1. Introduction
Cutting and packing problems (Dyckhoff & Finke, 1992) are
classic problems focusing on the optimal use of resources. Cutting
problems concern the best utilization of materials such as wood,
steel and cloth, while packing problems concern the best capacity
use of a given packing space. The effective use of material and
transport capacities is of great economic importance in production
and distribution processes. It also contributes to the economical
utilization of natural resources and to relieving the traffic
congestion.