Blog posts of '2026' 'February'

The food and beverage industry is evolving rapidly, and packaging is at the forefront of this transformation. As manufacturers look for ways to reduce costs, improve product shelf life, and meet consumer demand for sustainability, flexible packaging has emerged as a game-changing solution. Unlike traditional rigid formats, it offers unparalleled versatility and efficiency, enabling companies to meet the needs of modern consumers while optimizing production processes.

For food and beverage companies looking to stay ahead of the curve, embracing flexible packaging solutions is a strategic decision that can drive innovation, cut costs, and boost your brand’s sustainability profile. This post explores three aspects: how flexible packaging is revolutionizing the industry, the essential equipment needed for seamless packaging lines, and why used flexible packaging equipment could be the ideal choice for pilot runs and scaling production without breaking the bank.

What is Flexible Packaging and Why is it Replacing Rigid Formats?

Flexible packaging refers to materials that can be easily bent, folded, or stretched to wrap, contain, or protect products. It includes a wide range of packaging materials such as films, pouches, bags, and laminates. The transition from rigid packaging (glass bottles or metal cans) to flexible packaging is largely driven by the demand for cost effective, versatile, and consumer-friendly options.

• Cost effectiveness: It is lighter and uses fewer materials than rigid alternatives, leading to significant savings in both manufacturing and transportation.
• Shelf-life benefits: It offers enhanced barrier properties, extending product shelf-life by protecting against moisture, air, light, and contamination.
• Space efficiency: It takes up less storage space, which is crucial for manufacturers looking to optimize their warehousing and logistics operations.

Also Read: New vs. Used Packaging Equipment

Benefits of Flexible Packaging

Below are the following benefits of flexible packaging:

1. Material Savings: Flexible packaging typically requires less raw material than rigid alternatives. Thinner films and lightweight structures reduce overall material costs while maintaining functional performance.
2. Transportation Efficiency: Due to reduced weight and compact form factors, flexible packaging improves logistics efficiency:
   • More units per pallet
   • Lower shipping costs
   • Reduced warehouse space requirements
3. Shelf-Life Improvements: Advances in barrier materials have significantly improved flexible packaging's ability to protect products from moisture, oxygen, and light. Key developments include:
   • Multi-layer films: Combining materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, and aluminum foil enhances protection.
   • EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol): An effective oxygen barrier, ideal for extending shelf life.
   • Active packaging: Incorporates materials that absorb oxygen or moisture to preserve freshness.

Equipment Required for Flexible Packaging Lines

To effectively implement flexible packaging solutions, manufacturers require specialized equipment.

• Form-fill-seal Machines: These machines are designed to form the packaging, fill it with product, and then seal it in one continuous process. Form-fill-seal machines are highly efficient and ideal for packaging food and beverage items in flexible pouches or bags.
• Sealers: Sealers are used to ensure the packaging is airtight, tamper-evident, and secure. There are several types of sealers, such as heat sealers, induction sealers, and vacuum sealers, all of which play a crucial role in protecting the product.
• Conveyors: Conveyors help move products and packaging materials along the production line. This belt is critical for ensuring that production remains efficient and streamlined.

Why Used Flexible Packaging Equipment is Ideal for Pilot Runs

For companies looking to try out flexible packaging without committing to a large capital investment, used flexible packaging equipment is a smart option. Used equipment allows manufacturers to:

• Minimize costs: Purchasing pre-owned, but reliable, equipment significantly lowers upfront costs.
• Test feasibility: Used packaging machines provide an excellent way to test flexible packaging in a pilot run, allowing companies to assess the packaging’s performance and suitability for their products.
• Quick availability: Pre-owned equipment is often readily available, meaning companies can quickly implement flexible packaging without long lead times.
• Scalability: Scaling production can be a daunting task, especially when it involves significant capital expenditure on new equipment. With used flexible packaging equipment, manufacturers can scale up production without the heavy investment required for brand-new machines. It also provides manufacturers with the opportunity to meet rising consumer demand without the financial burden of purchasing all-new machinery.

