Types of packaging machines and their uses

Businesses rely on packaging to distinguish their products from others placed on store shelves. Packaging plays an important role in product sales because consumers believe that the appeal of a product is directly related to its packaging. Since manual packaging methods have largely become obsolete due to technological advances, it can be said that the type of packaging depends on the machinery and devices used by companies. But did you know which types of packaging machines are used by businesses?

Some of the most commonly used packaging machines in various industries include cap sealing machines, label applicators, and filling machines. To learn more about liquid packaging machines and their types, stay with us in the rest of this article.

The Importance of Packaging in Today’s World

It has long been said not to judge by appearance, but unfortunately, this is something we all tend to do in some way. For instance, we judge someone’s work ethic based on how they dress, the quality of food based on a menu picture, or a book we want to buy based on the cover image. This is also true when it comes to product packaging, and nowadays, the quality of packaging is as important as the product itself.

In the past, businesses paid more attention to the quality of the product than its packaging. However, today this is no longer possible because there is a highly competitive market where both the product and the packaging play an equally important role in attracting customers. It can be said that proper packaging reflects your product’s identity. The more attractive your product’s packaging, the more customers it will attract.

The Role of Packaging Machines

Now that we understand the importance of properly and effectively packaging products, we recognize how important it is to have the right packaging machine. These machines play a vital role in various industries, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where hygiene and keeping products free from contamination are crucial. Some of the main applications of packaging machines in various industries include:

• Food Industry: Packaging of ready-to-eat food, grains and seeds, milk and liquids, spices, coffee, sugar, oil, salt, tea, bread, beverages, candies, cakes, cookies, and more.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Packaging of pills, capsules, granules, syrups, drops, injectables, gels, and more.
• Other Industries: Packaging of agricultural chemicals, adhesives, fertilizers, lubricating oils, coolants, varnishes, powdered paints, pet food, hardware, and more.

Packaging machines also offer numerous benefits for businesses, including:

• Increased Production: When producing large quantities of products, a complete packaging line can significantly assist the company. This is especially true when producing large volumes of goods in a short time.
• Reduced Labor: With packaging machines, fewer workers are needed, so much lower wages are paid. Although packaging machines may have a high upfront cost, when comparing the cost of purchasing a full packaging line to labor wages, these machines are the most practical option.
• Increased Packaging Speed: Compared to human labor, packaging machines (especially automated ones) perform tasks much faster, increasing your daily production volume.
• Reliability: Packaging machines don’t require vacations, holiday bonuses, etc. Although mechanical breakdowns may occasionally cause interruptions, these issues are easily fixed.

What Are the Types of Product Packaging?

With the increasing demand for packaging, many companies have conducted extensive research and found ways and techniques to design and package their products better. Attractive and durable packaging not only helps protect products from breakage and damage but is also useful in attracting consumer attention. Let’s take a look at some of the most common product packaging methods:

✅ Corrosion-Resistant Packaging

“Corrosion-resistant” packaging refers to protecting metal surfaces from corrosion in hazardous (corrosive) environments. Materials such as VCI protective film in corrosion-resistant packaging help prevent damage to goods in various climatic regions. Corrosion-resistant packaging machines can be used in scenarios such as long-distance export of goods, long-term storage of metal goods, and corrosion-sensitive metals.

✅ Pharmaceutical Packaging

Pharmaceutical packaging ensures drug containment, safety, easy identification, and delivery. The main role of pharmaceutical packaging is to protect drugs in various forms, surgical supplies, blood and blood products, nutrients, powders, liquid and solid medications, etc. You can find pharmaceutical packaging in various products like pills (with blister packaging), vials, bottles, etc.

✅ Plastic Packaging

Plastic is used for packaging various items like fragile or perishable products. Most plastic packaging companies recycle plastic waste or scraps for reuse in their facilities. Without plastic packaging, these various goods with short shelf lives would easily be affected by weather conditions and spoil. Plastic packaging is designed so that no air or dust can enter the product. One of the common types of plastic packaging is polyethylene terephthalate, used for packaging carbonated beverages and bottled water.

✅ Flexible Packaging

Flexible packaging is made from materials that are flexible, sealable, and preserve product freshness. Shaping packages in various forms to preserve food flavor and safety or facilitate transportation are some of the uses of flexible packaging. A major advantage that makes it the most popular option for food packaging is that the product can last for a very long time (if stored properly). Flexible packaging machines are also eco-friendly because they use fewer materials and waste.

Getting to Know the Types of Packaging Machines

Now that we’re familiar with various packaging methods, it’s time to introduce the types of packaging machines. The most commonly used packaging machines observed in the production lines of most companies include:

✅ Liquid Filling Machines

Liquid filling machines are among the most essential equipment in various industries, including hygiene, food, and pharmaceutical industries. These machines come in various types and make it possible to package different liquid products (from sticky liquids like honey to various sauces, beverages, etc.). However, it’s important to note that one machine cannot be used for multiple types of liquids, as liquid filling machines have different mechanisms based on the viscosity of the product. Types of liquid filling machines include automatic gear-based filling machines, overflow liquid fillers, piston-cylinder liquid fillers, and more. In general, these are divided into two types: automatic liquid filling machines and semi-automatic liquid filling machines.