New Packaging Technology Addresses Christmas Staff Shortages

As the year comes to a close, businesses in the food, manufacturing, and distribution sectors often face significant staff shortages. Data released before the busy holiday season reveals that 43% of labor providers anticipate struggling to meet demand this Christmas due to a lack of workers.

Growing Sales and Higher Demand

This year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are set to increase demand further with record sales. Despite challenges on the high street, the food and ecommerce sectors are poised to gain. According to Mintel, total spending in December is projected to rise by 4%, reaching nearly £48 billion (excluding VAT).

Digging deeper into these figures shows that food sales will climb by 3.3% to £18.6 billion. Companies can expect online orders to jump by 14% to £5.6 billion, representing about 12% of all retail spending. These figures create high expectations for manufacturers and distributors to keep pace, prompting a need to rethink packaging solutions during this peak season.

Christmas Packaging Solutions

Instead of succumbing to the pressure of hiring additional staff during busy times, companies should explore sustainable packaging alternatives. Modernized packaging machinery offers a long-term solution that businesses have needed. Such machinery plays a crucial role in speeding up the packing process, enabling companies to meet demand with a smaller workforce.

For example, technology like case erectors can efficiently handle flat-packed boxes. Additionally, advanced pallet wrappers maximize stretch film usage, reducing material waste while saving on warehouse space and labor costs. With sales skyrocketing, businesses can enhance profit margins by optimizing their inventory management.

Automated packaging machines can build, fill, fold, and label boxes tailored to product dimensions in a single step. This streamlined approach enhances supply chain efficiency, eliminating the need for additional savings and void-fill materials while saving time and labor hours.

Planning for the Future

The ongoing advancements in automated packaging technology significantly ease the pressure during the festive rush. Investing in these machines reduces the need for hiring numerous new employees, which often involves extensive training. The updated machinery seamlessly integrates into existing operations, allowing for a smoother transition.

As technology continues to improve, businesses across the UK will capitalize on these advantages. The growth of online shopping emphasizes the need for cost-effective, sustainable solutions, making modern packaging machines instrumental for manufacturers and distributors facing seasonal spikes.