Trends in packaging materials - Will it lift?

With the changes in materials used for packaging, we’re often asked if vacuum lifting remains a viable option to manage these new loads.

Emerging Trends in Packaging Materials

Historically, traditional packaging materials such as wood, metal and glass have been used for centuries to transport goods. However, these materials are heavy, costly and often not environmentally friendly. This has led to a shift towards lighter, more cost-effective, sustainable and easier-to-store packaging materials.

Plastic, despite its environmental concerns, has emerged as a popular choice due to the fact it's lightweight, versatile and cost-effective. However, the environmental impact of widespread plastic use has led to the development of biodegradable and compostable packaging materials made from plant-based materials such as cornstarch and sugarcane.

Another trend is the use of recycled materials, which helps reduce the demand for raw materials and lowers the environmental impact of packaging. Companies are also exploring alternative packaging solutions such as reusable packaging and packaging-free options to further reduce waste and promote sustainability.

The Role of Technology in Packaging Evolution

Technology, particularly advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing, is revolutionizing the way packaging materials are produced. This allows for custom-designed packaging solutions tailored to the specific needs of products, enabling businesses to create lightweight, durable and customized packaging materials that offer superior protection and reduce the risk of damage during transportation.

The Challenges Facing the Logistics Industry

Optimized packaging solutions can improve how producers fill, store and handle packages. Transport providers can benefit from more efficient loading and weight-optimized packaging mtaerials (i.e. density), but how does it impact warehouse operatives? Warehouse and store operations aim to pick, stack, store and replenish as quickly and easily as possible, but changes to packaging may mean changes to how packages are handled.

Effective optimization of warehouses is a significant priority for businesses. Packaging materials should not only protect the item from damage but also be easily accessible for efficient picking and packing. However, the constant evolution of packaging types presents a challenge for warehouses to maintain operational efficiency.

Vacuum lifters have become a preferred solution for optimization

They alleviate physical strain on employees, enhance productivity as they don't tire and are capable of handling heavier goods. However, the variability in packaging, often differing from one truckload to another, necessitates a tailored lifting solution.

Customized solutions often mean investing in lifters capable of handling a variety of packaging materials, which could be costly and occupy valuable warehouse space.

TAWI Vacuum Lifters: The Versatile Solution for Lifting Various Packaging Materials

TAWI has developed a solution that maximizes the functionality of your vacuum lifter by designing a range of attachable lifting tools. This allows employees to lift goods more efficiently without damaging the packaging.

But how do you determine which lifting tool to use and when? Although not all tools fit all models of vacuum, many do. For more information on what to consider when choosing lifting tools for your vacuum, refer to our blog which acts as a useful guide when buying tools.

Our extensive standard range of lifting tools caters to almost all needs imaginable. All are designed to simplify your job. From standard cardboard, jute, glass, food and pharmaceutical manufacturing to chemical and process industries, your warehouse must be equipped with the correct lifting tools for the job. In addition to standard lifting tools, we also offer tools specifically for the kind of environment you will be using your lifting tool.

High-risk Environment

Various work environments, including food and pharmaceutical manufacturing as well as the chemical and process industries, are susceptible to explosion risks. It's crucial for these settings to have properly adapted equipment. The lifting tools for our lifting systems, which are classified under ATEX, are constructed from stainless steel and designed to be grounded.

In environments that require stringent cleanliness, often referred to as clean rooms, such as those found in the food and pharmaceutical industries, lifting equipment and tools typically need to be made of stainless steel. Our tools, specifically designed for food lifting tasks like handling large cheeses or meat blocks, feature suction foot strips (the part of the tool that directly touches the load) and suction cups that are suitable for food-related applications, such as silicone cups.

We lift…

Our vacuum lifters can lift nearly 20 different types of packaging material, from canisters to food, all the way to glass. Here is a breakdown of just some of our least well-known lifting capabilities.

Baggage

Known for its often unconventional shapes and external textures, it’s not always realized that TAWI’s lifting solutions can help in this space. We’ve had some of our most successful partnerships with human transit providers. Enable us to reduce damage to staff and to your bags in transit.

Components

In logistics, handling diverse items like metal parts, plastics, and batteries is common, especially for manufacturers. Our vacuum lifting solutions excel at handling non-standardized items, with the TAWI Wire Hoist recommended for large components, offering precision and versatility with a lifting capacity of up to 265 lbs, akin to the weight of a grand piano. For smaller items in plastic crates, we provide various lifting, moving and tilting solutions tailored to your mobility and precision needs.

For frequent lifts, vacuum lifters are ideal, featuring ergonomic designs and a wide range of suction feet suitable for most component types. They enable operators to effortlessly lift up to 600 lbs with one hand, making them perfect for high-frequency lifting tasks, including fragile glass sheets and sensitive electric components like batteries.

Sheets

Need a vacuum lifter strong enough to lift 1102 lbs but one that doesn’t damage the sheet being lifted? Our panel lifter does just that and comes equipped with a user-friendly control panel, making the tool easy to control and helping preserve the operator's and goods' safety.

Our panel lifter can lift:

• Glass
• Lifting Sheets
• Lifting Wood
• Metal Sheets
• Plastic or Laminate Sheets
• Walls & Construction Items

What else can we lift? Your logistics to new heights….

We know that trends are heading towards sustainability, which sometimes means finding a vacuum lifter that is strong enough to lift the weight of the goods whilst delicate enough not to damage the packaging materials. Our R&D team is working to find even more efficient solutions to support warehouse logistics in optimizing day-to-day operations.

Can’t find a vacuum lifter that meets the requirements of your product? Contact a member of our team and we will help find a solution. We are aware of our customers' needs and develop standardized and customized products that solve specific problems.