an optimised packaging of the ¼ and ½ pallet displays for the 100 and 250 gram bars of chocolate. For the first time, the tray positions are no longer stacked by hand, but by using a machine. Even the setting up of the individual trays and the sticking of tray positions takes place automatically. This has allowed output to be significantly increased.

A further benefit is created by construction using the building block principle. Toppers and side panels are largely standardised. This not only simplifies packaging, but also minimises the number of different components. This allows all display sizes for various quantities of chocolate bars to be put together with just a few elements.

An attractive display system that allows a constant presence of the product

In display construction, too, DS Smith proves its process and P.O.S. expertise: largely identical display heights and symmetrical constructions guarantee a consistent brand staging of various product groups at the P.O.S. With a design language with a logo and key visual that's recognisable on both a national and international level, Ritter Sport has been able to serve the entire national and international market with just one edition. The design also ensures an ideal long-range effect. After all, a special chief attraction ensures the constant presence of the products: thanks to the slanting chutes the bars simply slide forward whenever one is taken. An additional replenishment system is therefore not necessary.

From an idea to a finished product – the development and production of displays and packaging at DS Smith is holistically taken into account. Customers benefit from the optimum coordination of each individual step within the entire value added chain. The result of the intelligent concept is a higher level of process security as well as significant cost and time savings.

Source: DS Smith