Automated primary and secondary packaging: Impacting the customer experience

20 September 2023 | HowToRobot

• Automation & Robotics
• Machinery, Welding & Production equipment
• Subsuppliers

downloadFor editorial use only

Primary and secondary packaging represent your customers’ first experience with your product. Learn how others are perfecting the art of packaging.

In today's highly competitive manufacturing landscape, the importance of packaging goes well beyond mere wrapping. Primary and secondary packaging serve as the frontline in product delivery, protection, and brand representation. From ensuring product integrity during transport to meeting ever-stringent regulations, these packaging stages are integral to the success of most manufacturing operations.

This article provides a comprehensive guide for leaders considering the move to automated packaging. From exploring the types of robots suited for primary and secondary packaging to breaking down the costs and ROI, we will delve into the critical aspects that will help you make an informed decision.

What is primary and secondary packaging?

Primary packaging is the material that comes in direct contact with the product and is essential for preserving its quality and safety. Secondary packaging, on the other hand, groups individual packages together and serves as an additional protective layer during storage and transport. Together, they provide:

- Product safety
- Logistical efficiency
- Customer satisfaction
- It’s imperative to consider adopting technology to optimize these packaging tasks to the highest standards.

As manufacturers face increasing economic pressures, they must look for innovative methods to keep pace with demand while ensuring quality and reducing operational costs. This is where automation, particularly through industrial robotics, comes into play.

Automating primary and secondary packaging processes with industrial robots promises an array of benefits:

- Improved speed
- Efficiency
- Cost reductions
- Enhanced worker safety
- Robotic systems offer unparalleled precision, reliability, and flexibility.

These characteristics are increasingly crucial as manufacturers contend with pressures like customization challenges, short product life cycles, and variable demand.

Moreover, in an era where sustainability and eco-conscious practices are not just trends but mandates, automation provides an avenue for more responsible production. From reducing material waste to lowering energy consumption, robotic automation aligns with the broader environmental stewardship goals.

Benefits of automating primary and secondary packaging:

Increased speed and efficiency

Speed matters in today's fast-paced market. Higher throughput enables manufacturers to:

- Scale production up and down flexibly
- Service more customers
- Meet sharp changes in customer demand
- Automated systems, especially robots, are typically faster than manual packaging methods. This speed means your products get packaged faster, and you can quickly meet market demand.

Improved accuracy and reduced error rate

Mistakes in packaging can be costly. Wrong labels or poor sealing can lead to returned products or even recalls. Robots are highly precise and consistent. They reduce the chance of errors, saving both time and money.

Enhanced worker safety

Packaging can involve repetitive and sometimes dangerous tasks. Robots can handle these jobs 24/7 and restrict the need to expose employees to potential risks, making the workplace safer.


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