A bulk export orientated company has to optimise their packaging to be able to compete in a globalised world. Therefore it is important to maximise the container load to save shipping costs. This can be done in different ways, • by changing the product weight, • the packaging material or size, • the pallet/container size or, for some products, • the bulk density. With so many parameters affecting the container load finding the best packaging solution is difficult. To solve the problem an Add-on to for the existing packaging optimisation software Cape Pack called SADIE was developed. SADIE automates the process of data input into Cape Pack and allows browsing of different packaging combinations in a short time. Main feature of SADIE is that it allows testing complete weight and/or bulk density ranges in one Query. For that it takes the weight and the bulk density combination that is going to be tested and calculates the start dimension for a regular slotted case (RSC) with a 2:1:2 ratio, which, for a RSC, is the ratio that uses a minimum quantity of board. Those dimensions are then, with many other parameters, transferred into the Cape Pack Design mode where the new packaging solution is calculated and transferred back to SADIE. The data coming from SADIE was tested for consistency and was also used for physical pack size validations, both successfully. Packaging solutions for products with higher bulk densities could be optimised. A new packaging solution calculated for salted butter could save 231 container per annum. Depending on the destination of the butter cost savings from 184,000 US$ to 577,500 US$ would be possible. The results show that there are improvements in container load possible, especially for products in a higher bulk density range, like butter and cheese. An increase in container load for Whole milk powder (WMP) might be possible if another packaging system is used whereas for Skim milk powder (SMP), with its higher densities compared to WMP, the program can calculate improved container load without a change to the packaging system used.

Abstract Problem Little research has been conducted on how packaging and returnable packaging are managed within suppliers in the Scandinavian automotive supply chain. Sources also propose that returnable packaging is dealt with inefficiently within the automotive suppliers.    Purpose The purpose of the thesis is to explore and analyze how packaging and returnable packaging are managed within suppliers in the ASC. It also aims to identify perceived important factors for efficient returnable packaging management from the perspective of suppliers, sub-suppliers and OEMs. Method The research is based on a holistic single case study. Further, it adopts the inductive approach and exploratory purpose. Data collection is facilitated by qualitative methods, using ten semi-structured interviews and four on-site observations. Conclusion Packaging was found to be managed somewhat differently in the internal, outbound and inbound flows. Non-returnable and returnable packaging was found used in all flows at different ratios. Further, several factors were regarded important for efficient returnable packaging management. These were found specific for the internal, outbound and inbound flows and further divided into fundamental and efficiency factors.

Development of temperature controlled packaging (TCP) systems involves a significant lead-time and cost as a result of the large number of tests that are carried out to understand system performance in different internal and external conditions. This MPhil project aims at solving this problem through the development of a transient spreadsheet based model using lumped system approach that predicts the performance of packaging systems under a wide range of internal configurations and dynamically changing environmental thermal conditions. Experimental tests are conducted with the aim of validating the predictive model. Testing includes monitoring system temperature in a wide range of internal configurations and external thermal environments. A good comparison is seen between experimental and model predicted results; increasing the mass of the chilled phase change material (PCM) in a system reduces the damping in product performance thereby reducing the product fluctuations or amplitude of the product performance curve. Results show that the thermal mathematical model predicts duration to failure within an accuracy of +/- 15% for all conditions considered.

No description available.

The use of robotic systems in consumer goods industry has increased over recent years. However, food industry has not taken to the robotics technology with the same desire as in other industries due to technical and commercial reasons. Difficulties in matching human speed and flexibility, variable nature of food products, high production volume rates, lack of appropriate end-effectors, high initial investment rate of the so-called systems and low margins in food products are still blocking the range of use of robotics in food industry. In this thesis study, as a contribution to the use of robotic systems in food industry, a secondary packaging robotic system is designed. The system is composed of two basic subsystems: a dual-axis controlled robotic arm and a special-purpose gripper. Mechanical and control systems design of basic subsystems are performed within the scope of the study. During the designing process, instead of using classical design methods, modern computer-aided design and engineering tools are utilized.