How Automation of RUF Briquette Packaging Improves the Economics of Biofuel Production

Owners of RUF presses know perfectly well that their equipment stands for reliability and consistent, standardized briquette quality. However, market success depends not only on product quality, but also on how efficiently and cost-effectively the briquettes are packaged.

Automated packaging is the next critical step that enables RUF press owners to scale their business, eliminate production bottlenecks, and — most importantly — significantly reduce operating costs. Strojplast, in close cooperation with RUF engineers, has developed integrated packaging solutions designed specifically for RUF presses, delivering maximum technical and economic synergy. These solutions transform a consistently produced briquette into a shipment-ready product with minimal cost per unit.

PRODUCTION SYNERGY: A CLEAR ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE

With over 35 years of experience and more than 1,200 successfully completed projects, Strojplast specializes in shrink-wrapping technology. The company offers scalable packaging lines tailored to any production capacity, with a strong focus on reducing manual labor and payroll expenses.

PACKAGING SOLUTIONS: MAXIMUM AUTOMATION — MAXIMUM PROFITABILITY

Strojplast packaging lines are designed to scale with production demands, delivering high throughput while minimizing operational and labor costs.

1. Semi-automated solutions: workforce optimization

Even semi-automated Strojplast systems deliver substantial savings on labor costs:

• Semi-automatic line with an autonomous buffer conveyor significantly reduces operator workload — production of up to 2.4 tons of briquettes per hour requires only one operator;

• Hybrid solution performs both primary and secondary packaging with a throughput of up to 3.0 tons per hour. The line is operated by a single operator with significantly reduced physical strain.

2. Full automation: maximum economic efficiency

The highest level of efficiency and cost savings is achieved with fully automated systems — featuring automatic briquette bundle formation, palletizing, and film wrapping.

Throughput and staffing: designed for continuous 24/7 operation, the system delivers throughput of up to 6 tons of briquettes per hour and requires only one operator for supervision.

BRIQUETTING LINES FOR 2–3 RUF PRESSES

Investments in such solutions offer strong economic potential. These production setups typically output 1.5–2.1 tons of briquettes per hour, which Strojplast packaging lines handle effortlessly, eliminating any packaging-related bottlenecks.

In these configurations, the investment pays off rapidly — servicing three presses requires just one operator per shift instead of 3–4 workers.

Operational Benefits and Reliability

Beyond direct payroll reduction, automated Strojplast lines deliver additional economic advantages:

• Reliability: true 24/7 continuous operation;

• Energy efficiency: a line capable of processing up to 6 tons per hour consumes only 12 kWh;

• Superior pallet quality: flexible stacking patterns eliminate the need for additional pallet strapping, reducing consumable costs;

• By choosing Strojplast, customers receive a proven, high-quality solution that transforms packaging from a cost center into a competitive advantage — delivering measurable savings through labor optimization and increased continuous productivity.