Food safety and appeal are inseparable from high-quality packaging. From simple containers to today's multifunctional packaging that combines brand identity with preservation capabilities, food packaging has become crucial for enhancing product value. Among various packaging methods, pillow packaging stands out for its efficiency and versatility, widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. This article examines pillow packaging machine types, features, and selection criteria to help balance packaging efficiency with product characteristics.

Pillow packaging technology originated in 1930s America and flourished in Japan with the rise of instant noodles. This method involves folding single-layer film into a tube shape, then sealing and cutting according to product dimensions, creating pillow-shaped packages. Its adaptability to various product shapes and sizes, along with high-speed sealing capabilities, made it ideal for mass production in food and pharmaceutical packaging.

Pillow packaging machines primarily divide into vertical and horizontal types based on product feeding direction. Horizontal machines further classify as forward or reverse models, each suited for different product characteristics and packaging needs.

Vertical machines form film into tubes, with products dropping vertically into the tube before back and bottom sealing creates the pillow shape. These machines come in continuous, intermittent, four-side seal, and three-side seal variants, commonly used for liquids, powders, and similar products.

Ideal Products:

• Granular items: snacks, candy, biscuits, cereals
• Powders: soup bases, flour, seasonings
• Liquids/semi-liquids: jams, sauces, detergent samples
• Agricultural products: beans, rice, small vegetables
• Other: desiccants, pet food, small hardware

Key Features:

• Gusset Mechanism: Creates side or bottom folds to increase capacity and improve filling/display, ideal for boxy or bulky products.
• Automatic Film Splicer: Switches film rolls without stopping production, significantly improving efficiency.
• Automatic Measuring: Precisely controls product weight per bag, reducing errors and enhancing standardization.

Horizontal machines transport products horizontally via conveyor while wrapping and sealing them in film. They divide into forward and reverse types based on film position and wrapping direction.

With film mounted above, these machines wrap products from above, suitable for regularly shaped items or those requiring tray support.

Ideal Products:

• Bread, pastries, rice balls
• Sausages, ham, fish balls
• Frozen foods (with trays)
• Biscuits, candies

Film mounted below wraps products upward, protecting fragile or irregularly shaped items without tray support.

Ideal Products:

• Vegetables: scallions, leeks, carrots
• Fruits: strawberries, blueberries
• Instant noodles (multi-packs)
• Ice cream, chocolate

Critical Functions:

• Product Jamming Detection: Stops machines if products get caught in sealing areas, preventing damage.
• Misalignment Skip: Avoids sealing when products are mispositioned, reducing waste.
• Empty Package Detection: Halts operation when no product is present, saving film.

Selecting appropriate equipment requires considering multiple factors:

1. Product Characteristics: Shape, size, weight, and fragility determine vertical/horizontal and forward/reverse choices.
2. Packaging Speed: Match machine speed with production requirements.
3. Packaging Materials: Ensure machine compatibility with required films.
4. Automation Level: Balance budget and labor costs with automation needs.
5. Special Features: Consider gussets, automatic splicing, or measuring based on specific needs.
6. After-Sales Service: Choose suppliers offering reliable maintenance and support.

Pillow packaging technology continues evolving toward:

• Smart Systems: Incorporating sensors and AI for automated control and remote monitoring.
• Eco-Friendly Designs: Using biodegradable materials and reducing waste through improved recycling.
• Customization: Modular designs enabling tailored solutions for diverse packaging needs.

As a versatile packaging solution, pillow packaging machines help manufacturers enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and gain competitive advantages. Understanding machine types and features allows businesses to make informed decisions that align with product requirements and production goals.