INDUSTRY News
Reducing carbon emissions in food packaging with transformer technology
PFF Group, one of the UK’s largest independent food-packaging specialists, has approached Powerstar to help it drive forward a sustainable energy management strategy. Known for its behind-the-meter energy storage and power resilience technologies, Powerstar recommended an upgrade of PFF’s existing transformer fl eet, replacing the ageing transformer with a new low-loss amorphous core alternative, integrated with its patented voltage regulation technology. The fi rst stage of the phased installation will reduce energy costs, increase effi ciency and contribute to PFF’s sustainability strategy through a 5% reduction in the fi rm’s carbon footprint. Transformers are a critical part of the
energy infrastructure for manufacturers since they enable electricity to be transferred from one circuit to another at changing voltage levels, to improve the safety and effi ciency of power systems. However, three quarters of the transformers in the UK have been in operation for 25 years or more, a lifespan far exceeding their intended life. For food packaging and manufacturing this presents a signifi cant productivity risk. Replacing outdated transformers mitigates the risk of production process disruption, whilst also contributing to carbon-emission reduction.
“As they age, transformers become less effi cient and can be operating at 85%
effi ciency as compared to larger, modern transformers whose effi ciency can be as high as 99.75%. With many transformers operating at high loads, these losses are signifi cant and costly. High-effi ciency, low-loss transformers can make a huge diff erence, enhancing power resilience, lowering costs and off ering an eff ective route to reducing carbon emissions, helping companies such as PFF work towards achieving net zero. Integrating Powerstar’s patented voltage regulation technology also provides additional benefi ts to effi ciency, further reducing electricity consumption, costs and carbon
Powerstar HV MAX is a super low-loss amorphous core HV transformer combined with the award-winning Powerstar voltage optimisation technology
footprint of a manufacturing facility,” said Alastair Morris, Powerstar’s Chief Commercial Offi cer.
PFF is a member of two environmental global initiatives, NEXTLOOPP and Operation Clean Sweep. NEXTLOOPP aims to produce the fi rst commercially- available high-quality food-grade polypropylene (FGrPP), whilst Operation Clean Sweep aims to ensure that plastic does not end up in waterways. “As a producer of sustainable packaging, PFF places great importance on using resources effi ciently and this latest investment demonstrates that we take our carbon reduction commitments very seriously. Plastics continue to have a vital role to play in food production and our objective is to produce packaging that delivers the most sustainable solution when accounting for whole life costs – from production to transportation emissions, food waste and recyclability. Carbon footprint off ers the most accurate assessment of the way our products impact on our planet, therefore, reducing it is the biggest thing we can do to protect the environment,” said Lee Brydon, PFF General Manager.
Caja Robotics and Bastian Solutions join forces to deliver robotic systems to US fulfi lment centres
Israeli fi rm Caja Robotics will work with Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Advanced Logistics company, to have its robotic systems introduced to sites across the US. The two companies will leverage each other’s capabilities and market positions in the material-handling space to off er a range of projects.
Bastian Solutions’s product portfolio includes mobile robots, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), automated guided vehicles (AGV) and goods-to- person systems, but also custom robotic and conveyor manufacturing solutions and high-quality material-handling software. Bastian Solutions’s offi ces in the US will
8 March 2022 | Automation
serve as a platform to apply Caja’s systems to automated order fulfi llment projects. “Bastian Solutions is a leading supply chain integrator, so this is a signifi cant step for the future of Caja in the US,” said Ilan Cohen, CEO of Caja Robotics. “Together we will expand our US foothold and sales, and provide Caja solutions to a variety of customers to solve the ever-increasing challenge of fulfi lling orders, especially during peak demand. We’re excited for the collaboration and opportunities to come.” Caja off ers a smart warehouse technology that easily and fl exibly adapts to existing infrastructure and sales demands. Its solution combines
two robots – a Lift robot and a Cart robot – that work synergistically to optimise order-picking operations. With Caja’s AI- powered software, the robots move bins between workstations and the inventory, constantly optimising inventory management.
“Our business collaboration comes perfectly in time as customers consider and gear up with fl exible automation for peak demands in 2022. Caja’s technology adapts, scales and responds to the needs and demands of our customers, whether on the large or small scale,” said Bastian Solutions’s Vice President of Global Sales and Applications, Matt Kuper.
automationmagazine.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66
