A flow wrapper is an automated packaging system that surrounds products with a continuous flexible film. The machine forms long seals and cross seals to create a closed package.

The completed package is often called a pillow pack because of its shape.

Unlike manual packaging methods, flow wrapping machines are built for continuous production. This makes the equipment suitable for production lines that require fast and consistent packaging.

How Do Flow Wrapping Machines Work?

Automatic flow wrapping equipment uses a continuous roll of flexible film to wrap products at a steady production rate.

1. Automatic Product Feeding

A conveyor or connected feeding system automatically moves products into the machine.

2. Packaging Film Positioning

As the item travels forward, the machine forms the flexible film around it.

3. Sealing Along the Pack

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

4. Cross Sealing and Cutting

Cross seals are formed at each end before the package is cut from the continuous film.

5. Finished Product

Once sealed and cut, the finished pack moves out of the machine ready for handling, delivery or sale.

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 produce a consistent presentation across a production run.

Less Manual Handling

Flow wrapping machinery limits the need for employees to wrap every product by hand. Staff can therefore be assigned to other duties.

Product Protection

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

Adaptable Product Handling

The equipment can be configured for varied product formats and packaging materials.

What Can Be Packaged Using a Flow Wrapper?

A flow wrapper is suitable for a wide selection of food and manufactured goods.

Common examples include:

• Individual or grouped biscuits
• Bakery products
• Sweets, chocolate bars and confectionery
• Fresh produce
• Selected frozen products
• Medical devices
• Pharmaceutical goods
• Personal care products
• Domestic and consumer products
• Hardware components

Because it can package both food and non-food goods, flow wrapping is widely used across manufacturing industries.

Flow Wrapping Film Options

Different film materials can be used according to the packaging requirements.

Available film options include:

• BOPP film
• Polyolefin packaging film
• Polyethylene (PE)
• PET film

The correct material will be determined by the product type, storage period, presentation requirements and production setting.

When Is It Time to Use Flow Wrapping Machinery?

An automatic flow wrapper may become suitable when manual processes start slowing the production line.

You may benefit from upgrading when:

• Production volumes continue to increase
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• Hand wrapping creates a production bottleneck
• Pack appearance or seal quality is inconsistent
• You need more repeatable packaging results
• Labour costs are increasing

A suitable flow wrapper can raise output and produce more uniform packaging.

How Do You Choose a Flow Wrapping Machine?

Machine selection requires an assessment of pack format, output and future demand.

Important features include:

• Maximum production speed
• Supported product dimensions
• Fast and straightforward changeovers
• Photocell registration for printed films
• Integrated date or batch coding
• Compatibility with automatic feeding systems
• Clear operator controls
• Reliable sealing performance

Your product range, packaging volume and projected demand should guide the final machine specification.

Flow Wrapping Versus Shrink Wrapping

Both systems package products in flexible material, although their operating methods differ.

Flow wrapping machinery forms film around the product before applying length and end seals.

A shrink wrap machine surrounds the product with shrink film before applying heat to tighten the material.

The right method depends on the required appearance, product type and handling conditions after packaging.

Flow Wrapping Machine Integration

In many cases, yes. Flow wrapping machinery can often be integrated with equipment already in use.

Compatible equipment may include automatic feeders, conveyors and labelling systems. This allows manufacturers to increase packaging output without rebuilding the entire production process.

Flow Wrapping Machinery from Kempner

Kempner has supplied packaging machines and materials across the UK for over five decades.

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 keep equipment operating consistently.

Questions About Flow Wrapping Machinery

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 closed packaging that supports hygienic handling.

Can Flow Wrapping Machinery Package Non-Food Products?

Yes. Manufacturers use flow wrapping machinery for medical items, pharmaceuticals, small components, personal care goods and household products.

How Many Products Can a Flow Wrapper Package?

Operating speed depends on the machine and the product being packaged. Many high-performance machines can wrap several thousand products per hour.