Case packing gets sophisticated

Like the packaging industry itself, secondary packaging is largely specialized, reflecting an incredible variety of product parameters, from shape to size to consistency. But unlike primary packaging, which is normally done at high speeds and thus almost impossible to perform by hand, case packing is often a manual function, especially in moderate volumes or in the early stages of a product lifecycle.

Any number of considerations—rising wage, high employee turnover, ergonomics, tighter food safety regulations—can spur a food processor to automate the pack-off process and redeploy the workforce into higher value activity.