What Is a Flow Wrapping Machine?

Flow Wrapping Machine Specialist

A flow wrapping machine is an automated packaging system that encloses products in flexible film before sealing them with longitudinal and end seals. The finished package is commonly known as a pillow pack due to its shape.

Unlike manual packaging methods, flow wrapping machines are designed for continuous production, making them ideal for businesses that need to package large quantities of products efficiently.

How Does Flow Wrapping Machinery Work?

Flow wrapping machinery uses a continuous roll of film to package products quickly and consistently.

Product Feeding

Products are automatically transported into the machine using conveyors or integrated feeding systems.

Film Forming

The packaging film is shaped around each product as it travels through the machine.

Longitudinal Sealing

The film is sealed along its length to create a continuous tube around the product.

End Sealing and Cutting

Cross seals are formed before the machine cuts each individual package from the continuous film.

Finished Product

The completed pillow pack exits the machine ready for storage, transport or retail display.

What Are the Benefits of Flow Wrapping Machines?

Many manufacturers invest in flow wrapping machines because they improve production efficiency while producing high-quality packaging.

High Production Speeds

Automatic systems can package thousands of products every hour depending on the product size and machine specification.

Consistent Packaging Quality

Every product receives the same seal quality and presentation, helping improve brand appearance.

Reduced Labour Costs

Automation reduces the amount of manual handling required throughout the packaging process.

Product Protection

Flow wrapping helps protect products against dust, moisture, contamination and physical damage during transport and storage.

Flexible Packaging Options

Modern machines can package a wide variety of product sizes and shapes using different packaging films.

Which Products Can Flow Wrapping Machinery Package?

One of the biggest advantages of flow wrapping machinery is its versatility.

Common products include:

Biscuits
Bakery products
Chocolate and confectionery
Fresh produce
Frozen foods
Medical devices
Pharmaceutical products
Personal care products
Household goods
Hardware components

Flow wrapping is suitable for both food and non-food applications, making it one of the most widely used packaging methods across manufacturing industries.

What Films Can a Flow Wrapping Machine Use?

A flow wrapping machine can work with several types of flexible packaging films depending on the application.

Common materials include:

BOPP film
Polyolefin film
Polyethylene (PE)
PET film

The most suitable film depends on the product, shelf life requirements, presentation and production environment.

When Should You Invest in Flow Wrapping Machines?

Many businesses move to flow wrapping machines when manual packaging begins limiting production.

You may benefit from upgrading if:

Production volumes continue to increase.
Manual packaging slows the production line.
Packaging quality varies between operators.
You need greater consistency.
Labour costs are increasing.

Automatic packaging often improves productivity while maintaining consistent packaging quality.

What Features Should You Look for in Flow Wrapping Machinery?

When selecting flow wrapping machinery, several factors should be considered.

Important features include:

Packaging speed
Product size capacity
Easy changeovers
Printed film registration using photocells
Date and batch code printing
Automatic feeding integration
User-friendly controls
Reliable sealing performance

Choosing the correct machine depends on your products, production volume and future growth plans.

What Is the Difference Between Flow Wrapping Machines and Shrink Wrap Machines?

Although both package products in flexible film, they work differently.

A flow wrapping machine forms a sealed pillow pack around the product using continuous film.

A shrink wrap machine wraps products before heat shrinks the film tightly around the outside.

The right solution depends on the appearance required, the product type and how the packaged product will be handled after production.

Can Flow Wrapping Machinery Be Integrated Into Existing Production Lines?

Yes. Many types of flow wrapping machinery are designed to integrate with existing production equipment, including automatic feeding systems, conveyors and labelling equipment. This allows manufacturers to increase packaging output without redesigning their entire production process.

Why Choose Kempner for Flow Wrapping Machines?

Kempner has over 50 years of experience supplying packaging machinery and materials throughout the UK. Its range of flow wrapping machines includes both horizontal and vertical systems that can be configured for food and non-food applications. Machines are available with printed film registration, optional coding systems and tailored configurations to suit different production requirements. Alongside machinery, Kempner provides installation, commissioning, servicing and ongoing technical support to help businesses achieve reliable packaging performance.

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