Sustainability Trends Influencing Packaging Choices

The food and beverage industry is increasingly prioritizing sustainability in its packaging choices. Flexible packaging is gaining momentum as a more eco-friendly option compared to traditional rigid formats. Here are the key factors contributing to this shift:

• Reduced Material Consumption: Flexible packaging typically requires fewer raw materials than rigid alternatives. Materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and laminates are thinner and lighter, which reduces overall material use while still offering strong protection for the product.
• Lightweight Design for Transportation Efficiency: The lightweight nature of flexible packaging results in reduced transportation costs and lower carbon emissions. Since these packages weigh less and take up less space than rigid containers like glass bottles or metal cans, more units can be shipped per load, contributing to fewer transportation trips and less fuel consumption.
• Enhanced Recyclability and Material Sourcing: Many flexible packaging solutions are designed with recyclability in mind. Advances in material technology have led to the development of recyclable films and laminates that are easier to process at recycling facilities.

Regulatory and Food Safety Considerations

When choosing flexible packaging for food and beverage products, it’s crucial to adhere to regulatory standards and ensure food safety. Here are the key points manufacturers must keep in mind.

• FDA Compliance: Ensure that packaging materials comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for food contact materials. Packaging must be safe for use with food and not leach harmful substances into the product.
• Packaging Material Certification: Verify that the materials used in flexible packaging are certified for food safety. Common certifications include ISO 22000 (food safety management) and BRC Global Standards (packaging safety).
• Migration Testing: Packaging must undergo migration testing to determine if any chemicals or substances from the packaging material could migrate into the food. This testing is critical for maintaining the safety and integrity of the product.
• Tamper-Evidence: Ensure that the packaging includes tamper-evident features to protect consumers from contamination and ensure food safety during transportation and storage.
• Labeling Requirements: Packaging must include clear, accurate labeling that adheres to local regulations. This includes ingredient lists, expiration dates, nutritional information, and allergen warnings.
• Sustainability and Safety: As sustainability regulations tighten, ensure that any eco-friendly materials used in flexible packaging meet both environmental and safety standards for food contact.

For companies exploring flexible packaging solution options, sourcing used flexible packaging solutions can provide reliable, high quality, and immediately available equipment without the burden of excessive capital investment. Industrial Exchange offers a wide range of Used, Surplus, Unused, New Surplus, Second Hand, and Storeroom Items packaging machinery to support food & beverage manufacturers at every stage of growth.

As e-commerce and global supply chains expand, packaging equipment has become essential for businesses to meet consumer expectations for fast, damage-free deliveries. From food and beverages to pharmaceuticals, packaging equipment helps businesses maintain product integrity, comply with regulations, and improve productivity. But with so many options available, how do you know if purchasing new packaging machinery or opting for used packaging equipment is the better choice? Is it worth investing in a brand-new model, or can a used piece of equipment offer the same benefits at a fraction of the price? In this post, we will answer these questions and also understand different types of packaging equipment commonly used across industries, compare new versus used packaging machinery, and highlight the numerous advantages of choosing used equipment.

Types of Packaging Equipment Used in Industries

There are several types of packaging equipment used across different industries. These machines help streamline packaging operations, save on labor costs, and ensure product consistency.

• Automatic Filling Machines: These machines fill containers with liquids, powders, or granular products with precision. They help reduce human error and increase production speeds, making them a staple in high-demand industries.
• Labeling Machines: Labeling machines apply adhesive labels to products or packaging. They ensure accurate branding, offer clear product information, and display regulatory compliance, which is particularly important in food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals.
• Case Packers: Used for packing products into cartons or cases, case packers automate the packing process. This reduces labor costs and speeds up the entire packing process, ensuring quick turnaround times for bulk shipments.
• Shrink Wrapping Machines: Shrink wrapping machines apply heat to shrink a plastic film around products, protecting them from damage during transportation. This method gives items a clean, professional look while offering protection.
• Cartoning Machines: These machines are used to place products into cartons. The automatic folding and sealing processes make cartoning machines ideal for industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods.
• Stretch Wrappers: Stretch wrapping machines apply stretch film to secure products or pallets for transportation. This process helps minimize product movement during transit, reducing damage and enhancing stability.
• Weighing and Counting Equipment: Weighing and counting machines ensure that each container holds the correct quantity of product. This ensures consistency, quality control, and minimizes product loss.
• Blister Packaging Machines: Commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry, blister packaging machines securely package products in plastic blister packs. These machines help maintain product hygiene, protection, and easy access for consumers.

