The device, which is commercially available with immediate effect, can be used to produce on demand packaging quickly, easily and cost-effectively, according to IFS.

The machine is set up and operated via a PC or smartphone-based app. A cardboard measuring tool helps set the dimensions of the product to be packaged, which are then entered via the app ready for cutting to begin.

Cardboard sheets can be between 1mm and 5mm and up to 30 boxes of any dimensions up to 2.5x1m can be created per hour.

IFS technical sales director Jason Seaber said: “The Slimbox addresses a problem that we think a lot of SME companies have but don’t realise. Normally people use standard-sized boxes with filler materials or bubble wrap, or they would manually cut down a box and then use tape to try and make a box the correct size.

“This is where the Slimbox comes into its own because it reduces material use and cuts down on the weight and size of a parcel or a box, which reduces shipping costs.

“This is not designed for companies that want to do high volumes but for those who want to send maybe 30 or 40 up to a few hundred boxes a day.”

There is an additional environmental benefit as smaller packages also reduce waste and CO2 emissions.

“The Slimbox can either make one box or several of each size, and it can impose numerous smaller boxes on one sheet,” said Seaber.

“You can also press an icon on the app to ask the device to make boxes that are slightly bigger than the ones you’ve just made so that you can then put a box in a box. You can do that however many times you want to if the item is really fragile and you want to keep it nice and secure.”

Seaber said no glue or tape needs to be used on the finished boxes, as they are designed to self seal, and that the app also explains how to fold each finished box. Users can either use plain cardboard for their boxes or cardboard that has been overprinted with logos and branding.

IFS will demonstrate the Slimbox for the first time at Ipex 2017, which will take place at Birmingham’s NEC from 31 October to 3 November. The list price for the machine is £23,100 but Seaber said there will be an introductory price offer for Ipex visitors.

Fit Things will also be showing the device at Packaging Innovations, taking place on 13 and 14 September at London’s Olympia.