CUSTOM-MADE PACKAGING FOR EVERY GLASSINTER WINDOW

“Transport claims have decreased significantly since we installed this new packaging system,” explains Thomas Heyman (Packaging Engineer, TVH). “Together with the supplier, we designed a specific box for every Glassinter reference we stock. These designs account for the unique shape and curve of each window. The glass stays suspended safely inside, and with enough buffer to prevent any breakage.”

As the Glassinter range continues to grow, the process of designing new boxes needs to be streamlined. “The packaging machine currently contains thousands of box designs, one for every Glassinter reference,” Thomas continues. “With the supplier, we created a unique and flexible design template. This template makes adding new designs simple and efficient.”

The BOD solution also increased the department’s productivity by a considerable amount. “We could finally step away from using multiple types of boxes, saving us valuable space and inventory. Before this, we stocked six different types of boxes for all our glassware packaging. Nowadays, we just use fanfold cardboard, which the machine cuts to size.”

Also the packaging operators have witnessed major improvements. “Before, they needed to fill the boxes with lots of padding and buffer material,” Thomas continues. “This was time-consuming and required a lot of material. Now, the operator just needs to scan the window’s barcode, and they receive the right-sized box in seconds.”

Maximising the transport efficiency is just one cog in TVH’s elaborate sustainability program. “We use only recycled cardboard for Glassinter’s packaging. The foam that protects the glass inside the box also comes from 100% recycled materials,” Thomas continues. “By using fewer resources, we contribute to a cleaner planet for us all.”

For larger customer orders, individual packaging is not the right answer. To this end, our engineers designed a new type of crate that can hold multiple windows, retaining the same safety advantages.

“These crates also deal with big and bulky curved glass, something we used to struggle with in the past,” admits Thomas.“This new packaging drastically improved that situation.”