How do I choose a packaging machine for food manufacturing?
When choosing a new packaging machine for your food business, we recommend you consider the following:
Food Type: What’s your product? Whether it’s dry, liquid, solid, or semi-solid will determine the type of machine you need. Some machines specialize in liquid products like sauces or juices, while others are ideal for solids or dry items like nuts or powders.
Packaging Material & Style: The type of packaging you choose (like pouches, tubes, boxes, etc.) and the material it’s made from (such as plastic, glass, or metal) will guide your decision. Most machines are only compatible with specific materials or styles.
Production Speed: How fast do you need to package your products? If you’re running a high-speed production line, you’ll need a machine that can keep up. On the other hand, if your operation is smaller or slower, a simpler, less costly machine might be more appropriate.
Level of Automation: Automation can save time and reduce labor costs, but it often comes at a higher initial expense. Consider how automated you want your process to be. Weigh up the true cost benefit of a more automated system – it could reduce labour costs and run for longer each day, for example.
Regulations: In New Zealand, we have strict food safety, electrical and WHS regulations. Make sure that your machine is compliant with these standards to avoid potential issues down the line. We only sell equipment that 100% complies with local regulations, to keep you and your staff safe!
Machine Size & Cost: Your workspace size and budget will also factor into your choice. You’ll need to balance the capabilities you need with what you can afford and fit into your production area.
After-Sales Service: Lastly, consider the level of support provided by the machine’s supplier. Good after-sales service will save you time and headaches if you run into any issues. We have a team of local technicians that support our customers all across NZ with repairs and servicing. We also hold local stock of spare parts and consumables for your peace of mind.
What types of machines are used for food packaging in New Zealand?
There are a huge variety of machines suitable for NZ food manufacturing businesses. Each type is tailored to suit different products, packaging materials, and business needs.
Form Fill & Seal Machines
At the heart of many of our customer’s operations, you’ll find Form, Fill and Seal Machines. These versatile workhorses create packages, fill them with product, and seal them off, all in one smooth operation. You can package many types of food with these, from granules, like sugar or salt, to powders like flour, and even solids like pasta or confectionery.
Heat Sealers
Sealers, whether they be Heat Sealers, Impulse Sealers, or Band Sealers, are widely used across the food industry. Whether you’re sealing bags of chips, vacuum-packing meats, or packing freshly baked bread rolls, they keep your product sealed tight and fresh.
Flow Wrap Machines
Another popular type of equipment with NZ food manufacturers. Flow wrappers suit businesses that produce products which need to be wrapped individually and quickly. These machines are incredibly versatile. They can handle a broad range of food items such as baked goods like pastries and buns, chocolate bars, frozen pizzas, and sandwiches to name just a few. If your product is solid, not overly fragile and comes in a uniform size and shape, flow wrappers are a good option.
Stick Packs & Sachets
You also have more specialised equipment to choose from. Stick Pack and Sachet Machines are designed for small, single-serve items. They’re perfect for businesses that make condiments, sugar, spices, or instant coffee. They’re also used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors, packaging products like creams or lotions.
Tube & Pouch Filling Equipment
For liquid or semi-solid foods, Tube Filling & Sealing Machines or Pouch Packing & Filling Machines could be your go-to solution. Our customers use them for products like tomato sauce, mayonnaise, yogurt, and even honey. These commercial food packaging machines fill and seal your products in convenient, easy-to-use packaging.
Weighers
Accuracy is key in packaging, which is where Linear and Multihead Weighers come in. They ensure each package has just the right amount of product. Perfect for operations that need precise quantities in each package like coffee, frozen vegetables, snack foods, confectionery, or pet food.
Safety & Quality Control Equipment
For maintaining standards and ensuring safety, machines like Package Leak Testers, Checkweighers, and Food Metal Detectors are critical. They help you catch any problems before your product leaves the factory.
