Getting food products from production to the table safely and in good order depends directly on the packaging stage. Many foods, from pulses and snacks to spices and frozen products, require different packaging and filling methods. Businesses use automatic machines to speed up this process and standardise it. In this article, we look at what these machines do, how they work and what to consider when choosing one.
What does a food packaging machine do?
A food packaging machine measures the product, fills it into the package, seals the opening and makes the pack ready for sale. Done by hand, this process takes time, causes weight differences and increases hygiene risks. Automatic systems help every pack come out at a similar weight and with a neat appearance. They also reduce the product’s contact with external factors, helping to preserve its shelf life. This allows businesses to bring more products to market regularly with less waste.
Main benefits
- Consistent weights
- More hygienic production
- Fast packaging
- Reduced labour load
- Standard shelf appearance
How does a vertical form fill seal machine work?
One of the most common systems in the food industry, the vertical form fill seal machine forms the package itself from film on a reel. The film is passed over a forming collar, shaped into a tube and sealed vertically. Then the bottom seal is made, the product is dropped into the package from above and the top seal completes the pack. Thanks to this layout, a vertical form fill seal machine carries out forming, filling and sealing together in a single flow. Bag length and fill quantity can be adjusted for product changeovers.
Working steps of a vertical form fill seal machine
- Pulling the film from the reel
- Forming the tube with the collar
- Vertical sealing
- Bottom sealing
- Product filling
- Top sealing and cutting
Which products is a food packaging machine used for?
The range of uses is very wide and depends largely on the dosing system. Volumetric or multihead weighing systems are preferred for granular products, auger dosing for powders and pump filling systems for liquids. A food packaging machine equipped with the right dosing unit can easily be used for different product groups. That is why the nature of the product should be the first step in choosing a machine. For some products, more than one dosing method can also be used together.
Commonly packaged products
- Pulses and rice
- Nuts and snacks
- Spices and powdered products
- Sugar and salt
- Pasta
- Frozen foods
Which packaging types does a vertical machine work with?
Vertical systems generally work with plastic and laminated films. Pillow bags, gusseted bags and multi-pack strips are common packaging types these systems can produce. When choosing a vertical form fill seal machine, the thickness of the film to be used and the sealing method should also be considered. Easy changeover between bag sizes is an important advantage for businesses handling several products.
Common packaging types
- Pillow bags
- Gusseted bags
- Multi-pack strips
- Bags with hang holes
- Modified atmosphere bags
How do you choose the right food packaging machine?
The right food packaging machine should be chosen by evaluating product structure, production capacity and packaging type together. Cost cannot be expressed as a fixed figure; it varies by capacity, level of automation, dosing system and additional units. If bags will be used, the compatibility of the vertical form fill seal machine with the weighing system should be checked separately. Running a trial fill with your own product before buying makes a sound decision easier. The machine’s ease of cleaning and maintenance should also not be overlooked for long-term efficiency.
Points to consider
- Physical structure of the product
- Daily production capacity
- Packaging type
- Weight accuracy
- Ease of cleaning and maintenance
- Service and spare parts support
In short, a food packaging machine turns the whole process, from measuring the product to the finished pack, into an orderly and hygienic flow. For businesses using bags, the vertical form fill seal machine stands out for speed and flexibility. With the right choice and regular maintenance, a packaging line can run efficiently for many years. Product structure, capacity and packaging type should be evaluated together before buying.
