Food packaging is not limited to only sealing a product. Because you have to maintain freshness, ensure food safety, and professionally present your product.You have to further keep in mind your budget, production volume, and space constraints while choosing the right food packaging machine for your business.
At Allpack Packaging Technologies, we have efficient and scalable food packaging machines that we designed specifically for small to medium-sized operations.
In this guide, we’ll explain the best food packaging machines that you can adopt for businesses, grouped by use case, so by the end, you will be able to choose a machine that is best for your products.
What You Should Consider Before Making a Machine Purchase
Our experts suggest that these key factors should be clear in our minds before we start looking at different machines.
1. Budget and ROI
Before a purchase, focus on those machines that deliver value without expensive upfront investment. For example, manual and semi-automatic machines are the best starting point.
2. Level of Automation
Pick a machine as per the level of automation you need for your business. Otherwise, you will spend more bucks on a machine that is useless to you.
- Manual machines:Best for low-volume production (Ideal for small businesses)
- Semi-automatic machines: Balanced speed and cost
- Fully automatic machines: Ideal for scaling operations
3. Type of Product
Analyse your packaging needs and then decide on the machine accordingly. Have a look at the example below:
- If you are going to sell fresh meals: Tray sealers
- If you are going to sell snacks/coffee: Pouch sealers
- If you are going to sell flour/grains: Bag closers
4. Packaging Material
Another factor that you must keep in mind before making a purchase is the packaging material you are going to use. Because machines vary depending on whether you use:
- Plastic trays
- Paperboard containers
- Flexible pouches
5. Output Requirements
You have to think ahead, like ask yourself, how many units per hour or day do you need? A machine that works today should still support your business in 6–12 months.
Now is the time to look at the machines. Below, we have listed some of the best packaging machines and categorised them for different businesses. So have a look:
Top Food Packaging Machines by Category
1. Tray Sealing Machines (Best for Fresh Food & Ready Meals)
The majority of fresh food products are packaged using tray sealing machines. These machines seal film onto preformed trays. In addition, these machines allow the use of MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging), so the products remain fresh for a long period of time.
They are widely used by:
- Meal prep businesses
- Butchers
- Delis
- Supermarket suppliers
MSTS Series Manual Shuttle Tray Sealer
If you want to start tray sealing without jumping straight into a larger automated system, MSTS can be a great entry-level option. It suits fresh-counter packaging and offers sealing area options of 10″ x 12″ and 14″ x 18″.
MAP capability is available if needed, and it seals clear or random printed film onto preformed trays before neatly trimming the finished pack.
Best For
- Small cafes
- Takeaway shops
- Startups that are packaging fresh meals in low volumes
How is it unique
It offers a low-cost entry into tray sealing. Without compromising packaging quality.
MRTS Series Manual Rotary Tray Packaging Machine
This is a strong step up if you need more output but still want to keep the process manual and controlled. Unlike shuttle machines, this uses a two-station rotary system, allowing one tray to be sealed while another is being prepared. This significantly improves efficiency. Furthermore, it uses a standard 14″ x 18″ sealing area.
Best or:
Growing food businesses that need faster throughput but still want control over operations.
How is it unique
It works as a middle option between manual (by hand) and fully automatic packaging. So you will not go fully automatic or fully manual.
AITS Series Auto Inline Tray Packaging Machine
For businesses ready to scale, this continuous conveyor system is built for higher-output tray packaging.
The AITS-1216 and AITS-1220 offer sealing areas of 12″ x 16″ and 12″ x 20″, with options designed to increase productivity.
The AITS series is our fully automatic, inline system with a conveyor, designed for continuous production. Moreover, it supports MAP and skin packaging and is built for consistent, high-output environments.
Best For:
If you are a small business and are planning a transition into medium-scale production or supplying retailers.
How is it unique
Its speed and consistency make it special. As it will eventually reduce your labour dependency.
RTS/MAP4 Auto Rotary Tray Packaging Machine
This rotary machine is designed for businesses that need automation in a more compact format, like more space-efficient compared to inline systems and uses a standard 10″ x 15″ sealing area.
Furthermore, it’s designed for fresh food packaging and supports MAP. So it is ideal, if you care about shelf life and presentation of your products.
Best For:
Businesses that need automation but have limited floor space.
