CAD-Based Packaging Optimization Software

Make the right packaging decision before it gets expensive

Pakera helps industrial teams reduce packaging and transport costs, improve transport efficiency, and standardize packaging decisions early through CAD-based analysis, smart checks, and clear approval workflows.

Pakera helps industrial teams reduce packaging and transport costs, improve transport efficiency, and standardize packaging decisions early through CAD-based analysis, smart checks, and clear approval workflows.

Secure data handling

Secure data handling

Browser-based SaaS

Browser-based SaaS

No installation required

No installation required

API-ready architecture

API-ready architecture

Learn it in 15 minutes

Learn it in 15 minutes

No CAD expertise required

No CAD expertise required

Trusted by leading industrial companies

  • Krones Logo
    Kion logo
    Trumpf logo
    Claas logo
    Volvo logo
    Schaeffler logo
    Liebherr logo
    Bosch logo
    Schmitz Cargobull logo
    Evonik logo
    Metro logo
    Heineken logo

The Problem

Packaging decisions are made too late, too decentralized, and with insufficient data

This results in unnecessary costs, high coordination efforts, lack of transparency, too many variants, and late corrections during series production.

Late-Stage Decisions

Packaging is often treated too late, causing rushed decisions and costly corrections during production ramp-up.

Disconnected Decisions

Multiple teams make packaging decisions in isolation, leading to inefficiencies, rework, and duplicated effort.

Insufficient Data

Packaging decisions are often based on estimates and gut feeling instead of reliable CAD data and structured analysis.

High Hidden Costs

Inefficient packaging leads to wasted space, higher transportation and storage costs, and unnecessary material consumption.

Too Many Variants

Lack of standardization increases complexity, creates unnecessary packaging variants, and makes operations harder to scale.

Lack of Transparency

Packaging decisions, approvals, and changes are often poorly documented, making audits, handovers, and improvements difficult.

Growing Compliance Pressure

Rising packaging requirements increase the need for better documentation (e.g. PPWR), more transparency, and more systematic decision-making.

Operational Risks Are Missed

Practical issues like handling, safety, transportability, and storage fit are often identified too late or assessed in isolation.

The Solution: Core features & Workflow

Turn packaging complexity into one clear workflow.

Pakera connects every step from packaging simulation to approval in one structured flow.

Average time: 0.8 min
Average time: 5.3 mins
1
Select CAD Data
2
Choose Mode
3
Choose Method
4
Set Requirements
5
Run Simulation
6
Review Results
7
Edit BOM (Optional)
8
Transport Cost (Optional)
9
Create Report (Optional)
10
Share & Approve (Optional)

1

1

// Select CAD Data

Pakera is designed to handle sensitive CAD data with a strong focus on security and ease of use. Your CAD file is first converted locally on your device into a simplified mesh geometry, and only this reduced, encrypted geometry file is transferred to Pakera. Common formats such as STEP, STL and OBJ are supported, and the geometry is prepared automatically for optimization without any manual input.

Pakera is designed to handle sensitive CAD data with a strong focus on security and ease of use. Your CAD file is first converted locally on your device into a simplified mesh geometry, and only this reduced, encrypted geometry file is transferred to Pakera. Common formats such as STEP, STL and OBJ are supported, and the geometry is prepared automatically for optimization without any manual input.

1

2

2

// Choose Packing Mode

Select the packing mode for your packing analysis based on your operational goals. Whether you need Smart Fill, Smart Select, or Smart Stack, tailor the approach to your specific constraints.

Smart Fill: How many parts fit into this container?
Smart Select: What is the best packing solution for a given number of parts?
Smart Stack: How many cartons or bins fit on this pallet?

Select the packing mode for your packing analysis based on your operational goals. Whether you need Smart Fill, Smart Select, or Smart Stack, tailor the approach to your specific constraints.

Smart Fill: How many parts fit into this container?
Smart Select: What is the best packing solution for a given number of parts?
Smart Stack: How many cartons or bins fit on this pallet?

