Flowpacksare tubular pouches in which products are loaded into the pouch in a horizontal position. Depending on the design of the packaging machine, the package is formed and sealed from one or two film webs. Flowpack packaging is a popular form of machine packaging and can be used for a wide range of purposes—from food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products to technical goods and other consumer goods. BOPPfilms made of polypropylene (PP) or OPP/BOPPfilms are particularly well-suited for flow-pack packaging due to their high transparency, strength, flexibility, and good sealability.
How the Flowpack Process Works
The BOPP film is unrolled from a roll and fed into the packaging machine. The products to be packaged are then placed on the film, either manually or automatically, depending on the application and the packaging machine. The packaging machine forms the BOPP film around the product and seals the sides of the film using heat or compressed air to ensure a secure seal. In the next step, the packaged products are cut along the film to create individual packages. The advantage of flow-wrap packaging is that it is also suitable for products with varying heights or irregular shapes.
The flowpack process makes it possible to quickly and efficiently seal products in flexible packaging that provides clear visibility of the product while also protecting it from external factors such as moisture, dust, and damage. The use of BOPP—films —as a packaging material makes it possible to produce attractive and durable packaging that preserves the quality and freshness of the packaged products while also providing barrier properties and many other beneficial characteristics.
Advantages of Flowpack Packaging
Flow packs are a popular form of machine packaging for food and fresh goods, but they are also used to package products in the technology sector, the pharmaceutical industry, and retail. Flow packs featuring Schlichter’s optimized, starch-reduced films save time and reduce material costs.
Thanks to their high transparency and brilliance, flow packs made of OPP/BOPP film offer optimal retail packaging that can also provide barrier properties, thereby extending the shelf life of fresh products. This explains the widespread use of flow packs as packaging for vegetables and fresh foods, as well as for ready-to-eat meals, confectionery, and other food products. Packaging options that utilize modified atmosphere packaging and comply with all hygiene requirements according to the latest standards, combined with a visually appealing design that promotes sales, are what make flow packs so popular.
When using appropriately formulated packaging films, such as OPP/BOPPfilms , with anti-fog and barrier properties, the product is not only protected from moisture but is also packaged in a way that ensures optimal shelf life and hygiene for the food industry. The option of product fumigation extends the shelf life of perishable products.
Airtight flow packs, such as our OPP/BOPPfilms, which feature barrier properties, can be processed using the appropriate packaging machines from the Profi Packer® series and our wide range of films for flow packs, making them an excellent solution for every requirement and need. Thanks to our optimized, reduced-strength films , we enable cost-effective and fully automated packaging of products in flow packs. This is because reduced-strength films not only save on film material but also speed up the cycle times of the packaging machines. True optimization of packaging costs through a cohesive and perfectly coordinated packaging system.
Applications for Flowpack
Flowpack packaging is used for a wide variety of products. In the food industry, ready-to-eat products, fruits and vegetables, confectionery, cakes, salads, herbs, prepared meals, and convenience foods are optimally protected by flowpack packaging. This ensures that food travels safely and securely from the manufacturer through retail to the end consumer. Flowpack packaging is also ideal for technical products that are fragile and delicate, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry and retail.
Multipacks and shipping packaging with shrink wrap
We are also your partner for shrink wrap outer packaging, multipack packaging, and transport packaging in large units. Our highly transparent and brilliant films are extremely durable and protect your product even at thin gauges. This allows food manufacturers to deliver their goods safely and securely through all stages of distribution all the way to the end consumer.
films s Suitable for Flow-Pack Applications
Our extensive selection of OPP/BOPPfilms offers the right film for every application.
Packaging Machines for Flow-Pack Packaging
Packaging machines designed for the flow-pack process are referred to as flow-pack machines. Depending on the application and product requirements, these machines can feature different configurations and functions and are available in various sizes and models—manual, semi-automatic , or fully automatic —depending on the manufacturer’s requirements. The semi-automatic and fully automatic packaging machines from Schlichter GmbH are ideally suited for use as flow-pack packaging machines, with high cycle rates depending on the requirements.
Product Lines for Flow-Pack Packaging
As a manufacturer of packaging systems, we offer not only our extensive range of BOPP-films , but also a broad portfolio of packaging machines. With our 100% recyclable and 100% food-safe films , we have the right solution for every requirement and need.
Get in touch—we’ll provide you with personalized advice and offer the right packaging system for you, including both the film and the machine, all from a single source.
