Learning Center

Whether you’re looking for solutions to specific challenges or wanting to deepen your overall knowledge of secondary packaging, our Learning Center is designed to give you the resources to make confident decisions about your secondary packaging systems.
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Secondary Packaging 101

What Are the Benefits of Attending PACK EXPO?

If you’ve signed up for or are considering attending PACK EXPO, we’ll tell you why you should go, how to plan your experience, and where you can find information about Douglas’ booth this year. 

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Overwrapper equipment packaging food cups in a drop-through paperboard sleeve

Cost & Price

How Much Does an Overwrapper Cost? Budgetary Ranges and Cost Drivers

Paperboard overwrappers are usually pretty custom pieces of equipment, and they can range from $350k to $2M, depending on how elaborate the system. We’ll highlight budgetary estimates and walk you through what drives prices up.

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PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)

Secondary Packaging 101

What is a PLC? Understanding the Logic Controller Behind Your Packaging System

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are key players in almost all packaging equipment. Learn what they are, how they work, and how they affect your packaging line.

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Variety of Flavors of Beverages on a Variety Pack conveyor line

Cost & Price

How Much Does a Variety Pack System Cost?

Budgeting for a variety pack system is much harder than you might assume. We’ll walk you through what makes it tricky, how it’s priced, which factors to decide, and what to do next.

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two operators lining up plastic bottles to test run in a machine

Secondary Packaging 101

What Does Douglas Make? An All-in-One Look at Our Secondary Packaging Line-up

We’re known for case packing and shrink wrapping – we do both, but that’s only a quarter of our line. Take a look at what we design and build, our markets, our sister company, and what we don’t make.

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LoadX robotic arm holding a stack of collapsed cases and moving them to magazine

Secondary Packaging 101

What Should I Look for in a Robotic Magazine Loader?

Learn what features define the work of good vs. bad robotic magazine loaders, how to find them, and the vendor that will deliver them – for the long-term development of your line. 

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A side-by-side visual of hands loading corrugate into a magazine versus a robot near a corrugate stack

Comparisons

Manual vs. Robotic Magazine Loading: Which is Better?

Understand the difference between manual and robotic magazine loading, their strengths and weaknesses, and what operations they’re suited for. We’ll also help you align your expectations with market realities.

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Beverage cans and paperboard cartons running through lanes on a multipacker machine

Cost & Price

Beverage Multipacker Cost: Pricing, Specifications, and Buying Considerations

Beverage multipackers have their own unique set of budgetary conditions. Learn how to scope pricing tiers, account for your SKUs, and prepare for vendor conversations.

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Boxed food products packed into cartons with automated equipment

Cost & Price

How Much Does a Cartoner Cost?

Cartoner price is based on many factors including type, product, and customization. Learn about the main cost tiers of cartoners, as well as what affects their price and lead-time.

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Problems / Challenges

Packaging Automation Mistakes: How Poor Communication Leads to Delays, Reworks & Cost Overruns

Learn about the six most common ways communication gaps derail automation projects — and exactly what to provide your OEM upfront to avoid them.

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Bags on conveyor being picked by delta robots

Cost & Price

What Drives the Cost of Packaging Automation for Pouches and Bags? 7 Factors That Affect Price

While some cost factors can be generally applied, packaging automation for pouches and bags has its own set of cost drivers. This guide will highlight these factors, so you have a more informed buying experience.

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