What is Packaging Equipment and What Are the Different Types

Date Posted:17 April 2025

Discover the main types of packaging equipment and how they can boost your productivity. The right equipment helps you keep up with demand while maintaining quality standards.

What is Packaging Equipment and Why it Matters

Packaging equipment refers to a broad range of machines used to automate the process of preparing products for distribution, storage, sale, and use. These machines are designed to fill, seal, wrap, label, carton, and palletise items, streamlining operations and improving efficiency.

Whether it’s securing products on a pallet or sealing cartons for shipping, packaging machines and equipment enhance productivity, ensure consistency, and help maintain product integrity.

Businesses across various industries rely on this equipment to meet high-volume packaging demands, reduce manual handling, and increase overall workflow.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the different types of packaging equipment, explore their key benefits, and help you understand how the right solution can improve your operations.

What are the Different Types of Packaging Equipment

There are a wide range of packaging machinery designed to suit different stages of the packaging process. Here are the most common types:

1. Wrapping Machines

Wrapping machines include stretch wrappers and shrink wrappers. Stretch wrappers apply film around pallets or large items for secure transport, while shrink wrappers encase products in film that shrink when heated. These machines are critical for protecting goods and improving load stability.

Stretch wrappers, such as those supplied by our team at Verdex, are available as fully-auto stretch wrapping machines and semi-auto stretch wrapping machines. These machines ensure quick and secure wrapping, especially for bulky or awkwardly shaped loads.

2. Strapping Machines

Strapping machines secure loads using plastic or steel straps. They’re ideal for bundling items or reinforcing pallet loads.

Verdex supplies high-quality strapping solutions to ensure goods remain intact during transit. Semi-auto strapping machines and fully-automatic strapping machine options are available, making them adaptable to various packaging lines.

3. Carton Sealers

Cartoning machines form, fill, and seal cartons or boxes. Used widely in consumer goods and pharmaceuticals, these machines increase productivity and ensure consistent packaging for transport and retail shelves.

They can handle a range of materials including cardboard and corrugated fibreboard. Machines may be adjustable or fixed format depending on the size variety of cartons being sealed. See our automatic carton sealing machines to learn more how they can support your business operations and processes.

4. Filling Machines

Filling machines are used to dispense liquids, powders, or granules into containers such as bottles, jars, or bags. These machines can be volumetric, gravimetric, or piston-based, and are essential for maintaining accuracy in industries like food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals.

Some advanced models include automatic cleaning systems and can handle various container sizes without changeovers.

5. Sealing Machines

Sealing machines close packaging to protect contents and extend shelf life. Heat sealers, induction sealers, and vacuum sealers are commonly used in food packaging, healthcare, and manufacturing industries.

Reliable seals help prevent contamination and preserve freshness. Some machines also include gas flushing features to enhance shelf life.

6. Labelling Machines

Labelling machines apply labels with essential product information such as branding, ingredients, and barcodes. From small tabletop units to high-speed automated labellers, these machines are vital for compliance and traceability across retail and industrial packaging.

Some models also verify label placement and print-on-demand.

7. Palletising Machines

Palletising machines automate the stacking of packaged products onto pallets. Robotic palletisers or conventional layer-forming systems improve workplace safety and efficiency, especially in high-volume warehouse environments.

These machines often work alongside stretch wrappers to streamline end-of-line operations.

8. Conveyor Equipment

Often overlooked, conveyor equipment are a crucial part of packaging lines. They transport items between machines, reducing manual handling and increasing speed. Integrating conveyors ensures a smoother, more efficient workflow.

Each machine serves a unique role and can be integrated into manual, semi-automatic, or fully automated production lines to match your business’ size and packaging demands.

Pros and Cons of Packaging Equipment

Pros

Cost Savings: Automated packaging reduces labour costs and product waste, resulting in long-term savings. Businesses can also reduce material usage through precision packaging.
Consistency: Machines provide uniform packaging quality, crucial for branding, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
Improved Workflow: Automation speeds up processes, reduces bottlenecks, and increases throughput. This leads to higher output and greater operational control.
Safety: Reduces manual handling, lowering the risk of workplace injuries. Automated machines can include guards and emergency stops for added protection.
Scalability: Packaging systems can grow with your production needs. Adding new modules or upgrading parts makes it easy to adapt to business growth.
Product Protection: Secure packaging minimises damage during transport and storage, leading to fewer returns and enhanced customer trust.
Sustainability: Many modern machines support eco-friendly materials and reduce excess packaging, supporting sustainability goals.

Cons

High Upfront Costs: Initial investment in machinery can be significant, especially for small businesses.
Maintenance & Servicing: Equipment requires regular upkeep to operate reliably, which can incur ongoing costs and occasional downtime.
Operator Training: Staff need to be trained on proper machine use and troubleshooting, which takes time and resources.
Space Requirements: Large machines need sufficient floor space, which may require layout redesign or expansion.
Technological Obsolescence: Rapid innovation can render older machines less efficient or outdated, requiring reinvestment.
Initial Downtime: Integration and setup may initially slow down operations while systems are tested and fine-tuned.

Ready to Find the Right Packaging Equipment for Your Business?

Investing in packaging equipment is a smart move for businesses looking to improve efficiency, quality, and safety in their operations. From wrapping and sealing to strapping and palletising, the right equipment can transform your packaging workflow. With the right setup, you can increase output, reduce waste, and deliver consistent product quality.

At Verdex, we supply a wide range of reliable packaging machinery tailored to Australian businesses of all sizes. Whether you're just getting started or scaling up, we have the tools and expertise to help.

Get in touch with the team at Verdex today for expert advice. To speak with someone now, call 1800 750 500. Or send an email to sales@verdex.com.au to request a quote for packaging equipment that suits your needs.

FAQs

What industries use packaging equipment?

Packaging equipment is used across many industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, logistics, manufacturing, cosmetics, and eCommerce. Any business that prepares goods for transport or sale can benefit from efficient packaging solutions.

What is the difference between manual and automatic packaging equipment?

Manual equipment relies heavily on operator input, while automatic machines complete tasks with minimal human involvement. Automatic systems are faster and more consistent, but require a higher initial investment.

What is the difference between semi-automatic and fully automatic packaging equipment?

Semi-automatic machines require some human interaction, like loading or initiating a cycle. Fully automatic machines perform the entire process independently, increasing speed and reducing labour costs.

What is the lifespan of packaging equipment?

With proper maintenance, quality packaging machines can typically last at least 10 years through to 20 years. Regular servicing and part replacement help extend the lifespan and ensure optimal performance.

What packaging equipment do we supply?

At Verdex, we specialise in high-performance wrapping, strapping, and carton sealing machines designed to improve workplace efficiency and product safety. We also supply a wide selection of high quality material handling equipment.

What is Packaging Equipment and What Are the Different Types?

What is Packaging Equipment and Why it Matters