What is the flowpack packaging system?
The flowpack wrappers are part of the HFFS (Horizontal Form-Fill-Seal) packaging system and are used for the packaging of products by creating pillow packs from a film reel. A flexible bioriented polypropylene base is used, which allows the product’s shelf life to be extended thanks to the protection it provides.
The flowpack has become a highly versatile solution for the food industry, allowing the packaging of a wide variety of solid and semi-solid products of different sizes, shapes and textures: from snacks and bakery products to fresh and frozen foods.
Understanding what is flowpack is key to appreciating its role in optimizing modern production lines, especially in environments where speed, freshness and food safety are priorities.
Advantages of flowpack for the food industry
When designing a flowpack wrapper for the food industry, one of the main objectives is to ensure that the products retain their freshness and safety for as long as possible. To achieve this, not only is good sealing and the choice of optimal material essential, but also a machine capable of running at high speeds and being easily integrated into automated production lines.
That is why our partner Synchropack highlights five key advantages of flowpack packaging for the food industry:
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Longer shelf life and guaranteed freshness
The flowpack's characteristic hermetic seal helps preserve food properties and extend shelf life, ensuring safety and quality throughout the distribution chain.
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Faster and more efficient production.
Thanks to its ability to operate at high speeds, the flowpack optimizes production times and can adapt to peaks in demand without compromising packaging quality
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Integration with automated lines
Flowpack wrappers are easily integrated with other production systems: from automatic feeders to labelers or printers. This allows automation of virtually the entire line.
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Adaptability to different products and materials
One of the great advantages of the flowpack packaging system is its versatility: it allows packaging products of different shapes, sizes and textures with a quick and agile format change. In addition, it is possible to work with different sustainable films such as monomaterials or paper.
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Tracking and logistics optimization
The incorporation of printing and labeling systems directly on the wrapping machine facilitates the identification of batches, expiration dates and bar codes.
Main flowpack applications in the industry
Flowpack technology has become a key solution for different segments within the food industry, thanks to its versatility and efficiency in product protection and preservation.
Knowing what flowpack is also implies understanding how it is applied to different types of food and what specific needs it meets for each of them:
- Fresh food: for fruits, vegetables and other products, flowpack offers the possibility of incorporating modified atmosphere perforation (MAP) systems to keep the products in perfect condition for consumption.
- Frozen products: the package must withstand low temperatures and prevent frost formation. The flowpack packaging system provides an airtight seal that protects throughout the cold chain process, ensuring safe handling.
- Ready-to-eat food: flowpack creates hygienic and easy-to-use packages. In addition, it can include microwave-resistant films. This makes it ideal for sandwiches, pancakes, snacks and other ready-to-eat meals.
- Bakery: flowpack is especially valuable for protecting products such as breads, pastries and muffins. Its sealing prevents the entry of moisture and air, preserving freshness and flavor.
- Confectionery: it ensures that chocolates, candies, bars and cookies reach the consumer intact, protecting them from shocks, humidity and temperature changes. It also incorporates attractive designs and easy-opening systems that enhance the shopping and consumption experience.
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Key points to choose the best packaging solution
Synchropack, specialized in the design, assembly and installation of flowpack wrappers and automatic feeding systems, highlights these key points to choose the best flowpack packaging solution:
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Type of product
Is it fragile, sticky, soft, irregular or heat-sensitive? Each characteristic influences the design of the machine: from the drive of the conveyor belts to the sealing jaws.
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Production speed
Will the line run at high speed or is the production rate medium-low? The speed conditions the type of wrapping machine as well as the configuration of elements such as grippers, film unwinder...
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Product feeding
Will the product be fed from ovens, trays or conveyors, or will it be a manual feeding? For some delicate products or companies producing at fast speeds, it is better to automate the loading by means of automatic feeding systems. In more artisanal environments, manual feeding is still valid and requires ergonomic design of the loading station.
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Format flexibility
Will you be packaging a single product or will you need to change formats on a regular basis? The wrapper must be prepared for quick changeovers and have recipe memories to minimize downtime and errors.
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Coding or printing
Do you need to mark batches, expiration dates or QR codes directly on the film? The integration of coders or markers should be considered from the start to incorporate them into the wrapper, or leave it configured so that they can be added in the future.
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Type of packaging
Will it be primary or multipack? Choosing whether to directly wrap the product changes both the design of the equipment and the type of film.
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Need for modified atmoshphere
If shelf life extension is required, it is essential to include a gas flushing system (MAP).
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Film type
Will barrier, recyclable or standard materials be used? Each film requires specific temperature and pressure settings, as well as varying the speed at which a wrapper can run.
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Available space in the production facility
The dimensions and distribution of the area condition the design of the packaging line, both in the direction of movement and the placement of accessories such as feeders or packers.
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Overall automation level
Are you looking for a fully automatic solution or a basic machine for specific tasks? The desired functionality of the machine will affect the cost, maintenance and scalability of the packaging system.
Hub Optimize your packaging line with the support of Barcelona Packaging Hub
Barcelona Packaging Hub brings together the leading companies in the packaging sector, offering comprehensive solutions for efficient, flexible and high quality production lines. As a platform for innovation and collaboration, the Hub enables its members to share knowledge, technologies and experiences to drive the future of the packaging industry.
If you are still wondering what a flowpack wrapper is and how it can improve your process, our experts can help you figure it out.
Do you want to optimize your production line? Contact Barcelona Packaging Hub and our experts will help you design the perfect solution for your production process.