Packaging systems reduce costs by 40%

Automated packaging using specialised void filling equipment have streamlined laboratory equipment maker's packaging operations and significantly reduce shipping costs.

Automated Packaging Systems world leaders in high reliability automated packaging solutions supplies ABgene with their specialised void filling equipment Airpouch to streamline its packaging operations and significantly reduce shipping costs.

ABgene produces a diverse range of laboratory products, including molecular biology reagents, plastics consumables and instrumentation.

By producing a wide range of products the company is able to offer complete product solutions.

The Epsom-based company sells throughout the world and to meet increasing demand for its products, the company needed to streamline its packaging operation and increase efficiency.

However, the polystyrene chips used for void fill packaging created problems with their customers, who disliked handling the chips and the subsequent mess they created when packages were opened.

Storage space was also an issue; they needed a void fill operation that utilised less storage space than their previous method.

"The polystyrene chips came in large bulky bags which were difficult to store and we ran out of stock regularly due to the small amounts that could be stored at any one time," stated Bernard Whitney, ABgene's distribution manager.

After being approached by Automated Packaging Systems ABgene tested the AirPouch Express 3 desktop void-fill system.

They found it to be fast and easy-to-use, providing protective air-filled cushions to meet end-of-line packing requirements at a rate of 15 linear m/min.

Importantly it is more environmentally friendly than the poly chips previously used as the ultra lightweight cushions provide a no-mess packing solution that also contributes to reduced shipping costs.

AirPouch cushions provide excellent protection and operational efficiency as well as reduced material and shipping costs.

Whitney said, "There were no investment barriers in adopting the AirPouch system as there is no capital outlay, machines are supplied free on loan we simply have to pay for the consumables.

ABgene were also pleased to learn that AirPouch does not require a compressed air supply, so it was up and running minutes after arriving at their factory.

Running in automatic or semi-automatic modes AirPouch uses pre-formed film that inflates to create continuous, perforated strips of air cushions that can be torn away and packed quickly and easily.

"It was immediately clear that AirPouch produced a smoother operation," said Whitney, "It is smaller, more streamlined and ideal for us as space was an issue.

Using AirPouch cushions not only makes it quicker to fill our packaging, it also makes it a very much cleaner operation.

As expected our void fill costs have also reduced by 40%" Because AirPouch cushions are delivered in small boxes, equivalent to 18 bags of poly chips, storage problems are no longer a problem for ABgene.

Boxes are now stored under the workbenches in the warehouse, rather than consuming valuable racking space.

"Our staff are happier using AirPouch cushions as they are able to pack the pallets quicker and without the mess.

Packaging efficiency has increased resulting in packaging costs decreasing.

It is also 'instant'; press the button to the desired quantity/length and it's done! A faster more effective solution all round," Whitney concluded.

* About Automated Packaging Systems Automated Packaging Systems are world leaders in high reliability automated packaging solutions with an unrivalled reputation for high performance, over 25,000 machines in operation worldwide and productivity-driven solutions backed by a customer service operation that is second to none.

Automated Packaging Systems pioneered the introduction of in-line printing to the bagging operation over 30 years ago with their Autobag range of baggers and in-line printers.

Designed to meet all the latest industry-specific printing requirements at the same time as the bagging operation eliminates the requirement for a separate printing process, therefore increasing productivity and reducing costs.

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