Envelope Type Packaging Machinery

What is Envelope Type Packaging?

Envelope type packaging is the process of wrapping a transparent or printed packaging film around a product, folding the side and bottom sections of the film in the shape of an envelope, and sealing the junction points with controlled heat. Because the folding style resembles a classic envelope or gift wrap, this system is referred to as envelope type packaging in the industry.

The following terms are also used in the industry for the same packaging method:

• Overwrap packaging / Overwrapping

• Box cellophaning / Cellophane packaging

• Gelatining / Box gelatining machine

• Transparent film packaging

• Envelope type wrapping

In this method, the brand, design, product information, and graphics on the product box remain completely visible. The transparent packaging film creates an additional protective layer without obscuring the external appearance of the product. It helps achieve a neat, tight, and professional packaging appearance, especially for boxed products presented on retail shelves.

How Do Envelope Type Packaging Machines Work?

The operation of envelope type packaging machines can vary depending on the ed model, the structure of the product, and the automation level. The general packaging process consists of 6 fundamental stages:

1. Product Feeding

The products to be packaged are transferred to the feeding section of the machine. The feeding process can be performed manually, semi-automatically, or fully automatically depending on the machine model and production line. Products can be transferred to the machine from the right side, left side, front, via a conveyor, an elevator feeding system, or directly from the production line. In addition to single products, custom feeding systems can be prepared for products grouped side-by-side, stacked, or in specific numbers depending on the project.

2. Preparation of the Packaging Film

The packaging film, placed in the machine as a roll, is pulled and cut according to the dimensions of the product to be packaged. Film length adjustment can be made using a mechanical adjustment system, encoder, PLC, servo motor, or touch control screen depending on the machine model. Along with transparent films, printed or colored packaging films can also be used. In printed film applications, a photocell system reads the print mark, ensuring the film is positioned accurately on the product.

3. Wrapping the Product with Film

The packaging film, prepared to the specified dimensions, is wrapped around the product. During the wrapping process, the film is ensured to be as smooth and tight as possible on the product surface. When the product shape, dimensions, and film properties are determined correctly, a neat, professional outer packaging with low wrinkling is achieved.

4. Envelope Type Folding

The side and bottom sections of the film wrapped around the product are folded inwards in an envelope shape by mechanical folding elements. Thanks to this folding method, a neat packaging form is created at the edges of the box.

5. Heat Sealing

Controlled heat is applied to the junction points of the folded film. Thus, the packaging film is sealed at the designated points. In envelope type packaging systems, instead of a long heat tunnel that exposes the entire product to high heat, localized heat is applied only to the necessary sealing points.

6. Discharge of the Packaged Product

The product, whose packaging process is completed, is transferred to the output section of the machine. The output conveyor can be designed in connection with a product collection area or other production equipment.

Advantages of Envelope Type Packaging Machines

Envelope type packaging machines provide businesses with various advantages in terms of product protection, shelf appearance, production speed, and packaging standards:

• Professional Shelf Appearance: The transparent film creates a neat packaging appearance on the outer surface without obscuring the product box's design. It elevates the aesthetic appearance of products such as perfumes, cosmetics, tea, and confectionery.

• Protection of the Product Surface: It protects the product box against dust, dirt, friction, and external contact. It reduces the risk of contamination and wear during storage and transportation.

• Control of Packaging Integrity: The integrity of the transparent outer packaging makes it easier to understand whether the product has been previously opened, increasing consumer trust.

• Ability to Use Tear Tape: An easy-open tear tape apparatus can be added to suitable machine models. A transparent or colored tear tape allows the consumer to open the package effortlessly.

• Use of Printed Film: In photocell-controlled models, printed or colored packaging films can be used with precise alignment.

• Adaptability to Different Dimensions: Thanks to flexible mold and adjustment structures, it allows packaging within a wide range of product dimensions.

• Integration into the Production Line: It can work fully integrated with automatic feeding, conveyors, product counting, grouping, stacking, and date coding devices.

In Which Industries and Products Are Envelope Type Packaging Machines Used?

Envelope type packaging technology is widely preferred in many different sectors where packaging quality is at the forefront:

Perfume Box Packaging

For perfume boxes, it is of critical importance that the outer packaging is flawless, transparent, and easy to open. Envelope type packaging machines ensure that square or rectangular perfume boxes are wrapped with transparent film and a tear tape is applied.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

In boxed products such as creams, personal care kits, soaps, and similar items, the packaging quality directly supports the premium perception of the product.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Products

Pharmaceutical boxes and medical packaging are wrapped with transparent film, providing hygienic protection and ensuring the original state of the product is preserved.

Soap Packaging

Single or side-by-side/stacked grouped soaps can be packaged with automatic feeding and grouping systems on high-speed lines.

