Packaging and preserving food are at the heart of our modern food industry, and very few foods are sold without packaging. Excellent food packaging prevents food waste, contamination and ensures that food inside maintains the desired quality for its shelf life. Therefore, food packaging machines are vital for making the process as efficient as possible.
Industrial food packaging machines tend to pack food in materials such as glass, metals, paper, and polymers. Although often there will be a blend of materials too.
What is a food packaging machine?
Food packaging machines utilise different processes, automation, and technology to preserve food and keep food safe from cross-contamination or getting damaged during the journey to an end consumer. Depending on the food type, different processes are utilised to keep the item fresh, from vacuum sealing to bundling items together.
Regulations around food safety standards are stringent and specific, especially regarding the preservation and components of a food item. Therefore, a food packaging machine is crucial for following food safety and hygiene laws.
As there are various food packaging machines, choosing the right machinery for your business and the type of food being packaged to ensure maximum quality and shelf life is essential.
Different types of food packaging machines
There are different types of food packaging machines for every process that goes into food preparation and storage. Below, we've listed some of the most popular food packaging machines to help you find a solution to suit your needs.
Food Vacuum Packaging Machine
A food vacuum packaging machine is one of the most efficient food packaging machines. Aerobic microorganisms are one of the biggest causes of food deterioration; therefore, vacuum-packing food reduces the capacity of the organisms to thrive due to less air available.
In addition, food vacuum packaging machines help to extend the duration that food products can be stored, making food vacuum packaging perfect for products that are sold chilled or frozen.
Biscuit Packaging Machine
Another machine to package food is a biscuit packaging machine. Typically fitted with an electronic digital temperature controller, this ensures high precision when controlling temperature throughout the food packing process.
As well as optimising the freshness of food products, it can also help food manufacturing companies to monitor their output, as many of these machines include an automatic counter which displays the number of items placed and packed.
Bundling Food Packaging Equipment
A bundling food packaging machine (sometimes known as a banding machine) is another machine to package food widely used by manufacturers. These machines can store vast quantities of food products before they're banded or bundled.
This machine is also used in other industries to pack small items such as candlesticks.
Bagging Machine
A bagging machine is one of the most popular industrial food packaging machines, typically used for items such as cereals, sugar and flour. Food items are packaged into bags, pouches, and sacks.
Closing Machines
Closing machines are another standard food packaging machine. They are used to close bags or pouches using metal ties to seal the packaging.
Capping Machines
Capping machines are popular amongst suppliers of fizzy drinks and other food and drink items that have a screw-top lid. These machines close bottled items by placing air-tight lids on the bottle and securing them. Although not solely used in food packaging, a capping machine is mainly used alongside other food packaging machines and equipment.
Accumulation machinery
Often used alongside a capping machine, accumulation machinery allows for the correct alignment of bottles and organises the filling of bottles. Accumulation machinery is most often used by soda and bottled water companies.
How do food packaging machines work?
As you will have seen above, depending on the type of food being packed and whether it is fresh, chilled, or frozen, there will be a different packaging machine for your needs. The packing style and how the machines are paired with other complementary machines will also impact the product's shelf life. For example, highly perishable foods such as fresh meats and frozen items are best when vacuum packed, as vacuum packing can extend the storage life significantly.
How to choose a food packaging machine
Depending on what food products you produce, the processes you already have, and the amount you're manufacturing will all impact choosing the perfect industrial food packaging machines to suit your needs.
For example, choosing a food packaging machine for small business will be different if you're a large corporation. And a combination of machines may be needed to package your product. For example, if you produce bottled drinks, using accumulation machinery and a capping machine will likely serve you best. With so many food packaging machines out there to choose from, it's probably helpful to start by figuring out your needs, capacity, and the processes you already have in place.
Where to buy a food packaging machine?
There are several suppliers of food packaging machinery here in the UK, and many manufacturers will invite you for a tour or demo if you're unsure of your requirements.
Why not join us at the PPMA Show, one of the leading food packaging events in the UK? You'll have the opportunity to speak to over 400 exhibitors offering state-of-the-art machinery for sale. You'll be able to watch live demonstrations of the latest production and manufacturing technology which will help you to fully assess the features and benefits of a range of machinery.
Food packaging machines from AUTOMATE UK members
The PPMA Total Show features the latest developments in packaging, including for the food and produce industry. For decision-makers in the food sector, it's an unmissable event, so ensure that you stay in touch to receive details of all the exhibitors and their machinery.
The annual PPMA Total Show features the latest developments in packaging for many sectors, including food and produce. It is an unmissable event for decision-makers in the food packaging sector.
Look at the complete list of Automate UK Members that supply a comprehensive range of food packaging machinery.
Machinery Spotlight
Take a look at the processing and packaging machinery in the PPMA Total Show's Machinery Spotlight; we're sure you'll find a massive range of machinery to suit your needs.