2

3

// Choose Packing Method

Define the specific packing methodology and constraints for the selected mode. Set orientation rules, handling requirements, and container preferences to tailor the simulation precisely to your supply chain needs.

Define the specific packing methodology and constraints for the selected mode. Set orientation rules, handling requirements, and container preferences to tailor the simulation precisely to your supply chain needs.

Bulk goods

Rigid layers

Flexible layers

Stacking

Compartments

Paired Parts

3

4

4

// Set Packaging Requirements

Set key simulation requirements in seconds before starting the calculation, including quantities, part rotation, stable layers, preferred container types, container dimensions, handling limits, intermediate layers, offsets, and compartment layouts.

Set key simulation requirements in seconds before starting the calculation, including quantities, part rotation, stable layers, preferred container types, container dimensions, handling limits, intermediate layers, offsets, and compartment layouts.

4

5

5

// Run Packaging Simulation

Run our revolutionary fast next-generation simulation logic to calculate packaging solutions intuitive beyond the limits of conventional collision detection software. Pakera tests thousands of spatial arrangements in seconds, combining advanced collision detection and 3D optimization to deliver a new benchmark in packaging optimization.

Run our revolutionary fast next-generation simulation logic to calculate packaging solutions intuitive beyond the limits of conventional collision detection software. Pakera tests thousands of spatial arrangements in seconds, combining advanced collision detection and 3D optimization to deliver a new benchmark in packaging optimization.

5

6

6

// Review Results, Score & Checks

Review each solution across practicality, safety, compliance, cost and efficiency. Pakera makes the decision easier with our unique Pakera Score® and 8 automated Smart Checks for weight limits, handling, transport safety, storage fit, and more.

6

7

7

// Edit Packaging BOM

After the simulation, the packaging bill of materials is generated automatically from the selected simulation settings and can be reviewed and edited afterwards. This helps teams refine and document the packaging concept (e.g. for PPWR) while also creating a reliable basis for packaging cost calculation, turning a calculated result into a more realistic and usable solution. Easily add secondary materials like separators, bags, stretch film, foam inserts, protective layers and more.

After the simulation, the packaging bill of materials is generated automatically from the selected simulation settings and can be reviewed and edited afterwards. This helps teams refine and document the packaging concept (e.g. for PPWR) while also creating a reliable basis for packaging cost calculation, turning a calculated result into a more realistic and usable solution. Easily add secondary materials like separators, bags, stretch film, foam inserts, protective layers and more.

7

8

8

// Calculate Transport Cost & Emissions

Evaluate the financial and environmental impact of your finalized packaging configuration based on your own freight conditions. Pakera provides the relevant transport information basis and calculation logic for a consistent assessment of transport costs, cost per part, and carbon footprint metrics. Transport emissions-related calculations are powered by our partner EcoTransIT World.

Evaluate the financial and environmental impact of your finalized packaging configuration based on your own freight conditions. Pakera provides the relevant transport information basis and calculation logic for a consistent assessment of transport costs, cost per part, and carbon footprint metrics. Transport emissions-related calculations are powered by our partner EcoTransIT World.

8

9

9

// Build Reports in Seconds

Pakera automatically generates a standardized report from the simulation results, which can then be edited freely to match your specific requirements. Include concrete packing instructions with images and free-text notes, use it as technical documentation and as proof of low empty space, and create a clear discussion basis for aligning the packaging concept with internal and external stakeholders.

Pakera automatically generates a standardized report from the simulation results, which can then be edited freely to match your specific requirements. Include concrete packing instructions with images and free-text notes, use it as technical documentation and as proof of low empty space, and create a clear discussion basis for aligning the packaging concept with internal and external stakeholders.

9

10

10

// Share, Approve & Document

Route your finalized packaging concept through digital approval workflows in just a few clicks. Share the packaging report securely as an interactive 3D visualization (no software required) with internal and external stakeholders, even without a Pakera account, and use it as a clear basis for discussion, feedback, and alignment (Single Source of Truth). Stakeholders can comment directly on the report, and once the concept is aligned, it can be approved and archived with a fully transparent decision history.

