This thesis investigates different ways in which the productivity of a one-way bottling and packaging production line can be increased. This is done by comparing different configurations regarding machine capacities, machine reliability and buffer capacities with each other. This is done with both the use of a generic model and a case study. The different configurations were compared and combined together with the use of a simulation model. Following from this it can be concluded that it is dependent on the reliability and the machine capacities which shape of protective capacity is the most productive. Besides, also the place in the system where the largest amount of buffer capacity needs to be placed is dependent on the reliability of the machines which are part of the production line.

A traceability system for primary packaging materials is compulsory by law for the food- and beverage industry. With a good traceability system an organisation is able to quickly recall unsafe products to protect consumers health. This research aims to analyse and improve the traceability of the primary packaging materials at Heineken Netherlands. A second focus of this paper is to reduce the impact of a potential recall on packaging materials. This research is performed based on the method called the five-stage-of-a-prescriptive-model. Using this model results in a step-wise development of an improved design. A literature study, a problem analysis and the customer requirements will be the input of this design. Analysing the current traceability systems showed traceability issues as unregistered in- and outgoing flows of packaging materials at pallet level and registration issues as double scanning. Another issue that is observed is lot segregation at different breweries, at different production lines and on different production dates. The lot segregation will cause that in times of a recall an organisation has to withdraw significantly more products. Using a Multi Criteria Analysis and the Ease and effect method results in a final design based on organisational changes, periodic evaluations, barcode technology and RFID technology. Implementing this design guarantees the traceability since all the incoming and outgoing flows are registered at pallet level and the registered data is periodically evaluated. By procedure adjustments at the supplier and at Heineken also results that the impact of the recall volume can be reduced.