New ideas in protective packaging

Sealed Air Corporation demonstrated its enhanced PriorityPak and new Rapid Fill automated packaging systems. PriorityPak scans bar codes, weighs items, packages them for shipping, and applies shipping labels. The new, "second generation" version boasts increased height for taller items, the ability to change belt speeds, and improved product sensing capability, among others. The new Rapid Fill automated void-fill system inflates an air bag within an enclosed carton to minimize movement of a package's contents. The system uses sensory technology to measure the exact amount of air needed to fill the void. An operator clips a single air bag to the inside of a carton, folds the carton flaps, and sends it through a sealer. The carton briefly stops in the sealer, where air is injected through the carton and into the bag. Jeff Zahansky, business manager of automated packaging solutions, said that both systems can easily be integrated with most warehouse equipment.