Biscuit and Wafer Packaging

Square, rectangular, or round biscuits and wafers are safely packaged in single or double rows without breaking.

Tea and Food Boxes

It is the ideal outer packaging solution to preserve the shelf life and appearance of tea, confectionery, and dragee gum boxes.

Tobacco and Hookah Tobacco Boxes

High-speed linear or rotary systems may be preferred for small-volume tobacco and hookah tobacco packaging.

Playing Cards and Paper Products

Playing card decks, game cards, envelope batches, and notepads are packaged by integrating into automatic production lines.

Ünlü Makina Envelope Type Packaging Machine Models

Ünlü Makina offers a wide range of model options specifically designed for different production capacities and product sizes:

• AZZ 42-BF Classic Automatic Envelope Type Box Packaging Machine: Developed for the fully automatic packaging of small/medium-volume boxes such as perfumes, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and tea.

• AZZ 42-CF Soap, Biscuit and Wafer Packaging Machine: A flexible model suitable for packaging products like soap, biscuits, and wafers in single or double rows.

• AZZ 42-CF Systems with Automatic Feeding: A fully automated system that counts, groups, stacks, and packages products for high-capacity soap lines.

• AZZ 57-SRV Envelope Type Box Packaging Machine with Servo System: Offers precise packaging with servo motor, PLC, and touch screen control for medium and large-volume boxes.

• AZZ M-4257 Servo System Semi-Automatic Packaging Machine: For businesses that have frequent product changes, work with different dimensions, and need semi-automatic flexibility.

• AZZ-PPR Playing Card and Envelope Bundle Packaging Machine: A special system that can be directly integrated into the production of playing cards, envelopes, and paper bundles.

• AZZ RTR-20 Rotary System Envelope Type Packaging Machine: A high-speed rotary station compact solution for small-volume gum, confectionery, and tobacco boxes.

Which Envelope Type Packaging Machine Should Be Preferred?

To determine the right machine model for your business, you can review the comparison table below:

Fully Automatic and Semi-Automatic Envelope Type Packaging Machines

Fully Automatic Envelope Type Packaging Machines

Ideal for facilities with regular and high production volumes. All processes, from product feeding to film cutting, wrapping, folding, sealing, and discharge, are automatic. It minimizes human intervention with its PLC panel, servo motors, and automatic counting and grouping units.

Semi-Automatic Envelope Type Packaging Machines

Suitable for businesses with low to medium-scale production that switch between multiple different product sizes during the day. While product feeding is done by the operator, wrapping, folding, and gluing processes are completed precisely by the machine. The initial investment cost is lower.

What is the Difference Between Envelope Type Packaging and Shrink Packaging?

• Envelope Type Packaging: The film is wrapped around the product, the edges are folded, and localized heat is applied. It provides a sharp, clear, wrinkle-free, and premium box appearance. A tear tape can be added. It does not require a heat tunnel and does not expose the product to high heat.

• Shrink Packaging: After the product is covered with film, it is passed through a high-heat shrink tunnel. The film shrinks and takes the shape of the product. It is preferred for irregularly shaped or multiple product groupings, but it does not offer as smooth a box surface as envelope type packaging.

What Should Be Considered When Choosing an Envelope Type Packaging Machine?

• Product Dimensions: Width, length, and height values must be defined accurately; the machine's operating range should be ed with future products in mind.

• Product Shape and Structure: Whether it is boxed, soft, or has a sensitive surface affects the feeding and folding mechanism.

• Target Production Capacity: The targeted number of packages per minute or hour should be clarified.

• Packaging Configuration: Grouping needs such as single, double, stacked, or side-by-side must be determined.

• Film Properties: The thickness, type (OPP, BOPP, etc.), and print status of the packaging film to be used must be evaluated.

• After-Sales Support: Installation, operator training, technical service response time, and spare part availability are of critical importance.

Envelope Type Packaging Machine Prices

Envelope type packaging machine prices vary depending on the ed automation level (semi-automatic or fully automatic), production capacity, use of servo motors, additional apparatus to be added (tear tape, photocell, date coding, special conveyors), and product sizes.

To get the correct machine configuration and a clear price quote, simply forward your product dimensions, target capacity, and packaging expectations to our technical team.

Why Ünlü Makina Envelope Type Packaging Machines?

Ünlü Makina, with years of experience in the industrial packaging sector, offers custom engineering solutions for every project. Beyond standard machines, it develops custom feeding, grouping, and automation systems that perfectly match your production line. It ensures the uninterrupted continuation of your production with strong after-sales technical service support and a spare parts guarantee.

Determine the Appropriate Envelope Type Packaging Machine for Your Product

Choosing the most ideal packaging solution for your product requires a technical inspection. To determine the most accurate machine model in line with your product samples and production goals, you can contact the Ünlü Makina technical team and benefit from our free technical consulting and testing processes.