Comparison: New vs. Used Packaging Equipment

Let’s break down the key differences between the two options to help you make a more informed decision.

Beneficial Features of Used Packaging Equipment

Opting for used packaging machinery offers a variety of advantages. Not only does it reduce upfront costs, but it also provides financial benefits through tax deductions, depreciation, and easier financing options.

• Tax Benefits: Purchasing used equipment can lead to potential tax advantages. These purchases may qualify for deductions, helping businesses reduce their tax burden and save on upfront costs.
• Financing Flexibility: Securing financing for used packaging machinery is often easier. Lenders tend to be more flexible in approving loans for equipment that has a proven track record and established resale value.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The main draw of used packaging equipment is the cost savings. Used equipment is typically significantly cheaper than new machinery, allowing businesses to reinvest the savings elsewhere in operations.
• Reliability: Many used packaging machines are still in excellent condition, offering reliable performance. When sourced from reputable dealers, businesses can be assured of getting equipment that has been tested for quality

How to Choose the Right Used Packaging Equipment for Your Industrial Needs?

Selecting the right used packaging machinery requires careful evaluation of quality, functionality, and compatibility with your production requirements. Here’s what to consider when assessing used equipment.

• Assess Compatibility with Production Needs: Evaluate whether the used packaging machine matches the volume, size, and type of products you need to package. Compatibility is key to ensuring smooth operation.
• Inspect for Maintenance History: A well-maintained used machine can offer years of reliable service. Request the equipment’s maintenance history and ensure it has been regularly serviced and repaired as needed.
• Consider Equipment Condition: Carefully inspect the machine’s physical condition. Look for signs of wear and tear, corrosion, or any parts that might need replacement. This will help you avoid costly repairs down the line.
• Evaluate Energy Efficiency: Look for used packaging equipment that is energy efficient. Older models may consume more power, but newer used models could provide better energy savings, lowering operating costs.

Ready to invest in quality packaging equipment?

Industrial At Industrial Exchange, we offer a wide range of reliable used packaging equipment to fit your business needs. Whether you're looking for automatic fillers, shrink wrap machines, or case packers, we have top-quality options at competitive prices. For more details, contact us at sales@industrialexchange.com or call us at (804) 608-0141.u are looking for automatic fillers, shrink wrap machines, or case packers, we provide top-quality solutions at competitive prices. For more details, contact us at sales@industrialexchange.com or call us at (804) 608-0141.

The global demand for corrugated boxes has surged in recent years, driven by significant shifts in consumer behavior, particularly the rise of e-commerce. With companies looking for more efficient and sustainable packaging solutions, corrugated box production has become a keystone of modern packaging industries. A corrugating line or corrugator plays a crucial role in the high-quality, durable, and cost-effective corrugated boxes production. Understanding the role of these machines is essential for manufacturers who seek to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving packaging sector. Continue reading this post till the end to understand every aspect of corrugating lines.

What is a Corrugating Line?

A corrugating line is an integrated production system designed to manufacture corrugated board through a continuous process of fluting, gluing, bonding, and finishing. The system combines heat, pressure, and adhesive application to create the characteristic wave pattern (fluting) between flat linerboard sheets, producing the rigid yet lightweight material that defines corrugated packaging. Modern corrugating lines operate at speeds ranging from 300 to 1,000 feet per minute, with production capacity determined by line width, speed capabilities, and operational efficiency.

Key Components of a Corrugating Line

A modern corrugating line comprises several key components, each playing a vital role in the production of corrugated cardboard. These components work together to ensure efficient production of high-quality corrugated boards, essential for robust packaging solutions.

