newsonline24

Sustainability is an issue of increasing urgency in both manufacturing and logistics. Sustainability in production, warehousing, and distribution has become a key factor in decisions made along the entire supply chain, right through to the end consumer. The diverse challenges facing businesses concerned about their environmental impact also come with opportunities, however. Integrating modern technologies and environmentally friendly materials into production and warehouse processes not only reduces the consumption of resources and improves a company’s carbon footprint – it also boosts performance, helps attract and retain workers, and improves competitiveness. Many companies are already reaping the rewards. The latest research by SOTI shows that 63% of transport and logistics companies worldwide are using automated data capture processes to improve their sustainability. Many warehouse operators also improve their sustainability using smart transport systems (62% in Germany, 48% worldwide), electric vehicles (23% in Germany, 16% worldwide) and robotic technologies (18% in Germany, 17% worldwide). Harnessing digital technologies to reduce paper consumption is another key strategy for sustainability and conservation. “Modern technologies are drivers of sustainability in transport and intralogistics,” remarks LogiMAT Exhibition Director Michael Ruchty from Munich-based event organizer EUROEXPO Messe- und Kongress-GmbH. “That’s why sustainability is once again one of our three areas of focus at this year’s LogiMAT. In nearly every segment of the industry, exhibitors are highlighting the sustainability of their latest products and solutions. Anyone looking to invest in sustainable, state-of-the-art hardware and improve the efficiency of their processes simply cannot afford to miss LogiMAT 2025.”

High-efficiency, low-resource compact warehouses

The portfolio of sustainability solutions coming to LogiMAT extends from the latest industrial trucks with alternative lithium-ion and hydrogen drives, to innovations in customized packaging solutions and materials, reusable AIDC solutions, and new automated warehouse system components with energy recovery. Shelving system and equipment manufacturers, systems integrators, and material handling technology providers will be on hand in Hall 1 (including the gallery level) plus Halls 3, 5, and 7 to present new solutions that more closely align performance with sustainability. Flexible, high-efficiency system solutions featuring reusable components are designed to deliver a superior system life for sounder investment strategies and enhance system performance with a lighter overall carbon footprint. SMB (Hall 5, Booth 5C66) is presenting a compact warehouse capable of utilizing up to 95% of its space for storage and retrieval with power consumption of only 0.01 kWh. The result is minimal inventory turnover, higher energy efficiency, and a lower consumption of resources. Joloda Hydraroll (Hall 5, Booth 5D09) also has a strategy for achieving greater sustainability by conserving resources: Meet LoadMatic Lite, the new automated truck-loading system capable of filling a trailer in just three minutes – down from the 30 to 45 minutes that a forklift operator would need. The system can move the same number of pallets per day, but by using fewer resources, it lowers operating costs, makes loading docks safer, reduces losses from damaged products, utilizes space better, and shrinks the overall carbon footprint. XYZ Robotics (Hall 1 Gallery, Booth 1GA35) is on the same page with RockyOne and RockyLight, automated solutions for loading and unloading trucks and palleting/depalleting operations. Mobile manipulator robots with flexible gripper arms and a 3D vision module ensure a throughput of up to 1,200 boxes per hour.

Linerless labels

WAM-Service (Hall 2, Booth 2B01) is among the exhibitors from the AIDC industry presenting innovations in security-enhancing, waste-reducing e-paper and RFID labels along with the latest generation of mobile scanners, data capture devices, and AIDC installations. Also on display: new reusable system components for container-based multi-use solutions and the circular economy. The Inotec Group (Hall 2, Booth 2B08) is coming to Stuttgart with robust labels, AIDC software, and track-and-trace RFID solutions. Highlights include in-mould RFID for reusable plant trays and mini-global UHF for flawless identification of metal parts and machine components – two robust and range-optimized RFID labels with a reading range of up to four meters, even outdoors. Label and labeling machine manufacturer Herma (Hall 2, Booth 2D18) is presenting a complete labeling system and the InNo-Liner linerless label material, which has already been patented in some countries and almost completely eliminates the use of production waste in labeling. The EU Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is also putting pressure on e-commerce merchants, and this guides Herma’s product development, explains Chief Sustainability Officer Marcus Gablowski. “Shipping label liners are likely to be considered packaging waste. Anyone who manages to avoid liner paper has already taken a huge step towards supporting the goals of PPWR.”

Using software to optimize palleting and shipping box volumes

Software developers from around the world will gather in Hall 4 of the Messe Stuttgart convention center to show off the latest apps, system modules, components, and subsystems for optimizing the consumption of energy and resources through better control of processes. This includes packaging and packaging scheme optimization and AI-supported process optimization. Scapos (Hall 4, Booth 4G46) is presenting Puzzle and PackAssistant, its latest software solutions for optimizing packaging processes for improved efficiency and sustainability at lower cost. Puzzle calculates the most favorable arrangement of packages in a defined space, optimizing shipping box volumes and palleting processes. Ehrhardt + Partner (Hall 4, Booth 4A71) is presenting its EPG One warehouse control system, which captures all material flows, analyzes relevant KPIs, and optimizes resources for more efficient workflows and operations.

