The packaging automation market was worth 60.34 billion dollars in 2021 and is projected to reach 94.33 billion by 2027. As a result, automated packaging is becoming a crucial investment in industries and businesses to improve efficiency, value, and safety. Proper packaging can make your product more appealing to customers and protect it from damage. It also says a lot about your brand. All in all, adopt automated packaging to reduce costs, as you’ll learn as you keep reading.
Let’s look at why an automated process for your business is a game changer.
It’s a Faster and More Efficient Process
Packaging by a machine is faster, more precise, and affordable compared to manual processes. A packaging machine never tires. This cuts the downtime humans take to rest or do other things.
In addition, it eliminates human errors, which can slow the process. With less effort and minimum time, you can achieve more packaging hours than when using manual packaging.
Enhances Productivity
The automation process will reduce the number of employees needed to package products, meaning they can concentrate on other production tasks.
Also, eliminating idle time and human error during a manual packaging process can increase productivity and high-quality products.
As a result, there can be an increase in the reputation and demand for your products, which can lead to higher profits.
Automation Reduces Labor Costs
An automated packaging process means you’ll only need a few people to operate the automatic packing machines, including a
case erector, tray former, and more.. This helps cut down costs directed to manual packaging such as vocational, wages, uniform, health, and recruitment costs, among others.
There will also be fewer repair costs due to less machine breakage since they are programmed to conduct the packing activities automatically. It’s important to note that machines cannot replace humans; they can only do so much. This means it is a substitute for a task, not the job, so you will need humans to oversee some tasks.
The costs associated with the machine include costs for new parts, repairs, and maintenance, and operating among others. However, this cost will be much lower than when using a manual packaging process.
Automation Keeps Your Products Consistent and Clean
When it comes to packaging, consistency is crucial because it helps consumers stick to your product. If your packaging becomes unpredictable, your consumers may have difficulty trusting it as they can question the source of the product.
Keeping up with consistency can be challenging in a manual packaging system. For example, using the same sealing or arrangement style can be challenging because you may have different people doing the job. But with a machine, everything is programmed, and the possibility of inconsistency is very low.
On top of this, automating your packaging process can help keep your product clean, hence improving its aesthetics.
The Automated Packaging Process Is Eco-Friendly
The world is embracing environmental sustainability, and so business owners should always look for ways to achieve an eco-friendly environment. One way to accomplish ecological sustainability is by using an automated packaging machine.
These machines have lesser chances of wastage, hence eliminating waste materials that can pollute the environment. For example, due to the consistency of a packaging machine, it can cut out exact pieces of materials needed for packaging compared to humans. Also, it can reduce the spillage of products that are not safe for humans or ones that can degrade the environment.
It also means that there will be little emissions since the machine is fast and shortens its running time.
It Reduces Product Damage
Product damage can lead to product returns, which are costly to replace. Careless handling during manual packaging can lead to product damage. Using automatic packaging machines can help reduce the rate of damage to products.
Checking for product damage before shipping takes time that could be used in other tasks. Automated machines can help prevent things like metal objects and damaged products, hence solving careless handling of goods and products.
It’s Safe Compared to Manual Packaging
A safe working environment makes employees more satisfied and productive. However, the manual packaging process can lead to fatigue, which can cause a team member to be sloppy. This can lead to them dropping heavy items on themselves, which can lead to injuries. Also, working overtime and manual lifting can also lead to back injuries or other conditions associated with heavy lifting.
On top of this, manual packaging for hazardous products can lead to severe health problems, including respiratory conditions. Using an automated system will help prevent such cases and reduce the medical costs you pay for your employees due to injuries.
The Automated Packaging Process Has Less Wastage
“Humans are to err”! No matter how professional your employees are, there is a high possibility of making mistakes. Product spillage or breakages, overfilled bags, poor sealing, and poor cut materials are just a few issues you can expect with a manual system.
An automated system helps reduce these wastages because it’s precise and efficient. This way, it can help you save money and time.
Increases Customer Satisfaction
Automated packaging guarantees consistency, which can help keep your customer’s trust. Also, perfect packaging can attract new customers to your products. On top of this, aesthetically pleasing products attract new customers and also satisfy old ones. A 2018 Packaging Matters study shows that product packaging aesthetics highly contribute to customer satisfaction.
The study shows that 81% of consumers bought a new product because of its aesthetically pleasing packaging, while 63% purchased it again for the same reason. All these can help reduce unhappy customers and product returns, creating a booming business.
To Wrap Things Up
The automated packaging process offers many benefits for companies. It allows for more efficient and cost-effective packaging, ultimately saving time and money. The method also reduces waste and helps to conserve natural resources.
Any business can implement an automated packaging system regardless of size or industry. It’s important to note there is no “size-fits-all” machine. You only need to evaluate your packaging needs, work with a reputable company that offers top-notch
packaging solutions and let them design, engineer, manufacture and maintain your custom packaging equipment.