Germany-headquartered book chain Thalia has said it is seeking sustainability improvements by agreeing a new packaging automation deal with tech business Ranpak.
The largest bookstore chain in the DACH region, with more than 500 shops in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, views the new partnership as a boon to its fulfilment capabilities and its ability to package goods more efficiently.
As part of the first stage of this collaboration, Thalia will install 12 Ranpak automated packaging systems, including three Cut’It!EVO solutions, three Form’It! packers, and six Flap’it systems, at its fulfilment and production facility in Marl, Germany. They will be ready for use in operations in 2026.
Ranpak said its automation portfolio integrates into modern fulfilment environments, adding that the investment will allow Thalia to optimise its packaging process across its e-commerce and brick-and-mortar operations.
Marco Rebohm, managing director for supply chain & logistics at Thalia, commented: “Partnering with Ranpak for our new omnichannel hub, which will be an outstanding fulfilment and production facility, marks a key milestone in our mission to make book distribution smarter, greener, and more efficient.
“These new systems will enhance our fulfilment capabilities, support our sustainability goals, and position us for scalable growth. This is just the beginning of a powerful transformation and exciting partnership ahead.”
According to Ranpak, Flap’it! is an automated right-sizing solution developed to streamline the packing process and protection for small, flat items, while Form’it! is an automated box-forming system designed to improve the first step in the packaging process by automatically erecting corrugated boxes. Meanwhile, Cut’it! EVO optimises the height of shipping boxes after items have been picked and packed to minimise void and automatically closes and seals them.
Omar Asali, chairman & CEO of Ranpak, said his company is committed to helping businesses transition to “smarter, more sustainable packaging processes”.
“Our partnership with Thalia represents a shared vision for automation that not only delivers operational excellence but also reduces environmental impact,” he explained.
Thalia is investing in these back-end processes in light of increasing customer demand across both its digital and traditional retail channels. Ranpak’s packaging automation tech will be implemented by UK-based warehouse optimisation business and Autostore specialist, Element Logic.
The Perfume Shop in the UK also talked up the potential sustainability gains of implementing automated packaging systems when it deployed Breathe Technologies’ system in its Dunstable warehouse in January 2024.
[image credit: Ranpak]
