Neat, Packed, and Sustainable: Redefining Wrapping with Mailroom Machines
At Mailroom Machines, we’re passionate about delivering innovative solutions that not only perform at the highest level but also help our customers move towards a more sustainable future. That’s why we partnered with Mitsubishi Electric to redesign one of our Norpak mail wrapping machines, transforming it into a highly versatile, environmentally friendly system built for today’s needs.
From Polywrapping to Paper Wrapping
Mail wrapping machines have long been the go-to solution for packaging catalogues, brochures, and magazines. Traditionally, this process, known as polywrapping, relied on plastic films like low-density polyethylene (LDPE). While effective, the environmental footprint of plastic packaging has become an increasing concern for businesses and consumers alike.
To address this challenge, we set out to adapt one of our Norpak solutions to use paper instead, a sustainable, recyclable alternative.
Engineering a Smarter Solution
Switching from plastic to paper required more than just swapping materials. Paper is thicker, less flexible, and more prone to tearing under the wrong conditions. To overcome this, we collaborated with Mitsubishi Electric, whose automation expertise helped us ensure the machine could handle paper smoothly and efficiently.
The solution included:
- FR-A800-R2R inverter – with dedicated winding and unwinding functions to maintain perfect paper tension, preventing tears and creases.
- GOT2000 HMI – offering operators real-time control and monitoring through an intuitive touch interface.
- MELSEC-iQ-F PLC – providing high-performance control for loading and unloading, with advanced motion functionality and robust connectivity.
Results That Speak Volumes
As Paul Jones, Managing Director of Mailroom Machines, explains:
“The results of this successful collaboration are already benefiting our global customers, with many of them having ordered the new machine. We are now working on further developments to drive efficiency and productivity for the future.”
The outcome is a standalone, paper-based mail wrapping machine that integrates seamlessly into production lines across industries. Not only does it help businesses reduce their reliance on plastics, but it also maintains the speed, reliability, and efficiency that Mailroom Machines is known for.
Driving Sustainability in the Mailing Industry
This project highlights our ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and customer success. By combining our expertise with Mitsubishi Electric’s automation technology, we’re helping organisations worldwide achieve their environmental goals without compromising performance.
At Mailroom Machines, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this transformation and this is just the beginning.