Packaging system and method for feeding cardboard blanks

A method for feeding cardboard blanks arranged in a row one behind the other relative to a transport direction into a transfer area formed within a machine frame of a deep-drawing packaging machine that is configured to produce packages in a production direction transverse to the transport direction, the method comprising:

• transporting a cardboard blank, which is positioned in the row, inside the transfer area in the transport direction into a first collection position;
• and
• lifting the cardboard blank out of the first collection position before another cardboard blank, which is positioned immediately behind the cardboard blank in the row relative to the transport direction, advances inside the transfer area in the transport direction into a second collection position;
• wherein the transporting is performed by a transport belt device of a feeding system for the deep-drawing packaging machine, the transport belt device being configured to transport the cardboard blanks in the transport direction, wherein the lifting is performed by a lifting device of the feeding system, the lifting device being arranged in the transfer area for collecting and lifting the cardboard blanks transported into the transfer area by the transport belt device, and the lifting device having a plurality of independently controllable lifting units positioned one behind the other in the transport direction.