The issue of sustainability is most obvious among the international exhibitors of packaging technology and container solutions in Hall 6. The PPWR, which takes effect in February and will be fully applicable by the middle of next year, calls for a 5% reduction of packaging waste by 2030, rising to 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040 (based on 2018 levels). The proportion of empty space in outer packaging, transport packaging, and e-commerce packaging will be limited to 50%. EU member states must also reduce plastic packaging waste and stop using certain non-recyclable plastic packaging types starting in 2030. All of this is elevating the issue of sustainability within the packaging industry. This is reflected in the range of products for right-sized packaging, strapping machines with paper straps, and smart reusable packaging.

Paper air cushions and innovative honeycomb paper

ActivaTec® International (Hall 6, Booth 6D01) combines state-of-the-art packaging technologies with environmental responsibility. At LogiMAT, they’ll present air cushion solutions with compostable cushion film made from corn starch and paper air cushions, innovative honeycomb paper, paper packing tape, and paper cushioning material. Mosca (Hall 6, Booth 6D21) supports the gradual transition in shipping from plastic to paper with strapping machines like the SoniXs TR-Connect, which can handle either plastic or paper straps. The Raja Group (Hall 6, Booth 6C77) will be on hand at LogiMAT to unveil its exclusive innovation of paper-based self-locking cable ties as an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic straps. Con-Pearl (Hall 6, Booth 6B09) is coming to Stuttgart with its new MTS transport box, a mobile transport system featuring reusable boxes that replace classic pallet solutions, conventional mesh boxes, and disposable packaging made from cardboard or film. The boxes, constructed from at least 70% recycled plastic, can be repaired and recycled.

Volume-optimized, customizable packaging

IMA (Hall 6, Booth 6B18) is presenting the E-CO Flex family of machines, which incorporate such diverse technologies as automatic case erectors and formers, height-reducing closing stations, and lid applicators. Storopack (Hall 6, Booth 6F40) is exhibiting automated and manual solutions with PAPERplus® paper cushions. Papier Sprick (Hall 6, Booth 6F17) is proud to present PaperJet® Winder, a cushioning system that winds paper cushion coils made from 100% recycled paper. Ligenium (Hall 6, Booth D07) and Auteko (Hall 8, Booth 8G01) are taking a different approach to sustainability by using wood instead of steel. At Ligenium, the primary focus is on unit load devices and transport solutions made from wood, a renewable raw material that requires little energy during processing. Auteko is presenting a hybrid, modular, driverless euro-pallet AGV with a payload of 1,000 kg and the innovative option of a wooden construction for its frame. Low-energy industrial and hanger gates, modern LED lighting technology, timers, motion sensors, and breakthroughs in hot-melt adhesives for paper and cardboard: These are among the more subtle changes ushering in greater awareness of sustainability in the packaging industry. Henkel Adhesive Technologies (Hall 6, Booth 6B78) is presenting Technomelt E-COM G5 Eco Cool, an adhesive with a high ratio of bio-based material that renders it compatible with paper recycling standards. Jowat (Hall 6, Booth 6A28) is bringing a hot-melt adhesive that can be used at temperatures starting at 99°C, requiring significantly less energy than conventional hot-melt adhesives.

Li-on technology and the latest electric forklifts

Last but not least, manufacturers of industrial trucks in Halls 9 and 10 and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in Hall 8 are exhibiting new electric forklift trucks and service robots, state-of-the-art driver assistance systems, and alternative lithium-ion and hydrogen drives – demonstrating how innovation and retrofitting can help conserve resources and deliver sustainability. Lithium-ion batteries are up to 30% more energy-efficient than lead-acid batteries. When used with modern charging equipment, the result is 16% less energy use and lower carbon emissions. EP Equipment (Hall 10, Booth 10F65) is presenting the world’s first automated cobot for pallet transport. Using only a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) and advanced lithium-ion batteries, the device is designed to reduce energy consumption by 15% compared to conventional models. Clark Europe (Hall 10, Booth 10B78) is showing the new COP2 vertical order picker with a driver’s cab that can be raised to 4.80 meters, self-supporting forks, and energy-efficient lithium-ion technology. Kalmar Germany (Hall 10, Booth 10G21) is coming to Stuttgart with a refurbished 8-ton electric forklift truck, proving that high-quality, sustainable equipment can have a second or even third life. Miag Fahrzeugbau (Hall 9, Booth 9D11) is taking a similar approach, refurbishing used vehicles to make them explosion-proof, then offering them for lease or resale to conserve precious resources and achieve greater sustainability.

“The new products and solutions on display at LogiMAT 2025 offer an overview of what’s currently available to drive down energy and resource consumption in the interests of greater sustainability,” concludes Exhibition Director Ruchty. “The tools are there – it’s just a question of using them.”

Organized by: EUROEXPO Messe- und Kongress-GmbH
Joseph-Dollinger-Bogen 7 | 80807 Munich, Germany
Phone: +49 89 32 391 259 | www.logimat-messe.de