A packaging machine automates one or more stages of the product packaging process. Different machines are designed to work with specific product types, packaging materials and output levels.
Businesses across many sectors use packaging machinery to maintain reliable output and consistent pack quality. Common users include food manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, industrial producers, consumer goods businesses, logistics providers and retailers.
What Types of Packaging Machinery Are Available?
Packaging machines are available in several forms, depending on the required process.
Shrink Wrap Machines
Shrink wrapping machines surround individual items or multipacks with film that contracts when heated.
These machines are suitable for many food, beverage, retail and industrial applications.
Flow Wrapping Machines
Flow wrapping machines produce closed pillow-style packs from a roll of flexible packaging film.
Common applications include baked goods, sweets, produce, medical items and consumer products.
Vacuum Packaging Machines
Vacuum packaging machines remove air from the pack before sealing it. This can preserve suitable products and protect them while stored.
Chamber Packaging Machines
Vacuum chamber machines can package foods, liquids and manufactured parts where a secure vacuum seal is needed.
Carton and Case Packaging Machines
Carton and case equipment automates the closing and preparation of packs for transport.
A complete packaging line may include several machines carrying out separate tasks.
How Can Packaging Machines Improve Production?
Packaging machines can support faster, more consistent and less labour-intensive production.
Increased Production Speed
Packaging machinery can process products at a higher rate than hand packing. This helps businesses increase daily output.
Uniform Pack Quality
Each item passes through a controlled and repeatable packaging process. This produces more reliable packaging across the production run.
Less Manual Handling
Automation reduces the amount of manual handling required. Employees can then focus on other production duties.
Improved Product Protection
A suitable pack helps shield products from dirt, damp conditions, contamination and handling damage during warehousing, handling and delivery.
Reduced Material Waste
Automated controls help reduce excess use of film, cartons and other materials. This can improve control over packaging material use.
Industries That Rely on Packaging Equipment
Almost every manufacturing sector uses packaging machinery to prepare products for transport and sale.
Common industries include:
- Food production
- Drinks manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Medical products
- Cosmetic manufacturing
- Household products
- Industrial manufacturing
- Engineering production
- Electronics
- Retail distribution
Different sectors require different pack formats based on product dimensions and handling requirements.
What Should You Consider When Choosing Packaging Machinery?
Choosing the right packaging machinery depends on several practical factors.
Points to review include:
- Required output
- Product dimensions
- Required packaging material
- Available floor space
- Compatibility with current equipment
- Expected increases in output
- Maintenance requirements
- Operator usability
Selecting machinery for current demand and expected growth can reduce the need for early replacement.
When Is It Time to Replace Packaging Machinery?
An upgrade may be needed when existing equipment begins restricting output.
Signs that an upgrade may be beneficial include:
- Growing order volumes
- Packaging delays
- Inconsistent packaging quality
- Rising labour costs
- Repeated breakdowns and stoppages
- Expanding production lines
An updated system can help remove slow points from the packaging process.
Can Packaging Machines Connect to Existing Equipment?
In many cases, yes. Current packaging machines can often be linked to systems already in place.
Packaging machines can be connected to conveyors, weighers, fillers, labellers, inspection units and palletisers.
An integrated line allows products to move efficiently through each packaging stage while reducing manual handling.
Why Use Automated Packaging Equipment?
Businesses use automated systems to increase production while maintaining reliable pack quality.
Automation may provide:
- Increased packaging capacity
- Improved packaging consistency
- Better product presentation
- Reduced operating costs
- Greater production flexibility
- Improved workplace efficiency
- Dependable protection during handling and storage
- Consistent sealing quality
For businesses with growing production, automation can provide measurable productivity gains.
How Should Packaging Machines Be Maintained?
A planned maintenance programme can protect equipment performance and reduce wear.
Routine tasks should include:
- Regular cleaning
- Scheduled servicing
- Checks on moving components packaging machines
- Timely replacement of worn parts
- Calibration checks
- Operator training
- Using the recommended servicing programme
Regular checks may prevent avoidable production stoppages.
Kempner Packaging Machines
Kempner has supplied packaging machinery and materials to UK businesses for more than 50 years.
Available machinery includes shrink wrappers, flow wrappers, vacuum packers and complete packaging lines suitable for businesses of many sizes.
Kempner also provides installation, commissioning, servicing and ongoing technical support. These services are intended to help businesses maintain reliable production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Packaging Machines Do?
These machines prepare products for warehousing, distribution or sale by automating key packaging stages.
Which Sectors Use Packaging Machines?
Common users include food manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, engineering firms, retailers, consumer goods producers and logistics businesses.
Can Packaging Machines Increase Production?
Yes. Packaging machinery can raise output without sacrificing packaging consistency.
Can Packaging Machinery Be Customised?
Yes. Many systems can be adapted to suit particular products, production volumes and packaging requirements.
How Does a Packaging Line Differ from a Packaging Machine?
A packaging machine performs one specific task, such as wrapping, filling or sealing.
A complete line links multiple machines so that products move through several packaging stages.