The Flowpacker flow-wrapping machine

Freely selectable films

Films of flowpack

The Flowpacker – the film expert

Sustainable films for a new packaging world

The world of films is in upheaval. As a result of stricter laws and social developments, the sustainability of materials for packaging in flowpacks is becoming increasingly important. There is no doubt that the future belongs to recyclable and compostable films. In order to remain competitive, manufacturers must adapt to this market trend on a permanent basis. This works best with a highly flexible flow-wrapping machine that can easily process a wide variety of films – not only plastic, but also paper-based.

This is more complex than it may appear at first glance, because the composite films used so far have numerous properties that are absolutely necessary for protecting the products and for automated packaging. Only very flexible, tear-resistant and easily sealable materials are suitable for use in a flow-wrapping machine. Additionally, the packaged goods must be protected from external influences by barrier layers in the film. Otherwise, durability and product quality cannot be sufficiently guaranteed.

The industry is still relatively in its infancy regarding the development of new materials. Currently, mono films made of plastic and the first paper-based films are being used. This is not possible with every packaging machine. But there is one that can already keep up: the Flowpacker! The flow-wrapping machine from Schubert packs with all three variants, i.e. composite films, mono films and paper-based films.

Flowpack

Related to practice: Films 101 for packaging with flow-wrapping machines

Films are becoming more and more sustainable. You can find out here which recyclable film is suitable when, and why a flexible flow-wrapping machine is future-proof.

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Benefits of the Flowpacker

Free selection from the entire range of films

Flowpacker

The Flowpacker – the flow-wrapping machine for sustainable packaging

  • Composite films for cold-sealing and heat-sealing
  • Recyclable plastic mono films
  • Recyclable paper-based films
  • Compostable films
  • Cold-sealing and heat-sealing in one system
  • Fast changeover for films and sealing technologies

A double technological advantage in the flow-wrapping machine

Composite films

The past

Composite films

Composite films consist of one or more plastic base films. PP, PET or PE plastics are frequently used, depending on the desired properties of the film. Barrier layers or blocking layers to protect the products from external influences as well as a sealing layer are also integrated into the film. Up until now, different materials have always been combined in a composite, it is almost impossible to recycle them by type.

Mono film

The present

Mono films

Mono films consist of only one type of plastic in several layers and are therefore recyclable. A small amount of foreign material may be contained in the film. Usually this is the case with the barrier layer or blocking layer. PP (polypropylene) is usually used for mono films, as the films are thin and inexpensive, and the plastic becomes sealable with further processing. An additional sealing layer is therefore not required.

Paper-based film

The trend

Paper-based films

In the case of paper-based films, there are two types of packaging materials: recyclable packaging materials that can be reused in the paper recycling cycle, and compostable paper-based films. A small amount of foreign matter is also permitted in paper-based films in order to be able to integrate a barrier layer and a sealing layer. So far, paper-based films have only been used for pre-packaged products that tend to be dry to ensure shelf life.

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The future

An improved barrier effect and renewable raw materials

Research is being conducted on compostable films with a higher barrier effect and on films made from other renewable raw materials. One example is cellophane, a pure wood product and therefore an entirely sustainable material. But ultimately, whichever film is successful on the market - Schubert is prepared to develop a suitable packaging machine.

More flexible sealing with the flow-wrapping machine from Schubert

The sealing technologies in the Flowpacker

Icon Ultrasonic sealing

Ultrasonic sealing

The flow-wrapping machines with unique heat-sealing technology have a longitudinal sealing unit with ultrasonic and the flying cross-sealing unit with heat-sealing. First advantage of the Flowpacker: Ultrasound is exceptionally gentle and is suitable for recycled films. Second advantage of the Flowpacker: Sealing times can be set to within a millisecond on the cross-sealing unit.

Contact

Would you like further information?
Ask our expert Laura Gascho!