10

Use Cases

Built for every role involved in
packaging decisions

Pakera helps teams across logistics, packaging planning, production planning, quality, procurement, and management make earlier, smarter, and more traceable packaging decisions.

  • packaging simulation with plastic cups in mesh box
  • Plastic tanks packed on euro pallet - simulation
  • rubber hoses simulated in euro container
  • Container packaging simulated with pallets
  • Bulk goods packaging simulation with Pakera
  • Metal parts optimal packed on pallet box simulation
  • paired parts simulated in pallet carton with pakera
  • part simulated in euro container - packaging with pakera
  • Injection moded parts packaging simulation with pakera

Results & Outputs

From analysis to
actionable documentation

Pakera delivers comprehensive results that drive decisions and enable seamless execution.

Choose faster with Pakera Score®

The Pakera Score® sets a new standard for evaluating packaging solutions. It brings together logistics efficiency, security and compliance, and sustainability in one unified benchmark, enabling teams to make faster, smarter, and more defensible packaging decisions.

Logistics Efficiency
0 / 50 pts
Security & Compliance
0 / 30 pts
Sustainability
0 / 20 pts
small forklift industrial warehouse vehicle, clean flat icon style, blue and teal colors
0
/ 100
Pakera Score
Excellent Solution

Run 8 Smart Checks

Every packaging simulation automatically runs 8 built-in smart checks across safety, compliance, efficiency, and sustainability. They provide a structured orientation for evaluating results and help teams make more informed packaging decisions.*

Chargeable Weight Check

Chargeable weight is calculated to support more accurate shipping estimates.

Container Load Check

Checks whether the total load stays within the allowed limits of the selected container.

Operator Safety Check

Checks whether the packaging setup supports safe and ergonomic manual handling.

Transport Safety Check

Checks whether the packaging design can be transported using typical modes of transport.

Warehouse Safety Check

Checks whether the packaging design complies with the permissible limits and can be used with standard storage systems.

Plausibility Check

Checks whether the simulation result is realistic and falls within the expected range of results.

Transport Efficiency Check

Evaluates transport efficiency to help reduce empty space and avoidable shipping cost impact.

Sustainability Check

Assesses material efficiency, reusability, and overall environmental impact of the packaging concept.

*Pakera is a decision-support software. Smart Check results are based on the available simulation data and the limits configured by the user or company. A passed check does not certify legal compliance and does not replace physical testing, workplace risk assessments, customer-specific validation or professional engineering judgement. The final decision must be made by a qualified and authorised person. Pakera does not independently verify the information entered and is not liable for any damages.

Run 8 Smart Checks

Every packaging simulation automatically runs 8 built-in smart checks across safety, compliance, efficiency, and sustainability. They provide a structured orientation for evaluating results and help teams make more informed packaging decisions.*

Chargeable Weight Check

Chargeable weight is calculated to support more accurate shipping estimates.

Container Load Check

Checks whether the total load stays within the allowed limits of the selected container.

Operator Safety Check

Checks whether the packaging setup supports safe and ergonomic manual handling.

Transport Safety Check

Checks whether the packaging design can be transported using typical modes of transport.

Warehouse Safety Check

Checks whether the packaging design complies with the permissible limits and can be used with standard storage systems.

Plausibility Check

Checks whether the simulation result is realistic and falls within the expected range of results.

Transport Efficiency Check

Evaluates transport efficiency to help reduce empty space and avoidable shipping cost impact.

Sustainability Check

Assesses material efficiency, reusability, and overall environmental impact of the packaging concept.

*Pakera is a decision-support software. Smart Check results are based on the available simulation data and the limits configured by the user or company. A passed check does not certify legal compliance and does not replace physical testing, workplace risk assessments, customer-specific validation or professional engineering judgement. The final decision must be made by a qualified and authorised person. Pakera does not independently verify the information entered and is not liable for any damages.

Run 8 Smart Checks

Every packaging simulation automatically runs 8 built-in smart checks across safety, compliance, efficiency, and sustainability. They provide a structured orientation for evaluating results and help teams make more informed packaging decisions.*

Chargeable Weight Check

Chargeable weight is calculated to support more accurate shipping estimates.

