Packaging equipment is the backbone of efficient product handling across industries, from food and beverage to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Whether you’re new to the packaging industry or looking to upgrade your production line, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the key aspects of packaging machinery—what it is, how it works, cost considerations, and the different types available.
What Is Packaging Equipment?
Packaging equipment refers to machinery used across various stages of the packaging process, including cleaning, filling, sealing, labeling, overwrapping, and palletising. From primary packaging to distribution packaging, the goal of these machines is to improve efficiency, safety, and consistency.
In industries like food, medical, and pharmaceuticals, packaging equipment must meet strict standards to ensure heat seals are secure, preventing contamination and preserving product integrity.
As automation continues to evolve, packaging lines increasingly incorporate robotics and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), integrating equipment from multiple manufacturers into seamless production flows. This complexity often necessitates consultation with engineering firms to ensure optimal system integration.
Packaging Equipment vs. Packaging Machinery
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference:
- Packaging machinery typically refers to machines that perform the actual packaging tasks—such as cartoning, bottling, or canning.
- Packaging equipment includes both the machinery and supporting elements like conveyors, sealing materials, or robotics used in the line.
Understanding Packaging Equipment Costs
The cost of packaging machinery depends on several factors, including the level of automation, the type of product, and production volume. But the true cost goes beyond the purchase price.
Key Questions to Ask:
- Are you prioritising upfront cost or total cost of ownership?
- Will the machine be used daily or occasionally?
- Do you need advanced features or will basic functionality suffice?
- How skilled are your maintenance technicians?
- Is cutting-edge technology essential, or do you prefer proven solutions?
Maintenance, efficiency, and future scalability all play crucial roles in determining the right machine for your operation.
Film Usage: A Cost-Saving Insight
Shrink film is widely used in packaging. The cost per roll is important, but cost per package is even more crucial. For example:
- A 60-gauge centre-folded film roll (4,375 ft) cut at 11 inches yields ~4,772 packages.
- Subtracting 3% for rewrap waste gives ~4,629 usable packages per roll.
Understanding this calculation helps manage budgets more effectively.
How to Reduce Packaging Costs
Consider these cost-saving strategies:
- Negotiate pricing, ask for promotions or rebates.
- Explore refurbished equipment or alternative technical support options.
- Implement a preventative maintenance plan.
- Test different material types for compatibility and cost-efficiency.
- Conduct a machinery analysis before replacing older machines.
At Enoline, we specialise in matching you with the best machines for your production needs and budget.
Why Packaging Machinery Is Important
Modern packaging machinery offers numerous benefits:
- Labour efficiency: Automates manual processes and boosts production.
- Quality control: Consistent packaging reduces defects, especially critical for exports.
- Hygiene and safety: Reduces human contact with sensitive or hazardous goods.
- Material savings: Compression and vacuum packaging reduce storage and shipping costs.
- Adaptability: Accommodates various shapes, sizes, and specialised packaging types.
Types of Packaging Machinery and Equipment
📦 Cartoning Machines
- Erect, fill, and seal cartons (horizontal or vertical).
- Perfect for food, medicine, cosmetics, and general goods.
📦 Case Erectors
- Available in manual, semi-automatic, or robotic formats.
- Automatically form and seal boxes ready for product insertion.
🧴 Clamshell Packaging Machines
- Seal hinged plastic containers used in electronics, retail, and food sectors.
- Require space but offer strong protection and visibility.
🥤 Filling Machines
Used for various products and container types:
- Auger Fillers: Dry goods like flour and spices.
- Flow Fillers: Oils, water, and liquid foods.
- Positive Displacement Pumps: Creams, gels, and lotions.
- Tablet Fillers: Candy, tablets, and count-based filling.
- Vertical Form-Fill-Seal (VFFS): Forms and fills pouches from rollstock.
- Vibratory Weigh Fillers: Ideal for precision and portion control.
📦 Stretch & Pallet Wrapping Machines
- Turntable Wrappers: Rotate the pallet for even stretch wrap coverage.
- Orbital “Ringer” Wrappers: Perfect for elongated items like pipes and carpets.
- Ring Straddle Wrappers: High-speed wrapping for unstable or tall loads.
Conclusion
Understanding your packaging needs, workflow, and budget is the first step in selecting the right packaging machinery. Whether you’re working with flow-wrapped snacks, bottles, shrink-wrapped goods, or VVFS pouch systems, there’s an ideal solution to help you optimise production and reduce costs.
Need expert guidance? Enoline is here to help with tailored packaging solutions for your specific application. Request a fast and free quote today.