Aurora Process Solutions plans to bring a pallet wrapping system to Australia that uses an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic.
Stretch film helps keep loads secure on pallets, helping them arrive at their destination unharmed. There’s just one problem – plastic.
While stretch film technology has advanced significantly over the past decade, at the end of the day it is still a soft plastic.
According to CSIRO, soft plastics are one of the most difficult materials to recycle. This is because they are frequently contaminated, and often made up from different types of plastics that are not easily processed.
In fact, the organisation is on a mission to end plastic waste entirely, with a goal of an 80 per cent reduction in plastic waster entering the Australian environment by 2030.
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Similar environmental regulation is occurring across the world, and manufacturers are starting to feel the pressure.
Braden Goddin, sales and marketing manager at Aurora Process Solutions, told ABHR this is why the company has partnered with an Italian packaging technology specialist to find a solution.
“Wrapping pallets has always led to a massive consumption of plastic, and it’s difficult for companies to offset its usage,” he said.
“Clever packaging engineers have come up with a solution – using a paper wrapping system to contain loads.”
Engineers from Robopac visited Aurora’s New-Zealand offices to demonstrate the new PW series wrapper, designed to apply paper wrapping instead of plastic – a specialist machine that could be a game changer for companies working with high volume products.
The wrapping paper is specifically engineered to have excellent stretch properties, and due to its thickness, provides anti-scratch properties as well. In addition, because it is not transparent it protects the product from ultraviolet rays. Goddin said its main benefit is its inherent recyclability.
“The machinery used to apply the paper has a clever adhesive application system that is simple and hands-off. It uses a proprietary program and tension settings to apply the paper, using a water-based adhesive that doesn’t come in contact with the product.
“This soluble adhesive means it doesn’t impact the viability of the recycling process.
“Another advantage is that it does not require additional labelling – information can be printed directly onto the paper, cutting down on consumables.”
Aurora and Robopac have ensure the paper consumables come from a renewable source.
It also meets food safety regulations and environmental management regulations.
The paper also features high vertical tear resistance, meaning if it is punctured by forklift tines, it will not tear vertically and release the load.
The consumable rolls are available in a wide range of formats, and can be supplied in ‘jumbo rolls’, reducing the need to swap out empty rolls.
Goddin said the technology is not the answer for every application – especially where goods are expected to be exposed to the weather.
“A large percentage of logistics happens indoors – you’re transporting product from the packing line and into a truck.
“The paper has a certain amount of water resistance, but it’s not designed to last in the rain for long periods of time.
“It’s ideal for dry logistics chains. If you’re loading pallets in a loading dock with some moisture, it can handle that fine.”
Aurora and Robopac have been running the machinery through several tests, working with customers to investigate if the new wrapping technology is right for them.
The NZ-based company often works closely with its clients to find out how its technology can support them. It specialises in supporting manufacturers who are new to automation, working alongside them to find the right solution that fits the business.
Aurora can scale the equipment based on the size of the operation and can partially automate certain aspects of the packaging process. If the client wants to, it can then support them to increase the automation level throughout the plant.
Goddin said this can make a big impact on small-to-medium-sized companies.
“Every business has different needs when it comes to automation, which is why we take a flexible approach. We work closely with our clients to provide detailed return on investment calculations,” he said.
“It comes down to costs for a lot of them – the cost of wrapping per pallet is important. At the moment, paper has a slightly higher value when compared with plastic, but it’s competitive – and we expect it to become even more so as taxes and restrictions on imported polyethene are established.”
Aurora’s clients are excited about paper wrapping and have been inquiring about when they can get their hands on it. The company plans to have provide wrapping equipment and paper wrap consumables available in Australia. It also expects to have examples for customers to see the machinery in action.
“We’re taking an open-minded approach, focusing on evidence-based trials with clients,” Goddin said.
“We want to move fast on this, as it’s a developing technology, and translate these advancements into benefits for our clients.
“The proof will be in the pudding, which is why we’re looking to get trial systems out onto the market and see the result.”