Voidfill Measurement System eliminates packer judgement.

Press Release Summary:



AccuFill features sensor array that mounts over conveyor system and scans inside of each box as it is conveyed down the line. It measures volume of objects inside box and computes amount of material needed to fill void in top of box. System generates exact amount of voidfill material for operator to insert. AccuFill can be integrated into existing conveyor line.



Original Press Release:



New Sensor-Based System Automatically Determines Amount of Packaging Needed and Generates Required Material



Breakthrough in voidfill packaging to be introduced at Pack Expo 2002

CONCORD TOWNSHIP, Ohio, October 31, 2002 - Ranpak® Corp. introduces the proprietary new AccuFill voidfill measurement system, representing a breakthrough in protective packaging technology. AccuFill revolutionizes in-the-box packaging by removing the variable of packer judgment from the equation. The AccuFill system automatically determines how much packing material is needed to fill a void in the top of a box and then generates the exact amount of material to fill that void. The operator helps insert the material but does not determine the amount of material.

The AccuFill system uses a sensor array that mounts over a conveyor system. As boxes containing products to be shipped are conveyed down the line, the AccuFill sensors scan the inside of each box to determine its size, measure the volume of the objects inside the box and compute the amount of material needed to fill the void in the top of the box. The system then generates exactly the right amount of voidfill material, quickly and reliably.

"There are three variables in packaging: material cost, material usage and labor," said Dave Gabrielsen. president of Ranpak. "Research shows that packers often use more voidfill material than necessary, just to be safe. This is particularly true in random packing applications and when companies are using inexperienced temporary labor to do the packing.

"AccuFill controls the material usage by removing the decision-making from packers and returning it to management. We believe AccuFill users can expect to see reductions in material
usage of between 10 and 25 percent."

The AccuFill system can be integrated into an existing conveyor line. The system can be used with either of Ranpak's patented converter systems - the AutoPad or the new FillPak high-speed voidfill system. It also can be used to track voidfill material costs and productivity.

Ranpak will introduce AccuFill at the 2002 PMMI Pack Expo International Show at McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, November 3-7, with commercial availability by the end of
the third quarter 2003. See Ranpak at Booth N-5602.

Ranpak® is a manufacturer of paper-based in-the-box protective packaging systems and products, including PadPak® and FillPak(TM) packaging systems. Ranpak's systems convert kraft paper into lightweight cushions for use in protecting almost any product that is shipped in a box. Ranpak's versatile systems come in a variety of configurations that are system-engineered to fit
any environment, application or requirement. Ranpak's cushioning materials meet any in-the-box packaging requirement, including voidfill, cushioning, blocking and bracing, and wrapping.

Ranpak's corporate headquarters are in Concord Township, Ohio, with additional manufacturing facilities in Nevada and the Netherlands and a sales office in Singapore. For more information, see www.ranpak.com.

All Topics