SUSTAINABLE AND AUTOMATED PACKAGING SOLUTIONS BY HENKEL

E-commerce continues to grow rapidly, leading to an explosion in shipping volumes. This dynamic is accompanied by logistical, economic and environmental challenges: rising material costs, saturated storage capacity, increasing regulatory pressure and heightened consumer expectations. Faced with this context, e-commerce players are seeking to rethink their packaging chains. All too often, parcels are oversized, filled with unnecessary padding, or, conversely, insufficiently protected. These practices generate additional costs, waste materials and undermine the customer experience.

In its white paper ‘The ideal solution: packaging automation in e-commerce’, Henkel proposes an integrated approach to optimising packaging processes. The central idea is to automatically adapt the size of the box to the product being shipped, using intelligent packaging systems.

This technology reduces empty space in parcels, eliminates unnecessary padding materials, and makes better use of space in warehouses and vehicles. The result: substantial savings in transport costs, lower CO₂ emissions and a more efficient supply chain. A development supported by European regulations The new European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) sets out a clear framework: by 2030, empty space in a parcel must not exceed 50% of its volume. This requirement encourages companies to adopt size-appropriate solutions, contributing to waste reduction and resource conservation. Henkel is anticipating these developments by offering concrete solutions based on automation and adhesive innovation that can help e-retailers comply with regulations while enhancing their operational efficiency. Adhesives: a key factor in performance While the size of the box is crucial, so is how it is sealed. The hot melt adhesives developed by Henkel are a key factor in the success of right-sized packaging.

Unlike conventional adhesive tapes, these adhesives ensure fast, stable and clean sealing without compromising the recyclability of the boxes. In addition, their low-temperature application reduces machine energy consumption and improves safety on production lines. A concrete example illustrates this efficiency: a major British e-commerce player that adopted Henkel hot melt adhesives was able to reduce its glue consumption by 52% and its energy consumption by 42%. These measurable gains demonstrate the added value of the technology in a circular economy approach. Combining efficiency, sustainability and customer satisfaction Adopting appropriately sized packaging is not just a technical issue. It also contributes to improving the customer experience. Consumers receive better-proportioned parcels that are easier to handle and contain less unnecessary material to recycle. This consistency between logistical efficiency and environmental responsibility helps to strengthen trust in brands and enhance their image.

In a market where returns due to damaged products weigh heavily on margins, optimising protection and cushioning is also becoming a factor in competitiveness. A white paper as a strategic tool Henkel is making its expertise available to the industry through a white paper that details best practices for automating and optimising packaging processes. This guide is intended for companies seeking to reduce costs, accelerate their flows and integrate sustainable solutions into their production model. Through this initiative,Henkel confirms its role as a key partner in supporting the ecological and technological transition of the packaging sector.

Henkel, one of the world's leading manufacturers of adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, continues its mission of responsible innovation. In 2024, the group achieved sales of €21.6 billion and employs nearly 47,000 people worldwide. Its commitment to sustainability and its integrated approach, combining technical expertise and environmental awareness, make it a key player in industrial developments.