Container Load Check

Checks whether the total load stays within the allowed limits of the selected container.

Operator Safety Check

Checks whether the packaging setup supports safe and ergonomic manual handling.

Transport Safety Check

Checks whether the packaging design can be transported using typical modes of transport.

Warehouse Safety Check

Checks whether the packaging design complies with the permissible limits and can be used with standard storage systems.

Plausibility Check

Checks whether the simulation result is realistic and falls within the expected range of results.

Transport Efficiency Check

Evaluates transport efficiency to help reduce empty space and avoidable shipping cost impact.

Sustainability Check

Assesses material efficiency, reusability, and overall environmental impact of the packaging concept.

*Pakera is a decision-support software. Smart Check results are based on the available simulation data and the limits configured by the user or company. A passed check does not certify legal compliance and does not replace physical testing, workplace risk assessments, customer-specific validation or professional engineering judgement. The final decision must be made by a qualified and authorised person. Pakera does not independently verify the information entered and is not liable for any damages.

PPWR-Ready Bill of Materials (BOM)

PPWR-Ready Bill of Materials (BOM)

Automatically generate detailed packaging BOMs ready for technical PPWR documentation and compliance reporting.

Automatically generate detailed packaging BOMs ready for technical PPWR documentation and compliance reporting.

No.

No.

Packing Configuration

Packing Configuration

Package Name

Package Name

Part No.

Part No.

Outer Dim. (mm)

Outer Dim. (mm)

Est. Wgt (kg)

Est. Wgt (kg)

Material

Material

Circ.

Circ.

Quantity

Quantity

Unit

Unit

Unit Price

Unit Price

Total

Total

1

1

Plastic bag

Plastic bag

Plastic Bag PE

Plastic Bag PE

PKG-P289-000

PKG-P289-000

320×220×0.05

320×220×0.05

0.01

0.01

Polyethylene

Polyethylene

9,000

9,000

pcs

pcs

0.03 €

0.03 €

270.00 €

270.00 €

2

2

Folding box

Folding box

Folding box

Folding box

PKG-P289-001

PKG-P289-001

290×190×175

290×190×175

0.27

0.27

Cardboard

Cardboard

1,500

1,500

pcs

pcs

0.38 €

0.38 €

570.00 €

570.00 €

2.1

2.1

Insert

Insert

Intermediate Layer

Intermediate Layer

PKG-682-COMP

PKG-682-COMP

284×184×5

284×184×5

0.03

0.03

Cardboard

Cardboard

4,500

4,500

pcs

pcs

0.09 €

0.09 €

405.00 €

405.00 €

3

3

Pallet

Pallet

EUR 1 pallet

EUR 1 pallet

PKG-P289-002

PKG-P289-002

1200×800×144

1200×800×144

25.0

25.0

Wood

Wood

25

25

pcs

pcs

8.50 €

8.50 €

212.50 €

212.50 €

Total Parts Shipped:

Total Parts Shipped:

9,000

9,000

Packaging Cost per Part:

Packaging Cost per Part:

0.16 €

0.16 €

Total Packaging Cost:

Total Packaging Cost:

1,457.50 €

1,457.50 €

Transport Cost & Sustainability Calculation

Transport Cost & Sustainability Calculation

Easily estimate shipping costs and environmental impact based on the calculated packaging optimization.

Easily estimate shipping costs and environmental impact based on the calculated packaging optimization.

Route Map

transport route freight cost calculation

Sustainability

Pakera proudly partners with EcoTransIT World to make transport-related emissions more transparent. Based on the simulation results and the selected route, emissions are calculated according to ISO 14083 and GLEC Framework giving teams a standardized and credible basis for environmental impact assessment.
With Pakera and EcoTransIT World, transport-related emissions can be considered much earlier in the process. Instead of being assessed only after the fact, they can already be factored into packaging decisions during product development. The required API is already integrated into Pakera and ready for immediate use.

