Dedicated packing solution for meal boxes

Scanvaegt’s solution automates manual tasks and simultaneously digitalizes multiple processes, resulting in significant time savings. At the same time, built-in quality control prevents mis-labelling of meal kits, helping to avoid returns.

The market for meal kits is experiencing rapid growth, offering a convenient solution for busy families. These kits are not only tasty, healthy, and quick to prepare, but also inspire meal planning and help reduce food waste.

Given the wide variety of meal kits—tailored to different household sizes and durations—packaging becomes a complex task. Each combination must be packed individually, placing high demands on the efficiency and accuracy of the packaging line. To meet these demands, Scanvaegt has developed a dedicated solution combining both hardware and software for managing, packing, and dispatching meal kits.

End-to-end automation of the meal kit packing process
Allan Hedevang, Market Manager at Scanvaegt Systems, explains: "We have designed a solution specifically for meal kit packaging that handles the entire process—from carton erecting to final dispatch. The solution includes a packaging line with a carton erector and closer, which sends empty boxes down the line to a defined number of packing stations, where operators place ingredients into each box. The filled boxes are then automatically closed with tape, labelled, and sent to a printer with an applicator that prints and applies the shipping label."

Built-in quality control to prevent labelling errors
The system features multiple built-in quality control functions to ensure accurate labelling. Hedevang elaborates:

"The barcode contains a traceability number and is automatically scanned by a barcode scanner. At the same time, the system checks the number against the most recently printed labels to avoid duplicate printing. If an error is detected, the box is automatically rejected by an integrated pusher onto a short reject conveyor. This ensures accurate labelling, reduces the need for rework, and prevents incorrect shipments."

Seamless integration with ERP and MES for full control
The entire packaging line is controlled by ScanPlant NG MES software, which retrieves the packing orders directly from the company’s ERP system. A terminal in the packaging area displays the day’s orders through the ScanPlant order-driven labelling module. Operators select the relevant order and initiate the process.

"On the terminal, ScanPlant displays a list of all orders, including the number of meal kits per order, providing operators with a complete overview of the day's production," says Hedevang.

"For example, the operator selects the order for the 'Favorite Box' with 254 kits to be packed across 7 packing stations. Once packed, each box is automatically labelled with a shipping label that includes the recipient's address, trace number, contents, and shipping region—whether East or West Denmark. When the order is completed, the ScanPlant system automatically sends feedback to the ERP system, enabling quick processing and invoicing while minimizing manual errors in order handling."

Efficiency and error prevention through automation
This meal kit packing solution automates multiple tasks and digitalizes key processes, saving valuable time and reducing manual labor. The integrated quality control ensures correct labelling, helping to avoid costly returns due to mislabelled shipments.

Trusted by industry leaders
One of the meal kit providers already using Scanvaegt’s packaging solution is Skagenfood, a well-known brand in the market

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