Packaging Automation and Optimization for Sustainability

Labor and Process Automation for Sustainability

There are a variety of different actions companies can take to reduce their carbon footprint in the packaging industry. From reducing the use of plastic in packaging products to using alternative eco-friendly materials, companies have the potential to positively impact the environment and offset their carbon emissions.

Another useful tool to consider when looking at your carbon footprint is implementing automated technology throughout the packaging process. Advancements in technology are showing their potential for cutting down on waste by running efficient packaging processes. Automated functions that monitor and optimize energy usage among other factors can help with sustainability efforts in the packaging industry.

Read a Group O Packaging Automation Case Study to see the benefits in action.

Environmental Impact

Packaging and packaging materials are widely used around the world. That also means they are thrown away at great rates, contributing to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. It is clear that the environmental impact of packaging is significant and as more and more companies adopt sustainable methods into their packaging process, automated functions are becoming more important to minimize the environmental impact.

Since the packaging industry is constantly evolving, flexible automation is quite useful as tasks and functions can be updated or switched as needed. Automated technology can be used to decrease energy consumption by monitoring areas throughout the packaging process where energy can be conserved. Performing audits to pinpoint areas in need of improvement is a great place to start.

Automated technology also reduces waste that naturally comes from human error. With flexible automation, companies can continuously measure the exact amount of material needed to cut out unnecessary waste. Not only does this save money, it also reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Since conserving resources is important to sustainable efforts, cutting out product or material waste means companies can use the resources they need to the fullest extent without causing a bigger impact on the environment.

Employee Impact

With the increase in technology and even Automated Intelligence (AI) many are concerned about what this means for employees. However, by including AI in your packaging process, employees are now free to work on more meaningful projects.

The influx in automation in the workplace has certainly been a plus during the labor shortage brought on by the pandemic. But even as employees return to work many are seeing a positive impact from sharing their workload with automation. It helps foster a positive work environment as well.

As Generation Z enters the workforce in droves many employers are adapting to meet the needs and expectations of this environmentally conscious workforce. Gen Z is looking to work with people who hold the same values as them. By adopting more sustainable practices like automation in the workplace to monitor energy usage and reduce waste, employers are meeting their employees at the same level. Not only does this increase productivity and retention, but it also helps decrease carbon emissions.

Automation in Packaging

Automation opens up countless opportunities to be more sustainable at work. AI and other technology can be used to shut down machines when they are not in use. Automations can turn off lights when no motion is detected and monitor and control the temperature in a warehouse for maximum efficiency and optimize most processes for maximum cost and energy savings.

As more consumers and employees demand sustainable measures in the companies they interact with or work for, it is time for companies to get on board and start taking action.