Resource conservation remains one of the main themes at LogiMAT (March 11-13). The focus ranges from forklifts with lithium-ion and hydrogen drives to alternative packaging and reusable AutoID systems, as well as energy recuperation in automated warehouses.
Rack and machine manufacturers, system integrators, and conveyor technology providers are increasingly linking their system performance with sustainability. Highly energy-efficient system solutions, presented in Hall 1 (including the gallery) as well as Halls 3, 5, and 7, are designed to support the longevity and future viability of investments with reusable components and have a positive impact on the carbon footprint. SMB (Hall 5, Booth C66) is presenting a compact warehouse that requires only 0.01 kWh of power for storage and retrieval while utilizing up to 95 percent of its space. This minimizes material handling, increases energy efficiency, and reduces resource consumption.
Joloda Hydraroll Ltd. (Hall 5, Booth D09) is also presenting an approach to sustainability through resource conservation with its new automated trailer loading system, LoadMatic Lite. It is designed to load trailers in three minutes – instead of 30-45 minutes by forklift. The system moves the same number of pallets per day, but with fewer resources. This results in lower operating costs, increased safety at the loading dock, less product damage, better space utilization, and a smaller environmental footprint. The same applies to RockyOne and RockyLight, the automated solutions for truck loading and unloading as well as (de)palletizing presented by XYZ Robotics GmbH (Hall 1, Booth GA35). Mobile manipulator robots (MMRs) with flexible gripper arms and a 3D vision module ensure throughput capacities of up to 1,200 cartons per hour.
Photos: Euroexpo
In addition to new developments in security and waste-reducing e-paper and RFID labels, new, reusable system components for container-based reusable solutions and the circular economy will be presented, along with robust labels, AutoID software, and track & trace solutions in the RFID segment. Highlights include labels equipped with RFID inmould for reusable plant trays and Mini Global UHF for seamless tracking of technical components and machine parts, offering a read range of up to 4 meters, even outdoors.
Indirectly under pressure to act
The EU Packaging Directive (PPWR) is also putting e-commerce under "indirect pressure to act," explains Marcus Gablowski, Chief Sustainability Officer at Herma. The backing material for shipping labels will most likely also be classified as packaging waste. "Anyone who manages to do without this backing material has already taken a huge step towards supporting the goals of the PPWR."
M. Ruchty
In Hall 4, international software companies will showcase new apps, system modules, components, and subsystems that contribute to optimized and reduced resource utilization and lower energy consumption through improved process control. Innovations such as "Puzzle" and "PackAssistant" calculate, for example, the most efficient arrangement of packages within a defined space, assist in selecting appropriate loading equipment, and thus support volume-optimized loading of pallets and shipping cartons. Ehrhardt + Partner will present its Warehouse Control System (WCS) EPG One, a material flow controller that continuously records movement data and uses the analysis of relevant KPIs to optimize work processes and increase economic efficiency.
The aspect of sustainability is most evident among the international exhibitors of packaging technology and container solutions in Hall 6. This is due to the new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR), which comes into effect in mid-2026 and stipulates that packaging waste must be reduced by five percent by 2030 compared to 2018, then by 10 percent by 2035, and by 15 percent by 2040. For outer packaging, transport packaging, and packaging for e-commerce, the empty space must not exceed 50 percent. Certain single-use plastic packaging will be banned from January 2030.
"Let's save the planet!"
The result is right-sized packaging, strapping machines with paper bands, intelligent reusable packaging, and many other innovative ideas. Among the products being presented are air cushion solutions with compostable cushioning films made from cornstarch and paper air cushions, innovative honeycomb paper, adhesive tape, and cushioning materials made from paper. Mosca supports the gradual switch from plastic to paper in shipping production with strapping machines like the SoniXs TR-Connect, which can process both plastic and paper straps. Similarly, the Raja Group is presenting self-locking paper cable ties as an exclusive market innovation at LogiMAT, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic straps. Con-Pearl is showcasing its new MTS transport box in Stuttgart, designed to replace conventional wire mesh boxes and disposable cardboard or film packaging with reusable boxes. These boxes are already made from at least 70 percent recycled plastics and are repairable and recyclable.
In Halls 9 and 10, material handling equipment suppliers, as well as developers of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and AGVs in Hall 8, will demonstrate how sustainability and resource conservation can be achieved through innovation and retrofit solutions. EP Equipment is launching the world's first automated cobot for pallet transport, which, thanks to a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMS) and lithium-ion batteries, is designed to reduce energy consumption by 15 percent compared to conventional models. Clark Europe will be showcasing, among other things, the new COP2 vertical order picker, featuring a driver's platform that can be raised to 4.80 m, cantilevered forks, and energy-efficient Li-ion technology. Kalmar will be presenting a refurbished, eight-ton forklift truck to Stuttgart, demonstrating that a second and even third sustainable life is quite possible for forklifts. Similarly, Miag refurbishes explosion-proof used vehicles.
"The necessary options and tools are therefore available," concludes trade fair director Michael Ruchty. "They just need to be used."
