EDSON highlights the role of high-speed case packing flexibility in managing multiple SKUs for tissue manufacturers

As consumer preferences continue to evolve, tissue manufacturers are expanding their product portfolios to meet the demands of different retail channels, packaging formats, and end-user needs. While this diversification creates new market opportunities, it also introduces operational challenges, particularly in packaging operations, where multiple stock-keeping units (SKUs) must be handled efficiently without sacrificing productivity.

The growing number of tissue product variations, including different roll sizes, pack counts, and case configurations, has increased the need for packaging systems capable of adapting quickly to changing production requirements. In this environment, flexibility has become a critical factor in maintaining competitiveness and ensuring efficient plant operations.

According to EDSON, a provider of case and tray packing solutions, many of the top-producing tissue mills across North America utilize its packaging technologies. The company notes that modern packaging lines must be designed not only for speed, but also for the ability to accommodate a wide range of product and case formats while maintaining reliable performance.

This flexibility allows manufacturers to adapt to packaging changes without necessarily investing in an entirely new machine or production line. With the right level of built-in adaptability, existing equipment can accommodate new packaging requirements while only requiring potential upstream product handling adjustments, helping reduce footprint requirements and improve overall operational efficiency.

One example is the EDSON 3600HS High-Speed Case and Tray Packer, developed for tissue and nonwoven applications. The system is designed to handle multiple case sizes and packaging configurations, enabling manufacturers to process different SKUs on a single integrated platform. According to the company, the machine is capable of running at speeds of up to 26 cases per minute.

 

The system also supports packaging needs across different market requirements, from e-commerce formats to larger retail box-store configurations, providing manufacturers with greater flexibility through a single solution.

Beyond throughput, reducing changeover times has become increasingly important as production schedules grow more complex. Frequent product transitions can create downtime that impacts overall efficiency and production output. To address this challenge, EDSON incorporates a multi-servo design that enables tool-less changeovers, allowing operators to make format adjustments in minutes rather than hours.

The company also highlights the importance of operator-friendly equipment design, including ergonomic access points and intuitive controls that support smoother operation and faster setup. Additionally, EDSON equipment can fully automate the KDF infeed section, helping streamline material handling and improve operational consistency.

As the tissue industry continues to introduce new product formats and respond to changing consumer expectations, manufacturers are increasingly focused on future-proofing their operations. Flexible packaging equipment can help prepare facilities for future demands, including the adoption of environmentally friendly paper-wrapped products and other evolving packaging solutions.

As the tissue industry continues to introduce new product formats and expand its SKU offerings, packaging flexibility is likely to remain a key operational priority. Investing in adaptable high-speed case packing technology allows manufacturers to address current challenges while reducing the risk of future packaging limitations. These systems may help manufacturers improve responsiveness, reduce downtime, and support long-term productivity goals in an increasingly competitive marketplace.