Tricks to Automated Wrapping a Tray
June 29, 2009
One way to cut packaging cost is to switch from a carton to a tray. Automated wrapping using trays, whether with printed film or clear film, uses less cartoning material. This makes tray wrapping both greener – less packaging material and less weight – and sustainable – less packaging cost and reduced transportation cost.
While flow-wrapping can accomplish the same goal of wrapping a tray, overwrapping hugs the tray better and keeps the package wrap clean and neat, thus achieving a more attractive wrap with up to 14% less film used and usually a smaller case pack.
Here is a video of an overwrapping machine wrapping a tray. tray wrapping
One thing to keep in mind is that trays are not as structurally sound as boxes made from the same material. Fro that reason, films needs to meet the tray from above where all the edges of the tray get equal pressure from the film. Pushing a tray sideways through film can distort the tray and leave it looking deformed.
Tray wrapping offers the opportunity to showcase the product within clear film or to conceal that a tray is being used( rather than a carton) with printed film.
It is also possible to bundle wrap with trays. The same principles as single tray wrapping apply.
About the author:
Kate Putnam is the primary author of the Package Machinery blog and maintains the company's Twitter feed: @wrapsustainably, in which she shares her perspectives on trends in packaging – especially those involving sustainability.
Read Kate Putnam's Bio










You are very interesting to write. Can you recommend any similar sites similar to yours?
Comment by wallmart — October 20, 2009 @ 11:17 pm
You are very interesting to write. Can you recommend any similar sites similar to yours?
Comment by macafee — October 21, 2009 @ 1:02 pm
I can’t but there are some interesting people who post on Twitter on sustainable packaging.You might look there.
Comment by Kate — October 21, 2009 @ 7:53 pm
I can sympathize with the predictable concerns packaging machinery manufacturers will have. As a co-packer, often we’ll be handed a carton or package, and the upper echelons will say, ‘here it is, now automate it!’Our comments are often, ‘if only you had put this angle in this way, etc.’
A collaborative effort ought to be established with the Green and sustainable departments. PMC blog could be a good start.
Comment by Bill Ross — November 9, 2009 @ 9:28 am
Thanks, Bill, for your observations. We are looking for this kind of dialog to improve our machines and our customers’ performance.
Comment by Kate — November 9, 2009 @ 1:09 pm
Unbelievable, but your post opened in me new ideas
Comment by tramodol — December 18, 2009 @ 4:13 pm