Knapp and Packsize partner to create customized online retail packaging

19 Sep 2023 --- Technology partner Knapp and right-sized packaging specialist Packsize have joined forces to deliver customized e-commerce packaging solutions. 

This strategic partnership follows a project with Walmart, where a fully automated packaging solution was deployed across multiple Walmart distribution facilities, yielding benefits in reduced cardboard waste, fewer transportation journeys and decreased personnel costs. 

The initiative addresses a common issue in e-commerce – oversized packaging and excessive filler material, resulting in wastage and inefficient use of space during transportation. In tandem with Packsize’s right-sized packaging technology, Knapp’s automation technology resolves this problem by utilizing space to create intelligent packaging solutions. 

The collaboration says it provides a competitive advantage, particularly for online retail segments. The duo will tailor packaging precisely to the size of the goods being shipped. 

“As soon as an order is started, the software uses master data to calculate the required size for the shipping carton, which the Packsize machine produces. Then, the custom-sized target carton is sent directly to the workstation for picking. This significantly reduces unnecessary packaging and fill material, which also reduces shipping costs,” explains Samuel Krauser, product manager and sustainability expert at Knapp in Graz.

The advantages for customers are listed as – packaging size reduction by up to 40%, and one-third less filling material is used compared to traditional packaging methods. Smaller packages are also more cost-effective, owing to reduced transport and labor expenses.

Industry goes right-sized
Walmart has already adopted right-sized packaging in four of its high-tech distribution centers. The collaborative project by Knapp and Packsize led to a 26% reduction in Walmart’s cardboard waste and a 60% decrease in the use of infill materials. 

Knapp shares that similar results are anticipated for an international sportswear retailer implementing the right-sized packaging. With the retailer shipping 6.2 million cartons globally each year, a 45% reduction in shipping volumes is expected. 

This reduction minimizes void fill by 30% and saves over 5,000 kilometers of packaging tape and up to 500 metric tons of CO2 annually by reducing material usage and optimizing truck loading.

Edited by Radhika Sikaria

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