10 Types of Packaging Machines Driving The $1 Trillion Global Packaging Industry
By 2028, the global packaging market is forecast to grow from $1.17 trillion to $1.42 trillion, driven by increased automation, e-commerce demand, and stricter efficiency requirements across manufacturing and logistics. From precision filling of small bags to securely wrapping large palletised loads with stretch film, packaging machines play a critical role in supporting this growth.
As packing operations evolve, the range of available packaging machines has expanded significantly. With so many packaging solutions on the market, selecting the right equipment can be challenging, particularly when factors such as production speed, product type, footprint, and automation level must all be carefully balanced.
In this guide, we explore 10 essential types of packaging machinery and the industries that rely on them to meet their specific operational needs. Below is a practical overview of packaging machines that may be required on a modern production line.
10 Types of Packaging Machines at Allpack Packaging Technologies | Efficient Solutions for Every Business
Here’s a closer look at the kinds of packaging machines we offer and how they can transform your packaging process.
1. Box / Carton Sealing Machines
Carton sealing machines are essential for businesses that need to package and ship products securely. From small cartons to large shipping boxes, these machines ensure that every package is sealed consistently, protecting goods during transport.
Whether you operate a large-scale distribution centre or a small retail business, there’s a sealing machine to fit your needs: semi-automatic, manual, or fully automatic.
What carton sealing machines do:
- Secure boxes using tape, staples, or adhesive to prevent tampering or damage.
- Accommodate different box sizes; some machines are adjustable, while others can handle random box dimensions automatically.
Industries that rely on carton sealing machines: Retail and e-commerce, manufacturing, logistics and distribution.
At Allpack Packaging Technologies, we offer a range of carton sealing and tapping machines designed to deliver fast, reliable, and efficient results. Our equipment helps businesses streamline their packing operations, reduce manual labour, and maintain consistency in every shipment.
Explore our top 6 carton sealing machines and find the perfect solution for your business.
2. Wrapping and Sealing Machines
Wrapping and sealing machines are used to enclose goods in protective film, keeping products safe, hygienic, and tamper-proof. They are widely used across food packaging, retail, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce industries.
These machines are available in manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic models to meet different production requirements. They also support a variety of wrapping methods:
- Stretch wrap machines: Wrap palletised goods with highly stretchable polyethylene film to keep items tightly bound. Semi-automatic and automatic models increase efficiency for high-volume operations.
- Shrink wrap machines: Heat-sensitive films shrink around products, ideal for multipacks, branded packaging, or promotional bundles.
- Vacuum sealing machines: Remove air from packages, extending shelf life and maintaining product freshness. These are particularly common in food packaging.
We provide a wide range of stretch packaging machines, suitable for businesses of all sizes. Our solutions help boost productivity, reduce waste, and ensure secure packaging every time.
3. Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging Machines
Pharmaceutical and medical packing machines are designed to handle sensitive products in sterile conditions, ensuring accurate dosing and hygienic packaging. They are widely used for tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, and medical devices, adhering to strict safety and hygiene standards.
Key technologies include:
- Strip packaging machines: Seal tablets or capsules between two aluminum foil strips. The feeder system ensures precise product distribution, while heat-sealing rollers create airtight pockets cut to size.
- Blister packaging machines: Place products in pre-formed plastic cavities, then seal them with backing materials such as paperboard, aluminum foil, or plastic. Blister packs can be single or multi-cavity, suitable for tablets, capsules, or medical devices.
Allpack Packaging Technologies offers advanced blister and strip packaging machines that comply with stringent industry regulations. Our equipment ensures high efficiency, precise packaging, and maximum safety, making them ideal for pharmaceutical and healthcare operations.
Discover our pharmaceutical and medical packaging machines to improve production efficiency and maintain quality standards.
4. Palletising and Packing Machines
Palletising and packing machines are essential for businesses looking to streamline their end-of-line packaging. These machines automate the process of grouping products, packing them into cartons, and securing them on pallets for shipping, saving time, reducing labour costs, and improving overall efficiency.
Key functions of palletising and packing machines:
- Group products into cartons and place them neatly onto pallets.
- Wrap pallets securely to prevent items from shifting during transport.
- Optimise packaging workflows, reducing manual labour and improving consistency.
Common types include:
- Pallet Wrapping Machines: Wrap pallets using stretch film or shrink hoods to secure goods tightly. Semi-automatic and fully automatic machines reduce wrapping time and film waste, increasing throughput.
- Case Packing Machines: Automate the process of placing products into boxes or cartons. These machines can group products together or pick and place items individually, making them ideal for fragile or irregular-shaped products.
Industries that use palletising and packing machines: Manufacturing, retail, distribution centres.
Our palletising machines, including pallet wrappers, provide high efficiency with minimal labour, helping businesses save time, reduce costs, and optimise shipping processes.
5. Filling Machines
Filling machines are critical for businesses that need to fill containers with precise amounts of liquids, powders, or granular materials. They ensure that every container; whether a bag, bottle, pouch, or can, is filled consistently, reducing product waste and maintaining quality.
Key benefits of filling machines:
- Deliver accurate and uniform product filling for consistent quality.
- Increase production efficiency and reduce manual labour.
- Minimise spillage and product waste.
Industries that rely on filling machines: Food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and cosmetics.
Our bag weighing & filling machines are designed for precise weight-based filling, ideal for powdered or granular products. They are built for accuracy, speed, and durability, helping businesses maintain product consistency while boosting operational efficiency.