How is it unique
It combines efficiency with a compact footprint.
RBF & RBFA Board-to-Tray Packaging Machines
Many companies in Australia now place strong importance on sustainability. So, this machine is worth considering if your brand is adopting more sustainable packaging practices. These semi and fully automatic board-to-tray machines heat-seal paperboard lids to plastic and paperboard trays.
They are six-station rotary machines with a standard 15″ x 20″ sealing area, and the RBFA model includes a lid feeder and finished package unloader for added automation.
Best For:
Brands focused on sustainable packaging or environmentally friendly consumers.
How is it unique
This machine aligns with the current market demand for environmentally friendly packaging.
2. Bag and Pouch Sealing Machine (Best for Snacks, Coffee & Dry Foods)
SAXON SB2000 Continuous Band Sealer
This continuous band sealer of ours is a strong fit for businesses packaging plastic bags and pouches in medium volumes.
Despite having a stainless steel finish, it is compatible with food and medical hygiene requirements.
Moreover, it is a versatile choice for dry-food packaging, as it works with materials such as polyethylene, polylaminates, co-extrusions, and shrink films.
Best For:
Businesses that package dry food products in medium volumes.
How is it unique
It increases efficiency while maintaining consistent seal quality.
3. Bulk Bag Closing Machines (Best for Flour, Grains & Ingredients)
If your business deals with bulk dry ingredients, standard sealing machines won’t be enough. So look at the following option.
Newlong NP-7A Portable Bag Closing Machine
This portable single-thread bag sewing machine is a practical choice for closing paper or woven bags in bulk ingredient workflows. Furthermore, it’s portable and widely used in industries that handle flour, grains, and other bulk food products.
It works with materials like:
- Paper bags
- Woven polypropylene bags
- Jute and cloth bags
Best For:
Small producers, wholesalers, or businesses handling bulk packaging.
How is it unique
One of its main features is portability. So, it is ideal for flexible work environments.
4. Weighing and Filling Machines (For Accuracy & Efficiency)
Packaging isn’t just about sealing; it’s also about getting the right quantity into each pack. So have a look at our Magnum weighing and filling machine:
Magnum Systems TE10 Weighing & Filling Machine
This electronic small net-weigh scale is built for granular products and is designed for weighments from 2 oz. to 12 lb. A Jumbo Version is also available that can handle up to 25 lbs.
It uses a solid-mount net-weigh bucket for better accuracy and is made to meter product into bags, pouches, or pails.
With the help of this machine, you will accurately measure and dispense materials into:
- Bags
- Pouches
- Containers
Best For:
Businesses selling dry goods. For example, spices, grains, or powders.
How is it unique
This machine improves consistency and reduces waste. So eventually speeds up your packaging process.
Which Machine Is Right for Your Business?
Here’s a quick breakdown based on business type:
- Cafes, meal prep, delis: Start with MSTS → upgrade to MRTS
- Growing food brands: AITS or RTS systems
- Eco-conscious brands: RBF/RBFA board-to-tray machines
- Snack, coffee, or dry food brands: SAXON SB2000
- Bulk ingredient suppliers: Newlong NP-7A + TE10
Pros and Cons of Food Packaging Machines
Pros
- Improves packaging consistency
- Extends shelf life
- Enhances product presentation
- Reduces manual labour
- Increases production efficiency
Cons
- High initial investment
- Requires maintenance
- Takes up space
Find Reliable Food Packaging Machines at Allpack Packaging Technologies
At Allpack Packaging Technologies, we’ve helped businesses in Perth to choose the right packaging machines for over 25 years now. We work with Top manufacturers to supply equipment that will improve day-to-day efficiency. of your business.
Furthermore, we can also create a tailored system if your workflow has special requirements.
FAQs
Do small businesses need automatic machines?
Not always. You can start with manual or semi-automatic machines and later upgrade them.
What is MAP packaging?
Modified atmosphere packaging is basically a technique to preserve food. It replaces air inside the package with gases like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen to extend shelf life.
Can one machine handle all food types?
No, you will need different packaging machines for different products. For example, tray sealers for food items and capping machines for liquids.
When should I upgrade my machine?
When your current setup limits production speed or product quality, that is the right time to upgrade your packaging machine