5 tips to get packing benches in peak condition

1. Invest in height-adjustable benches

While it might be too late for this year, it’s worth exploring the options available so you can be primed and ready for peak next year. Depending on the nature of the products being packed, give workers the option to sit at the packing bench – an adjustable bench means they can switch between sitting and standing to relieve tired legs. Anti-fatigue matting can help with this too.

2. Make the most of automated packaging equipment

Automation can ease the strain of repetitive manual tasks and reduce the risk of injury. It can also speed up the packing process and prevent over-use of materials.

Consider introducing on-demand void fill machinery such as the FillPak® Table Top converter, by Ranpak, that dispenses void fill made of single-ply, fanfold kraft paper directly into the box – it requires no training to use. If space is really tight, consider the new FillPak Trident Mini™ with configurable mounting options and a compact footprint. It’s also fast, dispensing up to 1.4 metres of paper void fill per second. 

To deliver unboxing-worthy packaging without the faff, Ranpak’s Geami creates beautiful honeycomb paper wrapping. Most consumers prefer paper packaging, so it’s a win in the customer experience stakes too!

3.  Keep tools and materials within easy reach

You don’t want packers risking strain and injury by having to keep reaching for tools and packing materials. Before deciding where to place each item, carry out a review of each activity and identify any changes that could be made to eliminate unnecessary handling, saving time and simplifying tasks. 

4. Make sure you have a plentiful supply of core tools and materials

From boxes, bags, void fill and labels to tape, tape dispensers and safety knives. Minimise the need to replenish stocks by choosing products that deliver maximum efficiency while taking up minimal space. The paper for each of the Ranpak machines we mentioned in point 2 (above) is supplied flat but, once converted, a single pallet of paper can provide void fill for up to 2,600 boxes.

There are space and time-saving tape options too. The Optimax OM700, for example, is a water-activated tape (WAT) dispenser with a tape roll capacity of up to 255mm diameter and up to 50mm wide, and output of an impressive 60 metres per minute.  It can also be programmed to issue specific lengths of tape, helping to reduce waste. Plus, it has a two-litre water bottle, which means it doesn’t need refilling too often.