Critical and key issues in material handling, logistics and distribution

Critical issues are thought provoking articles relating to strategy,legislation,technology,best practice and the some of the most challenging business topics in the world of material handling.The articles in this section have been contributed by senior industry leaders, research analysts, trade associations such as the UKWA (United Kingdom Warehousing Association) BIFA (British International Freight Association), the FTA (Freight Transport Association) and the FLTA ( ForkLift Truck Association), as well as many others.

Other important topics covered in this section concern Health and Safety in Logistics with articles from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).Taxation, government policy,climate change,recruitment and training schemes are all covered, as well as educational opportunities at various UK logistics educational facilities such at Cranfield University

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What’s the future for piece-picking robots?

1 What’s the future for piece-picking robots?

Piece-picking robotics is making big strides in the warehouse and with the aid of AI could soon be within the grasp of SMEs. Dan Migliozzi, Head of Sales at independent systems integrator, Invar Group, sets out where we are on the journey.

The battle for values-driven customers: three steps for reducing emissions in the last mile

2 The battle for values-driven customers: three steps for reducing emissions in the last mile

By Mattias Gredenhag, CTO, nShift.

Being a successful retailer used to hinge on having the best products and lowest prices. For more and more customers today, however, a retailer’s commitment to lowering their environmental impact is becoming a key factor.This is raising the stakes for multichannel and ecommerce retailers, with their carbon-intensive supply chains and last-mile delivery networks.

How cold chain distribution can deliver an eco-friendly customer experience

3 How cold chain distribution can deliver an eco-friendly customer experience

E-commerce sales of supermarket shopping, meal kits, specialist foods and raw pet foods have seen enormous growth in recent years. By 2025, it’s estimated that 21% of the total food and beverages market will be online sales. While offering great convenience for consumers and considerable opportunity for online food retailers and distributors, it does not come without its challenges in terms of sustainability of packaging materials, storage and distribution efficiency, and the all-important customer experience.

New study highlights Freeport East could become key centre for driving transport decarbonisation and maritime green corridors

4 New study highlights Freeport East could become key centre for driving transport decarbonisation and maritime green corridors

A new study suggests that Freeport East could become a new UK centre for transport decarbonisation. The study outlines how Freeport East can facilitate the international partnerships and investment necessary for the Green Hydrogen Hub to support maritime and wider transport sectors.

Freeport East includes the Port of Felixstowe, the UK’s biggest container port and the main destination for container traffic to and from Europe and the Far East.

Warehouse robotics market size worth USD 15,793.0 million in 2030

5 Warehouse robotics market size worth USD 15,793.0 million in 2030

According to Adroit Market Research, with a predicted 15.81% CAGR from 2021 to 2030, the global warehouse robotics market was valued at USD 4,400.03 million in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 15,793.0 million by 2030.

FMI’ Analyst view: ‘Cider packaging renaissance: The return of aesthetic brilliance’

6 FMI’ Analyst view: ‘Cider packaging renaissance: The return of aesthetic brilliance’

The global cider packaging market is likely to reach US$ 5.1 billion by 2033, up from US$ 3.04 billion in 2023, advancing at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period.

Sloppy payroll racks up over £75 million in penalty charges for UK businesses

7 Sloppy payroll racks up over £75 million in penalty charges for UK businesses

New data from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) obtained by MHR, the HR, payroll and finance expert, shows the drastic effect of incorrect or absent payroll reporting on the bottom line for UK businesses.

From share of wallet to “share of life” with reverse logistics

8 From share of wallet to “share of life” with reverse logistics

By Mattias Gredenhag, CTO, nShift.

Reverse logistics can be a costly and complex process for retailers. Shipping, handling, and processing returned items can lead to increased costs and management overheads. Furthermore, managing reverse logistics can be a complex task, especially for ecommerce businesses that operate across multiple channels and locations.

3 in 5 UK businesses value the circular economy – but perceived cost is the biggest barrier to sustainable strides

9 3 in 5 UK businesses value the circular economy – but perceived cost is the biggest barrier to sustainable strides

Nearly 3 in 5 (60%) UK businesses say the circular economy is important - but 1 in 5 (21%) don’t know if they participate, with the confusion rising to 1 in 3 (30%) among small organisations, according to new research from sustainable waste management firm Biffa, with a survey conducted by the YouGov Plc..

Future Market Insights analysis: ‘Beyond Traditional Packaging: Conductive Bags as Innovations of Tomorrow’

10 Future Market Insights analysis: ‘Beyond Traditional Packaging: Conductive Bags as Innovations of Tomorrow’

The sales of conductive bags are projected to rise at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. The conductive bags market size is estimated to be valued at US$ 2,250.59 million in 2023, and likely to be appraised at US$ 3,992.64 million by 2033.

Today’s packaging is an innovation-driven industry, and conductive bags static shielding work well for packaging and storing products. These bags are efficient to protect the packaging of products.

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