Pakera proudly partners with EcoTransIT World to make transport-related emissions more transparent. Based on the simulation results and the selected route, emissions are calculated according to ISO 14083 and GLEC Framework giving teams a standardized and credible basis for environmental impact assessment.
With Pakera and EcoTransIT World, transport-related emissions can be considered much earlier in the process. Instead of being assessed only after the fact, they can already be factored into packaging decisions during product development. The required API is already integrated into Pakera and ready for immediate use.

Intensity

Intensity

44.522

gCO₂e/tkm

gCO₂e/tkm

Emissions

Emissions

184.822

kg CO₂e

kg CO₂e

Transport Activity

Transport Activity

4151.3

tkm

tkm

Package Overview

Package Overview

Package type

Package type

Numbers

Numbers

Vol (m³)

Vol (m³)

Gross Wgt

Gross Wgt

Charge Wgt

Charge Wgt

EUR 1 Pallet

EUR 1 Pallet

12

12

1.14

1.14

312.84 kg

312.84 kg

312.84 kg

312.84 kg

EUR 1 Pallet

EUR 1 Pallet

1

1

0.82

0.82

267.36 kg

267.36 kg

267.36 kg

267.36 kg

Total

Total

13

13

14.50

14.50

4021.44 kg

4021.44 kg

4021.44 kg

4021.44 kg

Utilization Overview

Utilization Overview

Est. weight utilization

Est. weight utilization

31.3%

31.3%

312.84 / 1000.0 kg

312.84 / 1000.0 kg

Est. volume utilization

Est. volume utilization

54.3%

54.3%

1.14 / 2.1 m³

1.14 / 2.1 m³

1. Hamburg → Rotterdam

1. Hamburg → Rotterdam

Distance

Distance

601.2 km

601.2 km

Billing

Billing

Weight or Measure (W/M)

Weight or Measure (W/M)

Segment Cost

Segment Cost

1092.00 €

2. Rotterdam → Paris

2. Rotterdam → Paris

Distance

Distance

432.5 km

432.5 km

Billing

Billing

Fixed Rate

Fixed Rate

Segment Cost

Segment Cost

988.00 €

Total Distance

Total Distance

1033.7

km

km

Total Est. Cost

Total Est. Cost

2080.00

€

€

Cost Per Part

Cost Per Part

0.28

€

€

Based on 7400 total parts shipped

Based on 7400 total parts shipped

Modular Report Builder

Build a professional, client-ready packaging report in seconds — no formatting, no manual copy-paste. Just select the sections you need, and Pakera assembles a structured, branded document automatically. The report can also be used as proof for PPWR.

ca. 60 sec.
Seconds to Full Report

Select, edit and reorder sections

Packaging Visualization
3D view of optimized packing
Packaging Configuration
Box sizes, weight, utilization
Packaging Overview
Packing methods & hierarchy
Bill of Materials
Complete parts breakdown
Show est. material cost in report
Show supplier info in report
Packaging Material Compliance
REACH, SVHC, PFAS etc.
Packaging Instructions
Step-by-step guide
Transport
Shipping details & routes
Show est. shipping cost in report
Quick Notes
General logistical information
Sustainability
Environmental Impact
Total Compliance Assessment
Confirm compliance check in report
PPWR Declaration of Conformity
Confirm compliance in report

Report Preview

Pakera Packaging Report Sample
PDF Export Available•Shared Link Available

Easy Sharing & Collaboration

Easy Sharing & Collaboration

Share interactive packaging reports and 3D configurations via a secure link. External partners, suppliers, and internal stakeholders can review, comment, and approve directly in their browser - without needing a Pakera account or specialized CAD software.

Share interactive packaging reports and 3D configurations via a secure link. External partners, suppliers, and internal stakeholders can review, comment, and approve directly in their browser - without needing a Pakera account or specialized CAD software.

