Prizes were presented to four companies at a ceremony at the trade show in Lyon, France on November 19. Smurfit Kappa won the Ergonomics and Practicality category for its Easy Co-packing tool.
Mickaël Hardiviller, director, Smurfit Kappa Pallet Systems, told FoodProductionDaily.com the winning invention would prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in workers bending to fill boxes. Strenuous, repetitive work or awkward positions are known to cause MSDs in factory workers.
Increases customer productivity
The Easy Co-packing system is comprised of an elevated platform supporting a cardboard pallet.
A pedal controls the raising and lowering of a plate inside the carton. “With this system, there is no need for the worker to lean into the box,” Hardiviller said. By reducing back problems in factory operatives, the tool “increases production capacity for the customer,” he added.
The device starts with its moveable platform in a high position for the packager to place the first layer of cargo. The stand then lowers to make more room and this is repeated for every layer so the employee always fills the top of the box from a standing position, and does not lean down.
Once the container is completely packed, the adjustable platform is lowered to the bottom and the base of the cardboard box is reinforced using automatic clipping.
The tool was designed by an in-house team at Smurfit Kappa, said Hardiviller, and its packaging and pallet are 100% recyclable cardboard. It can take loads of up to 300kg, and fill products between 80cm and 1m in height.
Tilt-Import – Forklift alert system
French company Tilt-Import won Europack’s safety award with an alert system warning forklift truck operators of the presence of pedestrians.
Keychains worn by people nearby emit a signal to the forklift’s engine when they approach, setting off a siren and visual alarm which alerts drivers to pedestrians outside their field of vision.
Boa Concept – Conveyor belt automation
The productivity and optimisation category was won by Boa Concept for its conveyor belt. The Plug-and-Carry uses automatic recognition to register changes to the layout of the moving belt, so users do not need to reprogram the conveyer each time the circuit route changes.
Emin Leydier – Traceable packaging
French handling firm Emin Leydier won the environment and traceability award for its e-Natur'EL range of cardboard boxes.
The packaging takes three different formats so it can adjust to items’ size.
The wrapping is labelled with the French logo “Imprim’Vert” which signifies green production. The cardboard boxes are made from one material, which is 100% recycled and 100% recyclable.
Baumer, Bosch make shortlist…
Also shortlisted for the innovation awards were firms Baumer, Bosch Rexroth, Still, Elex and Infologic.
The awards were decided on October 10 by a jury of industry and journalism experts. Winners collected their “Trophées d’Innovation” at a formal dinner in Lyon on November 19, where they were entertained by French comedian Mathieu Madénian.