A flow wrapper is an automated packaging system that surrounds products with a continuous flexible film. The machine forms a longitudinal seal and two end seals to create a closed package.
The finished format is usually described as a pillow pack.
Unlike manual packaging methods, flow wrapping machines are built for continuous production. This makes the equipment suitable for businesses that need to package large quantities efficiently.
What Is the Flow Wrapping Process?
Flow wrapping machinery uses a continuous roll of flexible film to package products quickly and consistently.
1. Automatic Product Feeding
Products enter the wrapping section through an automatic conveyor or feeding arrangement.
2. Film Forming
The machine guides the film around each product during the packaging process.
3. The Length Seal Is Formed
The film is sealed along its length to create a continuous tube around the product.
4. The Pack Is Sealed and Separated
Cross seals are formed at each end before the package is cut from the continuous film.
5. Pack Exit
The sealed package exits the machine and can then be stored, distributed or displayed.
Advantages of Flow Wrapping Machinery
Flow wrapping equipment can help manufacturers improve output and produce consistent packs.
Fast Packaging Output
Automatic systems can package thousands of products per hour, depending on the product and machine specification.
Consistent Packaging Quality
The machine applies consistent seals and pack formatting to every item. This can help keep retail packs neat and recognisable.
Reduced Labour Costs
Flow wrapping machinery limits the need for employees to wrap every product by hand. Staff can therefore be assigned to other duties.
A Protective Film Barrier
Flow wrapping helps protect products from dust, moisture, contamination and physical damage during storage and transport.
Flexible Packaging Options
Current flow wrapping systems can handle a broad selection of product dimensions, shapes and film types.
What Can Be Packaged Using a Flow Wrapper?
A flow wrapper is suitable for a wide selection of food and manufactured goods.
Products frequently packaged in this way include:
- Biscuits
- Cakes, bread products and other bakery goods
- Sweets, chocolate bars and confectionery
- Fresh produce
- Frozen foods
- Medical products and devices
- Pharmaceutical goods
- Personal care products
- Domestic and consumer products
- Small industrial and hardware parts
Its suitability for food and non-food applications makes flow wrapping a common packaging method in manufacturing.
Which Packaging Films Work with Flow Wrappers?
A flow wrapping machine can use several flexible packaging films depending on the product and application.
Frequently used films include:
- here
- BOPP film
- Polyolefin film
- Polyethylene (PE)
- PET film
The most suitable film depends on the product, required shelf life, desired presentation and production environment.
Should Your Business Move to Automatic Flow Wrapping?
Companies often adopt flow wrapping machinery when hand packaging can no longer keep pace with demand.
You may benefit from upgrading when:
- Your required packaging output is rising
- Manual packaging slows the production line
- Pack appearance or seal quality is inconsistent
- You need more repeatable packaging results
- Labour costs are increasing
Automation may provide steadier production without reducing packaging consistency.
What Features Should You Look for in Flow Wrapping Machinery?
The correct machine should be chosen according to the product and production requirements.
Useful machine features include:
- Maximum production speed
- Supported product dimensions
- Easy product changeovers
- Printed-film registration using photocells
- Date and batch-code printing
- Automatic feeding integration
- User-friendly controls
- Reliable sealing performance
Your product range, packaging volume and projected demand should guide the final machine specification.
Flow Wrapping Versus Shrink Wrapping
Although both methods use flexible film, the packaging processes are different.
A flow wrapper creates a closed pillow-shaped pack using continuous film.
With shrink wrapping, the product is enclosed in film that shrinks when it passes through a heat tunnel.
Businesses should consider presentation, product characteristics and post-production handling when selecting a system.
Flow Wrapping Machine Integration
In many cases, yes. Flow wrapping machinery can often be integrated with equipment already in use.
The machine can work alongside feeding units, conveyor systems and labelling equipment. This allows manufacturers to raise production capacity without replacing every existing system.
Why Choose Kempner for Flow Wrapping Machines?
Kempner UK has more than 50 years of experience supplying packaging machinery and materials throughout the UK.
The available machinery includes horizontal and vertical flow wrappers for food and non-food applications.
Machines can be supplied with printed-film registration, optional coding systems and tailored configurations.
Kempner also provides installation, commissioning, servicing and ongoing technical support. These services can help businesses maintain reliable packaging performance.
Flow Wrapping Machine FAQs
What Is a Flow Wrapping Machine Used For?
A flow wrapping machine creates sealed film packs around individual items. These packs can protect products during storage, transport and retail display.
Can Food Be Packaged with a Flow Wrapper?
Yes, they are. Flow wrapping is widely used for many bakery, confectionery, snack and fresh-food applications. It provides secure and hygienic packaging.
Can a Flow Wrapper Be Used for Manufactured Goods?
Yes, they can. Manufacturers use flow wrapping machinery for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, hardware, cosmetics and consumer goods.
What Is the Speed of a Flow Wrapping Machine?
Packaging speed is affected by the equipment model, pack format and item being handled. Many high-performance machines can produce several thousand sealed packs in an hour.