Secure & Encrypted Sharing Process

Secure & Encrypted Sharing Process

connector lines

Create Individual Packing Instructions

Create Individual Packing Instructions

Part: Aluminum Bracket-A-240

Container: Folding box 200x300x150 mm
Packing Method: Compartments

Container: Folding box 200x300x150 mm
Packing Method: Compartments

1

Orient parts with mounting elements facing up

Orient parts with mounting elements facing up

2

Place 17 parts per row, 6 rows per layer

Place 17 parts per row, 6 rows per layer

3

Stack 11 layers with separator cardboard sheets

Stack 11 layers with separator cardboard sheets

4

Total capacity: 1.122 parts per container

Total capacity: 1.122 parts per container

3D CAD visualization of blue industrial parts stacked efficiently in a grid of cardboard dividers, c
3D CAD visualization of blue industrial parts stacked efficiently in a grid of cardboard dividers, c

Get Packaging Concepts Approved

Get Packaging Concepts Approved

Professional portrait of a packaging engineer

Michael Schmidt

Michael Schmidt

Packaging Engineer

Packaging Engineer

“Great work! The new orientation improves the container fill rate by 15% without compromising part safety. Fully aligned.”

“Great work! The new orientation improves the container fill rate by 15% without compromising part safety. Fully aligned.”

Approved on Apr 18, 2024 at 14:32

Approved on Apr 18, 2024 at 14:32

Avatar

Sarah Weber

Sarah Weber

Quality Manager

Quality Manager

“Smart Checks show green across the board. The separator additions perfectly address our previous scratch issues. Approved from Quality.”

“Smart Checks show green across the board. The separator additions perfectly address our previous scratch issues. Approved from Quality.”

Approved on Apr 19, 2024 at 09:15

Approved on Apr 19, 2024 at 09:15

Avatar

Thomas Müller

Thomas Müller

Logistics Director

Logistics Director

Pending

Pending

Pending approval

Pending approval

Trust & Security

Enterprise-Grade Security for Industrial Data

Your CAD data and packaging specifications are protected with industry-leading security standards.

ISO 27001 in progress

Information security management system is already in progress

GDPR Compliant

Full compliance with European data protection regulations

German Data Center

All data stored exclusively in German data centers with high security standards

Bring Your Own Key (BYOK)

Use customer-managed encryption keys for greater control over sensitive 3D files.

ISO 27001 in progress

Information security management system is already in progress

GDPR Compliant

Full compliance with European data protection regulations

German Data Center

All data stored exclusively in German data centers with high security standards

Bring Your Own Key (BYOK)

Use customer-managed encryption keys for greater control over sensitive 3D files.

ISO 27001 in progress

Information security management system is already in progress

GDPR Compliant

Full compliance with European data protection regulations

German Data Center

All data stored exclusively in German data centers with high security standards

Bring Your Own Key (BYOK)

Use customer-managed encryption keys for greater control over sensitive 3D files.

Technical Security

How We Protect Your Data

How We Protect Your Data

All standards active in production

TLS 1.3

Transfer

Secure data transfer with TLS 1.3 ensures all communication between your browser and Pakera is fully encrypted in transit at all times - with no compromise on speed or security.

Protects all data in transit - uploads, API calls, sessions

bcrypt

Password

Modern password protection with bcrypt. Adaptive hashing and unique salts help protect against brute-force and precomputed attacks. Passwords are never stored in plain text.

Industry-recommended standard for secure credential hashing

AES-256-GCM

Storage

Strong encryption for stored data with AES-256-GCM - the gold standard in symmetric encryption. All CAD files, reports, and project data are encrypted at rest with authenticated encryption.

Authenticated encryption - protects both data integrity & confidentiality

Frequently Asked Questions

How secure is my data with Pakera?

Is there a free version of Pakera?

Can we create packing instructions and packaging reports directly in Pakera?

What is cartonization software?

Which file formats and input data does Pakera support?

Is installation required?

How reliable are the simulation results and Smart Checks?

How does Pakera work?

How long does it take to get started with Pakera?

What exactly does Pakera help us do?

Who is Pakera built for?

How does Pakera pay for itself?

Does Pakera help to reduce manual packaging tests?

Still have questions?

Our team is happy to walk you through the platform, answer specific questions, or help you assess fit for your organization.

Ready to Transform Your Packaging Process?

Join many other companies already saving time and costs with Pakera's advanced simulation technology.

No credit card required · Full access during the Beta · No commitment