Smart packaging

Smart packaging
and load carriers

In the course of digital transformation and Logistics 4.0, smart packaging networks the physical with the digital world: smart packaging forms a bridge between objects, processes, systems, software and IT services within the supply chain. In addition to their protective and labelling function, they are increasingly able to take on new tasks as a result of digital technologies or technological progress. Smart packaging can therefore also mean packaging solutions with enhanced functions. A distinction is usually made between two types: active packaging and intelligent packaging.

Active packaging
Protection against electrostatic discharge, corrosion or other hazards

Active packaging is packaging solutions that interact with the product and thus ensure the products’ shelf life or quality during storage and transport. For this purpose, certain substances are either released into the packaged product or withdrawn from the product or its immediate environment. The "active" substances can be integrated directly into the packaging material or added separately to the packaging as a component.

A typical application is the use of moisture-regulating elements such as VCIs, desiccants or other control materials. These prevent corrosion forming on metallic components in closed transport containers. Other active solutions in our smart packaging range include protection against electrostatic discharge for electrical and electronic products as well as protection against bacteria and fungi in hygiene-sensitive areas such as the food and beverage industry or medical technology. This protection is achieved by using an antimicrobial packaging surface.

Conductive plastic material for ESD protection

Intelligent packaging
Identification by means of
barcodes, RFID etc.

Unlike active packaging, smart packaging has no direct effect on the packaged product. Instead, it offers an additional benefit or added value. Identification technologies such as barcodes, QR codes, RFID or NFC devices enable the packaging to communicate with a higher-level system in production and logistics.

Information about the load carrier and the load can be stored and read out. In addition, intelligent solutions can also use sensors and indicators to detect and report changes in the environment, such as vibrations or temperature fluctuations. Through seamless data collection, individual processes – and ultimately the entire supply chain – can be optimized in a targeted manner and made more economical. We can turn our load carriers into smart packaging by equipping them with barcode labels and RFID transponders in accordance with your requirements and wishes.

Automatable packaging
Partially and fully automated processes in production and logistics

In addition to active and intelligent packaging, there is another type of packaging that we count as smart packaging: automatable packaging. These include, for example, workpiece carriers and trays for automated handling in packaging and palletizing machines, as well as containers for use on roller conveyor systems.

Intralogistics processes such as the transport of products on conveyor belts, the removal or insertion of products from pick-and-place robots and the stacking of load carriers can be partially or fully automated with the help of thermoformed solutions. Now nothing stands in the way of automating your production, storage and transport processes.

We would be delighted to advise you on the possibilities offered by the thermoforming process and show you various approaches to solutions.

Your benefits with smart packaging

Whether active, intelligent or automatable packaging – with smart plastic transport packaging, you have the solutions to meet the requirements of a future-oriented Logistics 4.0. The packaging is aligned with both physical and digital processes to support you in digital transformation and automation. In addition to ensuring optimum product protection, our smart load carriers provide more transparency in the supply chain by means of barcodes and RFID chips. At the same time, the solutions designed for digital and automated processes improve material flow efficiency.