6. Heat Sealing / Thermoforming Machines
Heat sealers and thermoforming machines are vital for protecting products, extending shelf life, and providing tamper-proof packaging. They are widely used across food, medical, and consumer goods industries.
Heat sealing machines:
- Use heat to melt plastic film or adhesive, bonding packaging together securely.
- Ensure products remain intact, hygienic, and protected from environmental factors.
- Some models include shrink-wrapping features, which remove air from packages to maintain freshness.
Thermoforming machines:
- Take plastic sheets and mould them into custom-shaped containers tailored to the product.
- Ideal for packaging items with unique dimensions or specialised requirements.
- Common in industries such as medical devices, food packaging, and consumer goods.
Our heat sealing and thermoforming equipment is designed to be reliable, efficient, and cost-effective, offering solutions for both standard and custom packaging needs.
7. Strapping Machines
Strapping machines apply plastic (polypropylene or polyester) straps around boxes, bundles or palletised loads to keep items secure during handling and transit. They speed up packing, provide consistent tension, and reduce rework from loose loads.
What strapping machines do:
- Wrap and tension straps around packages or bundles, then cut and seal the strap.
- Deliver consistent strap tension and seal quality for repeatable results.
- Reduce manual labour and improve workplace safety.
Key considerations:
- Strap type: PP (economical) vs PET (higher strength for heavy loads).
- Automation level: Table-top/semi-automatic for medium volumes; fully automatic inline systems for high throughput.
- Throughput: From 20 straps/min (semi-auto) to 60+ cycles/min (automatic).
- Seal method: Friction weld, heat weld, or metal clip — choose by load and environment.
Common industries: Logistics, manufacturing, corrugated plants, timber, e-commerce fulfilment.
Tip: Use semi-automatic strappers for mixed SKUs and seasonal peaks; choose automatic inline strapping if you need continuous high-speed packaging.
Explore our strapping equipment and get a tight and secure strap for every package. Ideal for businesses looking to enhance their packaging efficiency and reliability.
8. Food Tray Packaging Machines
Food tray packaging machines form, fill and seal trays to protect perishable products, preserve freshness, and meet food-safety requirements. They’re designed for speed, hygiene, and consistent seals.
What these machines do:
- Form trays (or feed pre-formed trays), fill with product, then apply a film or lid seal.
- Offer vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) options to extend shelf life.
- Produce tamper-evident, retail-ready packs.
Key considerations:
- Sealing method: Skin, MAP, vacuum, or hermetic seal depending on product.
- Materials: APET, PET, PP or recyclable films — choose by barrier needs and sustainability goals.
- Throughput: Benchtop to high-speed lines (tens to hundreds of packs/min).
- Hygiene: Stainless steel construction, CIP-compatible designs for food safety.
Common industries: Ready meals, fresh meat, seafood, prepared salads, deli, frozen foods.
Tip: For fragile items or premium presentation, choose thermoforming + skin/MAP; for pre-formed tray speed, pick a rotary or inline tray sealer.
Explore our food tray packaging machines for quick and safe sealing practice.
9. Portable Packaging Machines
Portable packaging machines (handheld and benchtop) give small operations or mobile teams the flexibility to seal, stitch, or close packages without large fixed equipment. They’re cost-effective and adaptable for low-to-medium volumes.
What portable machines do:
- Seal bags, stitch sacks, or tension straps on the go.
- Offer mobility for seasonal, popup, or multi-station packing tasks.
- Reduce footprint while maintaining professional seals.
Portable packaging machine types & features:
- Bag sealers & foot sealers: Ideal for retail, small food producers, and markets.
- Bag sewing machines: Fast, reliable closure for woven sacks and bulk bags.
- Handheld strapping tools: Battery-powered tensioning and sealing for remote palletising.
Common industries: Farmers markets, small-batch food producers, warehouses with mixed workflows, field packaging.
Tip: Choose portable when you need mobility or low-investment entry; scale to semi-auto equipment as volumes grow.
Explore our top 6 best bag sewing machines in Australia
10. Labeling Machines
Labeling machines automatically apply labels to products, packages, or cartons to provide branding, traceability, and regulatory info. They ensure speed and consistency at scale.
What labeling machines do:
- Apply pressure-sensitive, sleeve, wrap-around, or top/side/bottom labels.
- Integrate with printers for variable data (batch codes, expiry, barcodes).
- Sync with production lines for high-speed, accurate placement.
Key considerations:
- Label type: Roll-fed pressure-sensitive vs sleeve vs direct print.
- Accuracy: ±1–2 mm placement for barcodes/QRs required for scanners.
- Integration: Choose inline or modular units that work with existing conveyors and fillers.
- Throughput: From small benchtop units to high-speed rotary applicators (hundreds per minute).
Common industries: Food & beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, e-commerce.
Tip: For traceability and regulatory compliance, prioritise label printers with high-resolution variable-data capability and verified placement accuracy.
So, now that you’ve identified the types of equipment you’ll need, the next step is to seek expert advice to ensure your production line runs efficiently and reliably.
Find Top-Quality & Reliable Australian Packaging Machines at Allpack Packaging Technologies
For the past 26 years, we have been proudly providing high-quality packaging machines, including automatic and semi-automatic options, to customers across Western Australia. We partner with leading manufacturers to offer top-notch equipment that streamlines your business operations.
Additionally, we specialise in custom-built packaging systems tailored to your unique manufacturing needs.