• Flute Former: The flute former shapes the paper into fluted, wave-like structures, a key step in creating corrugated cardboard. The flutes provide strength, flexibility, and cushioning, making the cardboard ideal for protecting products during transportation. The consistency of the fluting process affects the product's durability, stacking strength, and resistance to compression, ensuring the cardboard withstands handling and shipping stresses.
• Pre-Heater: The pre-heater warms the paper before it enters the corrugating machine, making it pliable and easier to form into flutes. Proper heating also ensures effective adhesion, reducing the risk of weak joints or poor bonding that could compromise the corrugated board’s strength.
• Single Facer: The single facer glues the fluted paper to a liner, forming the corrugated board. Heat and pressure bond the two layers, creating a sturdy sheet. This step is critical, as a strong, uniform bond ensures the final product’s integrity. A weak bond can lead to delamination, reducing the board’s strength.
• Double Backer: The double backer adds a second liner to the fluted paper, creating a double-layered board. This step enhances the board’s strength, making it suitable for heavy-duty packaging where additional protection is required.
• Slitter Scorer: The slitter scorer cuts and scores the corrugated board to the correct size and shape. It slices the board into sheets and creates fold lines for easy conversion into boxes. Accurate scoring ensures efficient processing, minimizing waste and ensuring precise folding.
• Reel Stands and Rollers: Reel stands hold the large rolls of paper, ensuring smooth feeding into the line. Rollers maintain paper tension and alignment, preventing misalignment or jams. Together, they ensure uninterrupted corrugated box production and maintain consistency throughout the process.

New vs. Used Corrugating Lines - What is the Best Choice for Corrugated Box Production?

Here are some pointers that will help in making the right decision.

• Cost-Effectiveness and ROI: Used corrugating lines deliver immediate cost savings, often 40-60% less than new equipment, allowing businesses to invest capital in other areas like workforce or inventory. For companies with budget constraints or those testing new markets, refurbished equipment provides excellent ROI without the hefty price tag of new machinery.
• Faster Production Start-Up: Used corrugating lines have significantly shorter lead times compared to new equipment. While new machines can take months for manufacturing and delivery, quality used lines can be operational within weeks, helping companies quickly respond to market demands and avoid lost revenue during waiting periods.
• Proven Performance and Reliability: Well-maintained used corrugating lines from reputable sellers have established track records. Unlike new equipment that may have untested components or require break-in periods, refurbished machines have proven their durability in real production environments. When sourced from trusted platforms like Industrial Exchange, these lines often come inspected, serviced, and ready for immediate production.
• Technology and Features: Modern used corrugating lines (manufactured within the last 5-10 years) incorporate advanced technology that meets current production standards. While the newest machines may offer incremental improvements, most production requirements are fully satisfied by well-maintained used equipment at a fraction of the cost.
• Smart Investment for Growing Businesses: For companies scaling operations or entering the corrugated box market, used equipment allows strategic growth without over-leveraging finances. The savings can be redirected toward skilled operators, maintenance programs, or facility improvements, investments that often impact efficiency more than having the latest model machinery.

Who are Ideal Buyers for Surplus Corrugators?

Here is the list of ideal buyers for surplus corrugators looking to enhance existing production lines without the high cost.

• Smaller Packaging Companies: Surplus corrugating equipment offers a cost-effective solution for smaller companies looking to increase production without the financial burden of purchasing new machines.
• Startups: New businesses entering the packaging industry can benefit from surplus corrugators, allowing them to ramp up production without the high initial investment required for new equipment.
• Companies Expanding Production Capacity: Businesses that need to scale their production quickly can use surplus corrugators as a cost-effective alternative to new machines, meeting growing demand without significant capital expenditure.
• Upgrade or Expansion Needs: Companies looking to upgrade or expand their existing production lines may find surplus equipment to be an ideal solution, allowing them to enhance their capabilities without the expense of completely replacing older machines.
• Cost-Conscious Buyers: For any business seeking to achieve high performance in corrugated box production while minimizing costs, surplus equipment provides an excellent balance of quality and affordability.

Are you ready to enhance your corrugated box production capabilities and take your manufacturing to the next level? Industrial Exchange specialize in offering top-quality Used and surplus corrugating lines that can meet the diverse needs of your business. Visit Industrial Exchange or contact the experts to ensure that your production process remains efficient, cost-effective, and scalable for the future.